College Support for Neurodiverse Students: Mansfield Hall’s Comprehensive Model
College can be an exciting but overwhelming transition for any student. For neurodiverse students, the experience is often compounded by challenges in executive functioning, social communication, sensory integration, and navigating academic expectations. That’s why college support for neurodiverse students must go beyond traditional accommodations and offer a comprehensive, personalized approach.
At Mansfield Hall, our mission is to support students who are neurodiverse—those who may have diagnoses such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, or specific learning disabilities, by helping them transition to, and thrive in, a college environment. We do this through a unique, whole-student model built around four key pillars: Living, Learning, Giving, and Engaging.
Living: A Safe and Supportive Environment
The first pillar of our model is Living. Students at Mansfield Hall live in thoughtfully structured residential settings that combine independence with just the right level of support. Staff are available to assist with everything from managing daily routines to navigating social interactions with peers. This living arrangement is a vital piece of effective college support for neurodiverse students, as it offers both structure and flexibility.
Learning: Academic Growth with Real-World College Coursework
The Learning pillar centers on building academic confidence and competence. Students at Mansfield Hall attend local colleges and universities as fully matriculated students, often starting with a reduced course load to ensure success. What sets us apart is that we provide layered support, including one-on-one tutoring, academic coaching, and executive functioning support. These services are essential components of college support for neurodiverse students, helping them navigate assignments, meet deadlines, and participate meaningfully in class discussions.
Giving: Building Purpose Through Service
In addition to personal and academic growth, we believe in nurturing a sense of purpose and belonging. Our Giving pillar encourages students to engage with their communities through volunteering and service learning. For many students, giving back can increase self-esteem, build professional skills, and foster emotional resilience – key outcomes in any meaningful model of college support for neurodiverse students.
Engaging: Social Skills and Emotional Development
The fourth pillar, Engaging, focuses on helping students grow their social and emotional intelligence. Social coaching, group activities, and structured outings allow students to build relationships, practice communication, and develop conflict resolution skills. For neurodiverse students, these opportunities are critical. Social isolation is one of the most significant risk factors in college, and structured engagement is a cornerstone of effective college support for neurodiverse students.
A Bridge Between High School and Independence
Mansfield Hall acts as a bridge between the structure of high school and the independence of college. We don’t just help students pass their classes – we help them build lives. The work we do helps neurodiverse students develop the confidence, skills, and resilience they need to succeed in college and beyond.
If you’re looking for comprehensive college support for neurodiverse students, please reach out to our team and we can have an exploratory conversation to see if Mansfield Hall is right for you!
We`re so lucky to have an incredible team of staff across our three locations, and we want to highlight them!
Starting with Naomi, one of our Madison based Academic Directors.
October is ADHD Awareness Month- let`s talk about it.
ADHD isn’t just about being “hyperactive” or “distracted” - it’s about how the brain manages attention, motivation, and regulation.
At Mansfield Hall, we help students understand their own unique ADHD profiles and develop personalized strategies for success! #adhd #adhdawareness #adhdsupport #adhdcoach #neurodivergent #neurodivergentcommunity
Due to an unfortunate drought that Vermont has been experiencing this summer, Lake Champlain is down to levels we haven’t seen since 1934.
It’s not all bad news though! Because of this we were able to Law Island- usually only accessible by kayak, it was a great adventure 🚣♂️
Still reminiscing about last weekend 🍎.
Our Burlington campus had the pleasure of welcoming families for parents weekend- a time for parents to visit with their students, see what they’ve been up to, and spend some quality time together.
We were lucky to have a perfect fall weekend which included apple picking at Shelburne Orchards.
Parents, it was a pleasure to have you!
Friday recap incoming!
Our Eugene students have been busy soaking up the gorgeous weather with a hike up Skinners Butte and a trip to the Natural History Museum.
Madison students had themselves a milkshake party in amongst classes, homework, and everything else.
Burlington students are kicking off parents weekend this morning- more to come!
Students, what are you looking forward to this weekend?
This week we had the pleasure of celebrating our (now former) Mansfield Hall student Noah.
We got to hear his spin on some songs, enjoyed cake, and had a generally merry time.
Congratulations on graduating with your Associate`s in Design and Media Studies and your certificate in Digital Media Production- we can`t wait to see what you do next 🎓
