Approximately 15% of students in the United States experiences learning differences, ADHD, and/or autism. While for most, this presents challenges, at a good fit school, the probability of success in college is high.
Based on the impact learning disabilities, ADHD, and/or autism has on a student’s ability to succeed in an academic setting, students and families can choose from a range of options available at many colleges and universities across the country.
For clarity, I have grouped these into three broad categories:
ONE: Most structure and support: Schools that specialize in working with students with learning disabilities, ADHD, and/or autism
o Pros: Small classes, trained faculty and staff, nurturing, offers summer programs
o Cons: Expensive, return-on-investment, limited options
o Examples: Landmark College & Beacon College
TWO: Limited structure and support: Schools with specialized programs for students with learning disabilities, ADHD, and/or autism at an additional cost
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 & the University of Arizona
THREE: Least structure and support: Schools that offer reasonable accommodations and academic support services to students with learning disabilities, ADHD, and/or autism
o Pros: Access to specialized services, 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 (i.e., most) that receive federal funds must abide by Section 504 of the Americans with Disabilities Act
o That said, not all services are created equal
Pro tip: Fit is the MOST IMPORTANT factor for students with disabilities to consider when choosing a college.
Ten Facts Students with Learning Disabilities Should Know when Choosing a College
- Reasonable accommodations are a right (i.e., they are not a privilege)
- Students are protected by Section 504 of the ADA (i.e., it is the law)
- Make sure all paperwork is current (i.e., within 3 years)
- Students must disclose a disability in order to receive accommodations (i.e., let instructors know)
- Students are responsible for seeking out and using accommodations (i.e., they must advocate for themselves)
- 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)
- Some colleges are more accommodating than others (i.e., they just make it easier)
- Some professors are more understanding than others, often at smaller schools with smaller classes (i.e., they are more understanding & positive about inclusion)
- Most students with learning differences, ADHD, and/or autism can succeed with minimal structure and support combined with accommodations (i.e., pass all classes & graduate)
- Finding the right fit is essential! (i.e., identifying where success is most probable)
For more information on how to identify the best fit school for your student with learning differences, ADHD, and/or autism can succeed in college, feel free to reach out at kathy@fineeductionalsolutions.com
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