College Depression in Older Teens and Young Adults with Asperger’s and High-Functioning Autism
"The emotional transition to college has really been a challenge for our young adult child with HFA. He has struggled with depression even more than in the past during high school. He is having a lot of trouble dealing with this new stage of life — how you we help?!" College depression is a common problem among older teens and young adults with Asperger’s (AS) and High-Functioning Autism (HFA). In this post, we will look at why the transition to college makes these “special needs” individuals vulnerable to depression — and what moms and dads can do about it. College depression isn't a clinical diagnosis, rather it is depression that begins during college. AS and HFA students face many challenges, pressures and anxieties that can cause them to feel overwhelmed. For example: Due to their “quirky” or odd behavior, they may experience ostracism from the peer group, teasing, or bullying. Money and intimate relationships may serve as major sources of stress. They a