Your letter is heartbreaking. You’ve been through so much, with the death of your father and your own suicide attempts, that I’m amazed you’re able to think about college at all. You have much to be proud of: your strength of perseverance and your academic achievements. But let’s not make this about college. You’ve experienced trauma that needs addressing, and the biggest priority here should be your own mental wellness., which is now as simple as calling or texting 988.
The so-called “late” timing of a potential diagnosis and whatever IEP or 504 plan you may receive as a result should NOT deter you from seeking help. While it is true that those specific plans do not follow you to college, every university I looked into had an office for providing accommodations. They have to in order to remain compliant with the ADA and section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.So, it’s worth it to be evaluated, even late in high school. And it’s normal.
In terms of what options might be best, I would first ask your child what she wants to do after school. She probably has a good idea of what would make her happiest, and it might be a different thing each day, depending on any number of factors. Perhaps you and your child could make a list of preferred options and consult that list at the end of each school day for the one she’s in the mood for at that moment.