Self-Monitoring, Self-Advocacy, and Applied Executive Functioning in the Transition to College
Learn how self-monitoring, self-advocacy, and applied executive functioning help neurodiverse students succeed during the transition to college. Mansfield Hall supports students through every step of this journey.
The Transition to College for Neurodiverse Students
The transition to college is a major milestone for every student – but for neurodiverse students, it brings both opportunities and challenges. With new freedoms, responsibilities, and social expectations, the shift can feel overwhelming without strong self-regulation and support systems in place.
At Mansfield Hall, we understand that the key to a successful transition to college lies in building three essential skills: self-monitoring, self-advocacy, and applied executive functioning. These aren’t just academic tools – they’re lifelong strategies for independence and success.
Self-Monitoring: Building Awareness and Adjustment
Self-monitoring means noticing and understanding your own thoughts, actions, and emotions – and making changes when needed. During the transition to college, self-monitoring helps students recognize when they’re off track before small challenges become major setbacks.
At Mansfield Hall, students practice real-world self-monitoring every day. Through feedback, reflection, and routine, they learn to assess their progress, set goals, and adapt strategies for academic and personal success.
Pro Tip: Encourage students to use planners, to-do lists, or digital reminders as self-monitoring tools — simple systems that help bridge intention and action.
Self-Advocacy: Speaking Up and Asking for Support
Self-advocacy is a cornerstone of independence during the transition to college. While high school often provides built-in support, college requires students to take initiative – communicating needs, requesting accommodations, and connecting with professors or campus services.
At Mansfield Hall, we teach that self-advocacy isn’t about asking for “special” treatment – it’s about setting up the conditions for success. Students gain the language, confidence, and practice to express their needs clearly and effectively.
Applied Executive Functioning: Turning Strategy into Action
Executive functioning is the mental process behind focus, planning, and problem-solving. Applied executive functioning means putting those skills into daily practice – managing time, staying organized, prioritizing tasks, and following through.
During the transition to college, these skills are essential. At Mansfield Hall, students apply executive functioning strategies across every part of life – from managing coursework and maintaining routines to participating in community life.
This hands-on approach turns abstract concepts into practical habits, helping students develop consistency and independence over time.
A Community that Supports the Whole Student
Ultimately, a successful transition to college is about more than academics – it’s about connection, confidence, and community. At Mansfield Hall, we provide a structured, supportive environment where neurodiverse students can practice, grow, and thrive.
Through self-monitoring, self-advocacy, and applied executive functioning, students learn to navigate college – and life – with awareness, purpose, and resilience.
Contact us today for more information.
Congrats to our two new Mansfield Hall Burlington student ambassadors!
Each year first year students apply and interview to become ambassadors. These students are leaders within the community, responsible for creating experiences through program development, and serve a spokespeople for the broader student community.
When asked what they were most looking forward to, this is what they had to say:
"I`m excited to help with the community meetings and activities" - Alex
"I`m most excited to be a bigger part of the community and connect better- and maybe plan more skiing trips this winter!" - John
Another week in the books!
Highlights from this week include:
- Fire pit fun with s’mores galore in Madison
- The Great Corn maze the Burlington
- And a sharpening of skills in the Kitchen across both
“I want to learn how to cook some simple meals so that I can be more independent.”
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!
