College Bound? 3 Tips for Students with Neurodiversity

Thoughts from Dr. Perry LaRoque, Mansfield Hall Founder & President, featured in the article, “Transition to College: Tips for Students with ADHD” in the U.S. News & World Report.

For high school juniors and seniors, the thought of college is exciting and nerve-wracking. But for students with neurodiversity, the idea of launching on their own and managing college might seem overwhelming.  The good news is students who may struggle with executive functioning, social anxiety, or learning challenges don’t have to sit out on college. There are many amazing programs to provide guidance, support, and coaching as they transition into young adulthood. Mansfield Hall is one of the best if you ask me.

The transition doesn’t have to be scary – that’s where we come in.

At Mansfield Hall, we work with individuals and their families to bridge the gap between living at home and transitioning to college by creating a space of belonging, encouragement, and support to face the challenges that can come with neurodiversity and build personalized strategies for students to find success in college and in life. 

Over the past decade, we’ve gained countless insights into this transition process, and here are some tips that we’ve discovered that can help students and their parents when transitioning to college life: 

1) Choose a school that offers accommodations for neurodiversity.

More and more schools and workplaces are providing accommodations for students with neurodiversity. Finding the right fit is a process. We’ve partnered with several incredible institutions that promote an inclusive culture for students with ADHD, students who are on the autism spectrum, and students with other neurodiverse diagnoses. 

Many students with neurodiversity can experience college in an uplifting and accepting environment. It’s all about finding the right fit. 

2) Find an Executive Function Coach.

When we launched Virtual Hall, it opened a world of possibilities for students. Our team of coaches works with students on attention-building, organization, time management, and emotional regulation. 

Every individual is different – we know from experience that a “one size fits all” strategy does not work. Students who work one-on-one with an executive function coach can be exactly what a student needs to build confidence in themselves and their abilities, embrace their strengths, and face their challenges head-on. 

3) Own Your Impact. Embrace Your Power.

Neurodiversity provides its challenges, but it also can empower individuals with neurodiversity to change the world. When students learn the tools and skills to own their impact and embrace their power – they can find success and happiness in college, in their careers, and in their personal lives. 

Neurodiversity rocks! When a student with neurodiversity chooses a university that offers accommodations, finds an executive function coach, and embraces their power – college life can be a smooth and fun transition.