Neurodiverse Students Navigate College and Higher Education
By Carol K. Kennedy, PHD
Congratulations! Now your child is graduating from high school and moving on to higher education, or your child is already attending a college or university, there are important things to consider that will help them be successful.
Remember, that when they were in high school, they had IEPs and lots of support, including yours. Now that they may be going away to college what self-a supports will they need in this new environment both academically, socially and emotionally?
What self-advocacy skills do they need? Whether this is in the classroom, academic support, in their residence or social situations?
What is the responsibility of the college/university or vocational school to make sure their neurodiverse students are provided appropriate services to help them thrive and stay in school?
Know what services are available at their institution. Who is in charge of academic support? Where is the office, who is the person to talk to? Will they have a specific advisor, if so, how do they contact them? What are the office hours? In the dorm who can help them if they need guidance or support? Are there advocates who specialize in neurodiverse college students? Are there any campus support groups they can join? How do they find out? What if they get sick or have a mental health crisis? What if there is a problem with their roommate? Where do they go or call for help? If they need technical assistance, where do they get that?
Social/Campus Activities. What social/campus activities are available that may interest them? This will help to meet and interact with other students in social settings. Perhaps there is a new interest they would like to pursue. Is it a realistic activity that goes along with their academic demands? Can they get there easily on campus? Help them to make good choices.
Self-advocacy skills are so important now that your child is on their own. This includes knowing where and when and how to ask for help. Letting the professors know of their needs and if they are having trouble. Since they no longer have IEPs the professors need to be informed ahead of time so they can accommodate your child’s needs. If there is a crisis or situation they need to be informed. Make sure your child acknowledges their diverse learning and seeks out the help they need. My own son decided that he no longer had any learning disabilities and did not go to the student support services and struggled in college.
The responsibility of the institution to provide supports. Their college, university or vocational school is responsible for providing special services for neurodiverse students to accommodate their academic, social and mental health needs. This includes any special housing and access - both physical and academic. Some colleges now even have special dorm rooms for Autistic students that are low stimulation, quiet and soothing environments. Be sure you research this thoroughly before your child enrolls. The school’s resources may mean the difference between success and failure for your child. Know what they are entitled to.
All of these are important considerations to keep in mind when applying to college or any post-secondary education. The better your child can navigate all of this, the better they will feel, succeed and be happy.