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Learning Differences
Many students who attend Mansfield Hall arrive with a history of various labels, including learning differences, learning disabilities, challenges with working memory or processing speed, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), social communication disorder, a nonverbal learning disability (NLD/NVLD), or PDD-NOS, or even anxiety or depression. Often times, we are asked how we uniquely approach each of these diagnosis.
Although there are variations within each classification our response is that we work with People, not labels.
It should also be noted that with the publication of the DSM-V in 2013, as well as the DSM-V-TR (Text Revised) version released in 2022, Asperger’s is no longer recognized a formal diagnosis, and the traits previously associated with Asperger’s are now covered by the ASD-I criteria.
Regardless of important technicalities, it’s important to note that all of these diagnoses share commonalities that respond best to a holistic and integrated approach to addressing a student’s needs in college. Social challenges, difficulty with perspective-taking, and diverse learning needs require an approach that addresses much more than just academics, and thus our Four Core Approach evaluates and proactively addresses how these various characteristics can impact a student’s success.
When providing support and accommodations for students with and learning difference, including dyslexia, dysgraphia, ASD, PDD-NOS, & NLD or NVLDs it is critical to address these challenges across all domains. Unfortunately, there is no Autism College – and even the best colleges for students with Autism are not always able to comprehensively support all of the domains necessary for success. Colleges with autism support programs must not only address a student’s academic needs, but also their social engagement, independent living skills, and vocational skills. Asperger’s and college success can go hand in hand, as long as the impact of these characteristics on a student’s learning and living environment are carefully, intentionally, and explicitly addressed.
Succeeding in college with a learning differences, ASD, PDD-NOS, & NLD or NVLD can be challenging. Thus, Mansfield Hall’s comprehensive transition programs for students with autism and other related disabilities address the holistic needs for our students and individualizes student plans based on evidence-based practices. Mansfield Hall carefully evaluates and interprets information from assessments, interviews, and other helpful diagnostic tools to tailor the program to fit each student’s unique needs.
Please Note: With the publication of the DSM-V in 2013, as well as the DSM-V-TR (Text Revised) version released in 2022, Asperger’s is no longer recognized a formal diagnosis, and the traits previously associated with Asperger’s are now generally understood to be covered by the Autism/ASD-I criteria. While some members of our student community may still identify with Asperger’s Syndrome, Asperger’s, or Aspergers – or even as “Aspie” – we refer only Autism or ASD, as that is the current diagnostic neurodiverse nomenclature.
A Few Tips to Help Students Succeed in College with PDD-NOS , NLD, or NVLD
Succeeding in college with a diagnosis of PDD-NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified), NLD (Nonverbal Learning Disorder), or NVLD (Nonverbal Learning Disability) can be challenging, but it is possible with the right support and accommodations. Here are a few tips that may be helpful:
It’s important to remember that everyone with a learning difference – including neurodiversity, ASD, ADHD, PDD-NOS, NLD, or NVLD is different and that accommodations and strategies that work for one person may not work for another. It may take some time to figure out what works best for you, but with determination and support, you can succeed in college.
Shanah Tovah! (שנה טובה)
Happy Rosh Hashanah to all who celebrate!
For anyone wondering, today is the start of the Jewish New Year.
It`a Friday- time for a weekly recap.
Our Burlington and Madison students are in the swing of things with classes, but that`s not stopping them from making time for fun!
Pictured:
- Coffee club
- Carfternoon adventure
- Sweet treat o`clock
- BTV Bike shed being enjoyed
Not Pictured:
- Countless other moments of fun
Students, what are you looking forward to this weekend? Comment below ⬇️
Madison Museum of Contemporary Art was a joy!
Saw some incredible pieces and pondered accordingly 🤔🎨
Ever have a hard time getting started on a project? This could be for a host of reasons, but the name for starting that to do list item is called task initiation.
Some folks just have a hard time getting started. We`ve included some tips to help, but we`d love to hear from you too.
What`s your most unhinged tip to get started on tasks you`ve been avoiding?
We don`t know about you, but our students and staff alike are soaking up the last of summer, grilling, chilling, and getting outside.
This week included our Madison students getting their hands dirty in the kitchen, Eugene taking a trip to the raptor center and a jaunt to the farmers market, and the Burlington students relishing the field day memories with classes in full swing.
What was your favorite part of the week?
The Q&A continues!
Masking is a hotly debated topic at the moment. Some professionals have differing opinions, but our stance is that while a more inclusive world is something we can all be working towards, there`s a time and a place for the ways we show up, and knowing how to differentiate has value.
What do you think?
