Oh, the Places You’ll Go! Heading off to college and more

Your assessment is a starting point, the beginning of a road map with an endless array of options ahead. Many students and families wonder how their needs and supports will change over time … and change they will! Through your 20’s (and beyond), your brain continues to develop, as do your abilities. Your needs at age 12 will likely be very different at 22.

If you’re starting to think about college and how to optimize success, you may be wondering:

What kinds of accommodations are available at the college level?

What kind of documentation will I need to access them?

Are housing accommodations an option?

My favorite resource for these questions and more is Elizabeth Hamlet, an expert on preparing students for a successful transition to college. She has detailed, free advice on her website, in addition to her book and webinars.

I also recommend this article on preparing students with ADHD for College.

Students with learning disabilities and ADHD often wonder how they will adjust to the college environment. To be sure, there are new challenges to executive functioning and the need for greater socio-emotional independence. However, there is also much greater flexibility in college than in most high schools — choosing classes that interest you, creating a schedule that works for you — and a much wider variety of peers and activities to help you find your people. There are new skills to develop, and at the same time a lot to look forward to!