Understanding the importance of self-advocacy in preparing your child for college can make a significant difference
Self-advocacy is crucial for neurodivergent students as they transition to college. It involves your child understanding and articulating their strengths and challenges. As a parent, you can encourage this by regularly reminding them of their skills and asking them to reflect on what they find difficult. This practice helps them build the confidence to discuss their needs with professors and disability services, ensuring they receive the support they require. Encourage them to develop an “elevator pitch” about how their neurodivergence, such as ADHD, impacts their learning, which can be invaluable in academic settings.
Navigating College with Neurodivergence: A Parent’s Guide to Empowering Your Child
As a parent, watching your neurodivergent child transition to college can be both exhilarating and daunting. The journey from high school to college is a significant leap, particularly for students with learning differences like ADHD. While schools may not always provide the necessary support, you have the power to equip your child with the tools and strategies they need to thrive. By understanding the unique challenges and actively engaging in their preparation, you can help pave the way for a successful and fulfilling college experience.
Actively participating in meetings and campus tours can help your child gain confidence and independence
Encourage your child to take the lead in meetings and campus tours, especially as they approach their senior year. This includes participating in IEP and 504 meetings, where they should be the primary speaker. When visiting colleges, have them ask questions about disability services. This not only helps them understand the support available but also builds their confidence in advocating for themselves. As a parent, your role is to scaffold these experiences, gradually stepping back to allow your child to take the stage.
If I had to have a number one and your student is on meds for ADHD and they are helpful, I would move this one straight up to the top of the list because likely your student is seeing a pediatrician well they’re not 18 for very much longer when they go to the college setting some pediatricians will follow them some will say ‘Sorry you’re 18.’
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Trying out accommodations in high school can help your child determine what works best for them in college
It’s essential for your child to experiment with different accommodations in high school to identify what best suits their needs. This could include extended time on tests or using audio recordings of classes. While some accommodations might make them feel singled out, it’s crucial to discuss how these can be managed discreetly. As a parent, you can support them by discussing these options and helping them prepare questions for college disability services about how accommodations are implemented on campus.
Key Takeaways:
Self-Advocacy Skills: It's crucial for children with learning challenges to develop self-advocacy skills before transitioning to college. They should be able to articulate their strengths and the specific challenges they face due to their neurodivergence, such as ADHD or dyslexia. Encourage them to practice discussing these aspects in various settings, like IEP/504 meetings, with doctors, and during college tours, to prepare them for advocating for their needs independently in higher education.
Accommodations and Support Systems: Students should experiment with different accommodations during high school to determine what works best for them, such as extended time on tests or using audio recordings of classes. Understanding how these accommodations are provided in college settings is essential, so encourage them to ask detailed questions during college visits. Additionally, familiarize them with campus resources like counseling, tutoring, and disability services to ensure they know where to seek support.
Medication Management and Counseling: If your child is on medication for ADHD or other conditions, start transitioning them to manage their own medication process before college. This includes understanding dosages, side effects, and how to refill prescriptions, especially if they are attending college out of state. Similarly, consider the continuity of counseling services; if your child has a long-standing relationship with a therapist, factor this into college choices and start the process of finding new support well in advance.
Managing medication transitions is a critical responsibility you must guide your child through before they leave for college
If your child is on medication for ADHD, managing the transition to an adult doctor is paramount. Some pediatricians may continue care, but many will not once your child turns 18. Start the process early by asking your current doctor about their policy on continuing care and how to manage medication refills. Teach your child to handle this process independently, including understanding their dosage, purpose, and potential side effects. This preparation is essential, especially if they are attending college out of state, where different regulations may apply. Additionally, if your child struggles with math-related tasks, it might be helpful to explore resources on **Dyscalculia to better support their educational needs during this transition.
The goal is for you to succeed and to get your adult through college, let’s put everything in place that we can to help them be successful.
”By addressing Dyscalculia and Dysgraphia, you can help your child overcome specific challenges and achieve a better life
Conditions like Dyscalculia and Dysgraphia can pose significant challenges for your child in college. Dyscalculia may affect their ability to handle math-related courses, while Dysgraphia can impact their writing and note-taking. As a parent, you can play a pivotal role in helping them overcome these challenges. Encourage them to seek out accommodations like class substitutions or assistive technology. By fostering a supportive environment and connecting them with resources, you can help them navigate these hurdles and achieve a fulfilling college experience, setting them up for success in their future endeavors.
Empower your child’s journey to college success with the Brain Bloom System, designed to support neurodivergent students in overcoming learning challenges and thriving in their new academic environment.
