Organizational Skills for College Students with Neurodiversity

To develop organizational skills for college students with neurodiversity, parents and educational institutions must work together to provide the right support system. Why? Because teenagers and young adults with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other learning challenges can struggle more than their neurotypical peers. Some of the areas where they can struggle are developing executive functioning skills, time management, communication and planning.

With the right support, individuals with neurodiversity can transition successfully to college living and learning. Let’s take a look at how neurodiversity impacts the college experience and how having the right support team can make all the difference.

A Deeper Look into Neurodiversity in College

Neurodiversity in college is a topic of growing interest and importance in higher education.

Collecting precise statistical data on neurodivergent college students can be challenging for various reasons. In the UK, the British Psychological Society estimates that 1 in 7 people is neurodivergent (British Psychological Society).

In another recent study, an estimated 15-20% of individuals throughout the world are neurodivergent.

So, what do we mean by “neurodivergent” or “neurodiversity”?

“Neurodiversity is the range of differences in individual brain function and behavioral traits, which is regarded as part of normal variation in the human population. Based on different studies, between 15-20% of the population is neurodiverse — including up to 10% of people who are diagnosed with dyslexia, 5% diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and 1-2% with autism” (Forbes, 2021).

Currently, over 235 million students are taking college-level or higher courses worldwide. You can imagine how many of those students are neurodivergent.

Finding Their Place in the World

When looking for the right college option for yourself or a loved one with neurodiversity, choosing a college campus that creates a safe and inclusive space for students of all learning capabilities is where you should start.

At Mansfield Hall, we’re passionate that college can be a place for anyone with the proper support. That’s why we’ve partnered with incredible institutions in Vermont, Wisconsin, and Oregon that embrace neurodiversity and welcome students of all learning backgrounds.

“ For our students, it’s a matter of finding their place in the world. And in many cases, finding their place in the world isn’t their fault. It’s the fact that they’re going into a world that hasn’t necessarily adjusted to the people that they are. It’s unbelievable to see the students who really do find their place,” said Dr. Perry LaRoque, Mansfield Hall Founder and Author of “Taking Flight.”

Inclusive colleges and universities partner with programs and organizations that offer the support that their students need.

Championing Organizational Skills for College Students

At Mansfield Hall, we offer a unique and evidence-based approach to learning that helps students learn academic and social abilities, like organizational skills. Listed below are some examples of organizational skills that are needed in college.

Organizational skills for college students can include, but are not limited to:

• Time Management
• Communication
• Goal Setting
• Self-Motivation
• Decision-Making
• Stress Management

When accepted into our program, each student and family meet with our Academic Director to set learning goals and create a long-term study plan. We have a team of academic coaches and writing specialists who assist students with learning disorders in daily assignments and projects. They also work together to develop strategies to accommodate their individual learning needs.

Each week, our students meet with our Academic Director to progress toward their learning goals and plan for upcoming responsibilities and assignments. Here’s more information about how we support our students academically.

College Students with Neurodiversity are Successful with the Right Support

When deciding to attend college with neurodiversity, individuals and families can feel a mixture of emotions. We work with several parents whose children struggle with organizational skills, and they come to us wondering if their children can be successful.

After a decade of working with these families and their teenagers and young adults, we can confidently say that they can succeed. Here’s what we’ve noticed that creates a successful environment.

Families need to select a college or university that encompasses these factors:

• An inclusive environment for neurodivergent populations.
• A structured support system that offers individualized accommodations that fit their student’s needs.
• One-on-one academic and learning support to learn important skills, like organizational skills.
• A clear plan and accountability path of how to achieve their goals.

To learn more about Mansfield Hall and how we partner with students and families, please reach out. We’re here to help!