After the IEP: College Transition and Success Tips for Parents of Students with ADHD, Learning Disabilities, and Mental Health Conditions

Does College Choice Matter for Students with Learning Disabilities and ADHD?

Finding the right college for students with learning disabilities and ADHD is a critical step in setting them up for success. The college experience presents new challenges, but with the right support systems, students can thrive academically, socially, and personally.  Does...

What is self-advocacy? How does your student develop this skill? How can you teach it? 

I'll review all this and a bit more in this episode. 

Teaching self-advocacy is one of the most important steps in preparing students with learning disabilities or ADHD for success in college and beyond. Self-advocacy involves understanding one’s own needs, confidently expressing them, and seeking the necessary support or accommodations to succe...

Watching your child transition to college is both exciting and nerve-wracking. As a parent, you want to support their independence while staying informed about their well-being. Striking this balance can be challenging, especially for parents of students with learning disabilities, ADHD, or other unique needs.

This post provides actionable strategies for supporting independence in college students without ...

College accommodations provide essential support for students with disabilities, but they’re not always sufficient to meet every need. When accommodations fall short, it can lead to frustration and academic challenges.

This episode outlines actionable steps students and parents can take when college accommodations aren’t enough, ensuring that students receive the support they need to thrive.

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Balancing the social and academic demands of college life can feel like a juggling act. On one hand, there’s the need to maintain relationships and enjoy the social experience of college. On the other, academic pressures like assignments, exams, and projects demand focus and discipline. Managing both simultaneously is key to a fulfilling and successful college experience.

This episode explores effective st...

Burnout is a common challenge for college students, especially those managing heavy workloads and personal responsibilities. Building healthy routines can help prevent burnout and improve overall well-being.

Trust me when I say this. Burnout has a profound effect on everything. EVERYTHING. It harms everything it touches. I’ve been burned out three times in my early to mid twenties. I learned something from...

Midterms mark one of the most demanding times in a college student's life, especially for those juggling academic responsibilities with disabilities or mental health challenges. The pressure to perform well, combined with tight deadlines and heavy workloads, can lead to overwhelming stress.

This episode provides proven strategies for managing stress during college midterms, ensuring students stay focused, ...

College Self-advocacy is a crucial skill for students with hidden disabilities like dyslexia. It affects thier dicision of what college to attend, to apply for college disability accommodations, and a lot more. Moreover self-advocacy for students with learning differences begins with self-awareness. I've stated before, "you cannot self-advocate if you don't know what you're talking about." Otherwise, what exactly would your student...

The college experience is a time of personal growth and independence, but it can also bring new stressors that affect mental health. For parents of students with learning disabilities, ADHD, or pre-existing mental health challenges, knowing where to turn for help can make all the difference. Accessing mental health resources for college students can help students maintain balance, reduce stress, and succeed both academ...

Transitioning to college can be a challenging experience for any student, but for those with ADHD and learning disabilities, navigating academics often requires extra support. That’s where academic advisors come in. These professionals serve as a bridge between students’ needs and the resources available, guiding them through academic requirements, helping them access accommodations, and offering personalized support t...

Navigating the world of college disability accommodations can feel overwhelming for both students and their parents. Unlike high school, where accommodations are often guided by the school district under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), college students operate under different laws and frameworks, primarily the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. For p...

Recently, I had a brief but exciting discussion with a parent on Instagram who asked for some help for her 14 year old son. He was recently diagnosed with dyslexia. Now here’s the thing, he’s in private school. Now, private schools are under no obligation to do anything, but this student’s school is willing to work with the student. In this episode, I’m going to go over my advice on what to do in  this unique situation...

After a long winter break, many college students experience a mixture of excitement and anxiety about returning to campus. For students with disabilities, including those managing mental health conditions, this transition can feel especially challenging. The return to college often brings academic stress, social adjustments, and the pressures of balancing responsibilities. Here’s how parents can support their students ...

Starting college is an exciting time for students, but for those with disabilities, the transition can be especially challenging. Establishing a solid support system on campus is a critical step for these students to feel connected, supported, and empowered to be at their best. And you’ve heard me say, “a connected student is a successful student.” A college support system includes a network of friends, academic mentor...

For college students with disabilities, SMART goals aren't just beneficial—it’s essential. SMART Goals help students with learning disabilities, ADHD, and mental health challenges to stay organized, focused, and resilient as they navigate the unique demands of college life. In this episode, we’ll cover strategies to help students set effective SMART goals for the semester ahead.

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Expectations are often better than the realities of college. Eager freshmen might overlook these realities, but for students with learning disabilities, the impact can be even greater. In this episode, I’ll be sharing insights for prospective students and parents about the realities of college life, along with the essential tools and mindset shifts needed to tackle potential challenges. My goal is to encourage incoming...

In this episode, we delve into the pivotal task of assessing your semester—especially when it seems like everything went smoothly. We explore the necessity of avoiding complacency and seeking areas for improvement even in successful times.

We start by reflecting on what went well, conducting a comprehensive class review that delves into preferred elements, dislikes, professors' impacts, and key information...

This episode is all about my journey as a father to a son with hidden disabilities and what that taught me about the power of self-advocacy in higher education. As a college therapist and a former accessibility coordinator, I saw firsthand the unique challenges faced by students with learning disabilities, ADHD, and mental health, which led me to found Accessing College. Through this platform, I’m dedicated to empoweri...

In this episode, we dive into 10 mindset shifts for college success. Discover how these mindset shifts can help your college student create a distraction-free study environment, use powerful study techniques like the Pomodoro method, and stay focused on their academic goals. Whether you're struggling with phone notifications, social media, or other distractions, this episode will equip you with practical tips to enhanc...