Neurodivergent Students CAN and DO Succeed in College

Neurodivergent students can and do succeed in college.  While Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 entitles all students with documented disabilities to reasonable accommodations, it is important to understand that not all college disability services are created equal. Neurodiverse students must ensure that the colleges to which they apply are good fits and be prepared to advocate for themselves. As well as receiving accommodations, some students may benefit from taking a reduced course load.

Bottom line: Neurodivergent students should only apply to colleges where they can thrive!

Based on the impact learning disabilities, ADHD, and/or autism may have on students’ abilities to succeed in academic settings, neurodivergent students and families should understand the THREE main options available at colleges and universities across the country.

ONE: Least structure and support: Schools that offer reasonable accommodations and academic support services to neurodiverse students

o   Pros: Access to accommodations; available at most colleges and universities 

o   Cons: Student responsible for initiating and seeking out all services; fewer trained staff

o   Examples: All colleges and universities that receive federal funds (i.e., most)

TWO: Additional level of structure and support for a fee: Schools with specialized programs for neurodiverse students

o   Pros: Provides an extra level of support and accountability; specialized academic advising; preferential registration; trained staff; workshops; educational technology solutions; course substitutions

o   Cons: Extra cost; may be limited to freshman year; limited options

o   Examples: American University, Northeastern University, Syracuse University and the University of Arizona

THREE: Most structure and support: Schools that specialize in working with neurodiverse students

o   Pros: Small classes, trained faculty and staff, nurturing, offers summer programs

o   Cons: Expensive, return-on-investment, limited options

o   Examples: Beacon College, Landmark College, and Lesley College

10 Facts Neurodivergent Students Should Know Before Choosing a College

1. Reasonable accommodations are a right (i.e., they are not a privilege)
2. Students are protected by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (i.e., it is the law)
3. Make sure all paperwork is current (i.e., within 3 years)
4. Students must disclose a disability in order to receive accommodations (i.e., let instructors know)
5. Students are responsible for seeking out and using accommodations (i.e., they must advocate for themselves)
6. Students should meet with a disability specialist and get all accommodations set up prior to the start of the semester (i.e., make an appointment before classes start)
7. Some colleges are more accommodating than others (i.e., they just make it easier)
8. Some professors are more understanding than others, often at smaller schools with smaller classes (i.e., they are more understanding & positive about inclusion)
9. Most neurodiverse students can succeed with minimal structure and support combined with accommodations (i.e., pass all classes & graduate)
10. Finding the right fit is essential! (i.e., identifying where success is most probable)

For more information on how to identify great schools for neurodivergent students, feel free to reach out at kathy@fineeductionalsolutions.com  

 For more information on creating a college list, click HERE