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College Tips for Students with Learning Disabilities: What to Do After You Commit
You committed to college — now what? If you're looking for college tips on what's next for students with learning disabilities, this guide covers everything: registering with disability services, updating your documentation, building self-advocacy skills, and setting up executive function supports before day one.
Mar 304 min read


5 Critical College Readiness Skills: Building College Success Skills that Actually Matter
Only 40% of students with learning differences graduate college successfully. The key? Starting college readiness development in 9th grade, not waiting until junior year panic sets in. Research from 50+ college program directors reveals five critical skills that determine success: genuine motivation, independent living capabilities, executive function, self-advocacy, and social connections. Students who develop these college success skills early have years to practice and ref
Sep 22, 20254 min read


10 Reasons to Start the College Journey in the Fall of Junior Year
Starting your college search and preparation during junior year isn't just recommended; it's essential for reducing stress and finding your perfect academic fit. By beginning early, you'll have ample time to explore your options, develop crucial skills, and make informed decisions about your future. For students with learning differences, this measured approach is especially crucial, as the application process demands significant organization and planning skills.
Sep 15, 20254 min read


Supporting Your Neurodivergent Teen's College Transition
Parents of neurodivergent teens have a specific and important job in high school: gradually stepping back so their student can step up. Here's what to focus on before college to set them up for real independence.
Sep 9, 20243 min read


To Share or Not to Share? Navigating Disability Disclosure in College
A summary of what your should consider regarding disclosing your disability when applying to college.
Aug 7, 20244 min read


From High School to Higher Ed: Shifting Roles and Rights for Parents of Students with Disabilities
When your child turns 18, the law changes what you're allowed to know — and most parents are caught off guard. Here's what FERPA and HIPAA actually mean for your involvement in your student's college experience.
Apr 8, 20244 min read


From High School 504s and IEPs to College Disability Services
Your student's high school IEP or 504 plan does not transfer to college — here's what changes, what documentation colleges actually require, and why self-advocacy becomes the most important skill your student can have.
Feb 7, 20242 min read


5 Challenges Autistic Students Face in College (and How to Prepare While in High School)
The transition to college presents unique challenges for autistic students — but with the right preparation in high school, your teen can build the social, academic, and self-advocacy skills they need to thrive.
Jan 8, 20244 min read


Unlocking Success: Why Registering with Disability Services in College Matters
By law, U.S. colleges and universities are required to provide reasonable accommodations to ensure education is accessible for students with
Sep 14, 20233 min read


7 Tips for Parents to Support their Overwhelmed or Lonely College Freshman
The panicked "I hate it here" call from your college freshman is more common than you think — especially for neurodivergent students. Here's how to respond in a way that actually helps.
Sep 5, 20233 min read


The 3 Levels of Supports for Neurodivergent Students
All colleges offer some disability support — but the level of that support varies enormously. Here's how to understand the three tiers and figure out which one is the right fit for your neurodivergent student.
Aug 13, 20233 min read


10 Tips for Talking to Professors about Your College Accommodations
SUMMARY Getting accommodations approved is only half the battle — actually using them effectively requires communicating directly with each professor, early and consistently. Research shows that students who proactively discuss their learning needs with professors are significantly more successful than those who don't. This post walks through 10 practical tips for having those conversations confidently, from scheduling your first meeting in week one to reminding professors ab
Jul 24, 20234 min read


10 Practical Life Skills to Master this Summer!
Move-in day is closer than you think — here are 10 practical life skills to practice this summer so you're not learning them the hard way in September.
Jun 27, 20234 min read


College Bound: How Early is Too Early to Start Preparing?
For students with learning disabilities, waiting until junior year to think about college is too late. Here's what to work on starting in 9th grade — and why the earlier you start, the better.
May 25, 20234 min read


Three quick tips for preparing for college while in high school
Meet with your school counselor or special education teacher to discuss your current IEP or 504 Plan. Make sure you are aware of your accommodations and know what you rely on and what you may be able to navigate without. Discuss how you can start adjusting to the support services that are likely to be available to you in college. Begin developing self-advocacy and self-awareness skills and learn how to communicate your needs and preferences so that you are prepared for speaki
Apr 3, 20231 min read


College Readiness: Is my teen ready for college?
5 key areas to consider if your teen has special learning needs Next Step College!? If you are a parent of an autistic teen, or who has...
Apr 3, 20237 min read
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