college program aperger's syndrome

[donalds friend]

My son has Asperger's Syndrome and has shown interest in the College
Program. He is smart and responsible. The main thing I worry about is bullying. He has lived with it all his life. He loves everything about Disney, the music, cartoons, parks etc. I feel like he could be a little more of himself because he won't have to hide the fact he likes Buzz Lightyear, Power Rangers etc. Do any of you know if kids with Asperger's Syndrome have gone through the program? He is going to community college for at least a semester, but he would really like to move away from home. I don't think he is ready for a 4 yr. college and everything that goes with it.

 

[glendalais]

The Walt Disney World Company, along with The Walt Disney Company and Affiliated Companies, is an Equal Opportunity Employer which draws Creativity from Diversity. As such, I'm almost certain that there are people with AS who have completed one of our Student Programmes, and are or have been engaged in General Employment with us at some time or another.

I guess it all depends on how your son interacts with others, particularly those who may not share his interests.

While there are indeed many Cast Members who have a deep appreciation of our Company's heritage, some to the point of fandom; there are just as many who look at Disney solely from an employment standpoint, and who, outside of work, are completely indifferent to our brand and products.

 

[kmg148]

I hope someone can offer you an opinion if they know someone who has done it. I think it would be the perfect opportunity for someone who has Asperger's, but the roommate situation may be the problem, especially if they are really immature. Maybe if he lived in an apartment and not in the CP housing it would be better (although I understand being alone would then have its own worries)? Are there any family members who might be interested in doing the program that could go with him? Just throwing out ideas.

 

[mebbradley]

That's actually something my mom is worried about with me. I have Asperger's and CAPD as well, but mine has gotten better as I've gotten older. So far, at College I've been lucky and gotten roommates that are a year or so younger that me and our maturity levels somewhat manage.

I hope that he gets to do the program, I am really hoping that I get to.

 

[donalds friend]

Good luck mebbradley! My son is thinking about Spring 2011 too. He gets along well with adults because they appreciate his persistence in doing things. The only problems he has had has come from bullies who like to tease him and play tricks on him. I was hoping that this kind of immaturity is rare at the DCP. He is very high functioning. He has never needed accomodations other that extra time on tests etc. For that reason I was wondering if he should even mention his Asperger's during the application process.

 

[kmg148]

I don't think it would necessarily affect him getting a job, I really would just worry about the roommate situation. It really made me frustrated how immature the people down there were, because you figure you have people who have just graduated from high school too.

 

[BabyPiglet]

On the whole, I think it would be a good oppurtunity for him to get some life experience before going off to a university. Hopefully he'll meet some great people who will help him through the process.

On the other hand though, Disney seems to want its cast members to be very chatty and social while smiling all the time. Also, depends on what job he gets, it might entail going up to guests and starting up a conversation (like in merchandise). It might be something he should work on.

Tell him good luck!

 

[mebbradley]

I have been debating about if I will mention mine during the application. It is not something that I need accommodation on (same here, only on tests) so I can't see how it would be something that is of importance.

I dealt with Bullies alot in middle/high school but have not had to deal with that here at College. I'm not sure if that is because of who I associate with or what the cause is. :

Megan

 

[CptJackSparrowsGirl]

My son has Asperger's Syndrome and has shown interest in the College
Program. He is smart and responsible. The main thing I worry about is bullying. He has lived with it all his life. He loves everything about Disney, the music, cartoons, parks etc. I feel like he could be a little more of himself because he won't have to hide the fact he likes Buzz Lightyear, Power Rangers etc. Do any of you know if kids with Asperger's Syndrome have gone through the program? He is going to community college for at least a semester, but he would really like to move away from home. I don't think he is ready for a 4 yr. college and everything that goes with it.

I have AS myself and have been trying to get in, twice so far and have been rejected, but my parents think of it as a good thing that I've been trying and that it might not be the time for me to go and be a CP yet. I'm taking college classes at a community college myself too. How old is he? I'm 20 and striving to become a graphic design artist and maybe work for Disney in their design group one day Oh and I myself LOVE Disney XD I'm a huge Pirates of the Caribbean fan So we're pretty much in the same boat together. I'd love to talk with him if his on the board and see if I can be of any help. I've been trying to find out everything about the program that I can. I know I took it hard when I got rejected. I had my heart set on it. So if he does try out for Fall or Fall Advantage for 2010 next year tell him not to put his hopes up majorly high. I did the first time and was crying for days. Second time wasn't as bad and everyone on here that either get in or try to are very supportive on this forum. I know at least one person that also has AS on here. She's helped me out alot and we've become good friends online. Here name is Joanna and can be found here--> http://www.disboards.com/member.php?u=82834 She hasn't been on here lately, but she has been on aim. She is currently doing the CP for like the millionth time, lucky duck. So she'll be one of the best ppl to talk to about the subject

 

[CptJackSparrowsGirl]

I have been debating about if I will mention mine during the application. It is not something that I need accommodation on (same here, only on tests) so I can't see how it would be something that is of importance.

I dealt with Bullies alot in middle/high school but have not had to deal with that here at College. I'm not sure if that is because of who I associate with or what the cause is. :

Megan

I've been pondering this myself Megan. I have inteviewed twice so far and have never mentioned it, but I wonder if I do if I'll have a better chance cause I have a hard time with some of the question they ask and how to answer them during the interviews. *sigh* I was bullied during the early years of school until like high school. And no one, not even me, knew I had AS lol. I found out in my senior year of high school that I had it and then I was given the chances to be able to take longer time on tests. I'm surprised and so are my parents that no one even knew I had it. To top it off we found out I have OCD, ADHD, and so on I just been through so much its crazy!! Finally my parents understand why I act the way I do and its a releif

 

[mebbradley]

I've been pondering this myself Megan. I have inteviewed twice so far and have never mentioned it, but I wonder if I do if I'll have a better chance cause I have a hard time with some of the question they ask and how to answer them during the interviews. *sigh* I was bullied during the early years of school until like high school. And no one, not even me, knew I had AS lol. I found out in my senior year of high school that I had it and then I was given the chances to be able to take longer time on tests. I'm surprised and so are my parents that no one even knew I had it. To top it off we found out I have OCD, ADHD, and so on I just been through so much its crazy!! Finally my parents understand why I act the way I do and its a releif

I was diagnosed with CAPD my freshman year in College, so that was crazy as well. I understand. I was diagnosed with Asperger's in my freshman year of High School but I think all the way through high school only like 3 of my teachers knew about it (I did not receive accommodations in High School since my mom was a special education teacher and worked with me alot). My mom has been the best, she is really great about it. We have a system when we are out in public that if I am getting overwhelmed , I tap my nose and she can notice that and help me out ( my CAPD means that loud, many noised places where many things are going on around me tends to overwhelm me) . It works great, I use this system with my roommate here at college as well.

 

[CptJackSparrowsGirl]

I was diagnosed with CAPD my freshman year in College, so that was crazy as well. I understand. I was diagnosed with Asperger's in my freshman year of High School but I think all the way through high school only like 3 of my teachers knew about it (I did not receive accommodations in High School since my mom was a special education teacher and worked with me alot). My mom has been the best, she is really great about it. We have a system when we are out in public that if I am getting overwhelmed , I tap my nose and she can notice that and help me out ( my CAPD means that loud, many noised places where many things are going on around me tends to overwhelm me) . It works great, I use this system with my roommate here at college as well.

Awesome!! You've figured out a system to make it through I still have problems when I'm asked questions sometimes I get upset and not want to talk. I need to work on that. It happens more often and worse when I haven't slept enough and to top the cake I have PMDD lol. So I use to have melt downs and through fits like a 3 year old. I still do over somethings, but not ever like I use to lol. It was horrible.

 

[Joanna71985]

My son has Asperger's Syndrome and has shown interest in the College
Program. He is smart and responsible. The main thing I worry about is bullying. He has lived with it all his life. He loves everything about Disney, the music, cartoons, parks etc. I feel like he could be a little more of himself because he won't have to hide the fact he likes Buzz Lightyear, Power Rangers etc. Do any of you know if kids with Asperger's Syndrome have gone through the program? He is going to community college for at least a semester, but he would really like to move away from home. I don't think he is ready for a 4 yr. college and everything that goes with it.

I do know one- myself. I have Asperger's, and am currently on my 5th College Program.