Preparing for college can be a challenging task, especially for students with ADHD. The transition requires a set of skills that must be developed well before stepping onto campus. As a parent, there are several strategies you can employ to help your teen be ready to thrive in college. Here's a comprehensive guide based on research and expert recommendations.
Understanding College Readiness
College readiness goes beyond academic performance. It includes social, emotional, and executive function skills. Students with ADHD often lag behind their peers in social and emotional development by three to five years, even if they are academically advanced. This discrepancy can lead to difficulties in self-advocacy, time management, and maintaining a balanced lifestyle in college.
Essential Life and Executive Function Skills
Before leaving for college, your teen should develop key life and executive function skills:
Independent Living Skills: Can your teen wake up on their own, take their medication, manage their laundry, cook simple meals, and handle money responsibly?
Time Management: Is your teen able to manage their time efficiently, start homework independently, break down assignments, and keep track of belongings?
Encouraging these skills during high school will help your teen handle the demands of college life.
Strategies for Preparing Your Teen
1. Communicate Openly
Start discussions about college early. This allows your teen to express their concerns and for you to address any gaps in their understanding of what college entails. Open communication builds trust and ensures that both you and your teen are prepared for the transition.
2. Encourage Independence
Teach your teen essential self-management skills, such as taking and refilling medications and managing schedules. Supervise and support them as they learn, gradually stepping back to allow them to develop independence. Encourage resilience by allowing them to experience and work through stress on their own.
3. Helicopter Parenting — The Right Way
While excessive involvement can hinder independence, some aspects of helicopter parenting can be beneficial. Specifically, seeking information and guiding your teen in decision-making can improve their academic functioning without limiting their autonomy.
4. Boost Organizational and Coping Skills
Developing strong organizational and coping skills is crucial for college success, especially for students with ADHD. Encourage your teen to establish structured routines, use planners and reminder apps, and maintain consistent study times to improve time management. Teach cognitive reframing to view challenges positively and practice mindfulness to manage stress. Emphasize self-advocacy by encouraging your teen to ask for help when needed, whether it’s requesting accommodations from professors or seeking support from peers. These strategies will enhance their academic performance and independence, setting the stage for a fulfilling college experience.
Choosing the Right College
When searching for colleges, consider the learning environment. Look for institutions that are supportive of diverse learning styles and have resources like ADHD coaching programs and professional learning specialists. Smaller colleges with discussion-based classes often provide a more supportive environment for students with ADHD. Which college is right for your student is ultimately an individual decision though and support can be found outside of the college if the student has fallen in love with a college without specific ADHD coaching program, but would still benefit from this. Read more about how to find a good-fit-college here.
The Importance of College Visits
Visiting colleges is crucial. It allows your teen to experience the campus atmosphere and evaluate the support services available. Make sure to visit the Office of Accessibility Services to ensure it is an inviting and supportive environment.
Considering a Gap Year
For many students with ADHD, taking a gap year can provide valuable time to develop independence, self-confidence, and essential life skills. A gap year should offer structure and promote personal growth, allowing students to learn from their experiences in a supportive setting.
Preparing your ADHD teen for college involves more than just academic preparation. It requires developing life skills, executive function skills, and ensuring emotional and social readiness. By focusing on these areas and encouraging independence, you can help your teen navigate the challenges of college life and achieve long-term success.
You may want to consider working with a college consultant specializing in students with special learning needs to find the right school and help your teen build college readiness skills. At College Success for All, we may be able to provide the guidance and support your teen needs for a successful transition to college, so don’t hesitate to reach out for a free consultation.Â
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