Distance learning for 18 year old with severe anxiety

[Junipersky]

My daughter is almost 18 (October) and has severe anxiety - social anxiety, panic attacks which began during covid.
She hasn't been in a shop since before the pandemic.

She tried Sixth Form last September but couldn't cope due to the level of her anxiety.
She then enrolled in a local college where she was able to do remote learning at home due to covid.

Now, however, the college is no longer giving the option of remote learning due to all the covid regulations being lifted.

My daughter can't cope with physically attending college at this stage.
I am trying to gradually ease her into things in very small steps, but college would definitely be too much for her.
Just the thought of it sends her into a complete panic.

I have searched online but can't find anything at all (distance learning from home) that accepts 18 year olds. They have to be 19.

If anyone does have any information on anything that would be suitable I would really appreciate it.
It just seems that no-one caters for the needs of young people in this age group with mental health issues.

What is she studying? Is it A levels?

I don’t think I have any suggestions, but hopefully someone else will!

My brother went to a college that was only for those who couldn't attend mainstream college. He also suffered from anxiety and depression. The class sizes are much smaller, only have to go in for a few hours and you have a mentor. They also did a lot online. He only went in for practical. Is there anything like that near you?

Open University?

I started an OU degree when I was 18 and had severe anxiety disorder and agoraphobia. I hadn’t even attended college, and left school due to my anxiety just before my GCSEs.

Anyway, I loved it and it was the making of me. Totally kept my brain going through all the isolation and stress. After I finished my degree (and recovered from the anxiety) I went to a trad uni and got an MA, and now I’ve got a great job in my field.

Thank you. I will look into the options mentioned.

@Junipersky what qualifications is she studying for? My DS dropped out of 6th form due to anxiety in 2019. He has just finished his A levels, but more or less took a year out in the middle, so took 3 years. Covid did/didn't help! Would your Dd's college let her redo the year in September? Is she getting any help/medication that might make it easier for her to actually try to join in person??

You could try Academy 21 or it’s sister co interhigh. The home Ed board may be helpful.

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/home_ed/3237631-Interhigh-other-online-schools-comments-experiences-please?pg=4

This thread might help. People are positive about my online schooling

I did a couple of A Levels with the National Extension College due to anxiety (over 10 years ago). The materials were good, but it is quite expensive. You can take their courses at any age. I also did an AS Level at adult education night classes (which might be a less stressful option than normal school/college? They are also free if you're under 19 I think).

Have you considered applying for an EHCNA? EHCPs can last until 25 if necessary and can include online education, or home tuition if that would be more appropriate. The advantage of an EHCP is they can also include MH therapies.

Have you looked at Interhigh an online sixth form college?

Might be an obvious question, but do you think maybe tackling the anxiety should be the main focus? It sounds like she needs to see a therapist and get better first. Anxiety doesn’t go away by itself.

@WhoMe231 this thread is a year old