Learning differences are common and too numerous to count. Whether ADHD, anxiety, non-verbal learning disabilities, autism, or whatever you can think of, there is probably a college to serve you. Some wicked-smart people have learning disabilities, it is not a deal-breaker!
Colleges Are Evolving – At Different Rates
Colleges are getting better at serving students with special needs, but it varies widely. It also depends on the needs of the student. For instance, Executive Functioning challenges are REALLY common. Many colleges have support services to help students with time management, breaking projects into digestible pieces, planning ahead, and strategies to succeed. This is in addition to the writing centers and tutoring options. The trick is students have to USE the services. High-functioning Autism is another example. There are colleges that cater to this population. However, a slow processing speed may not receive the same level of assistance. It is highly specific to each school.
If your disability is a mental health issue you have lots of company. While colleges have mental health counselors, it can often take weeks to get an appointment and there may be a limit on how many sessions you can have. Effectiive mental health counseling requires consistent contact with someone you trust. Your best bet is to find a private counselor you connect with and save the counseling center for emergencies. Do this well before college starts because there will be a mad rush for limited people the first couple of weeks.
Buyer Beware
Colleges and Universities are NOT obligated to follow the high school 504 or Individualized Education Plans (IEP). It is up to each school to decide how much support if any, they will provide. Do your homework and ask questions early in the process.
How Do I Learn About Services At Each School?
The first challenge is figuring out which office to contact! They go by various names depending on the campus. Probably easiest to Google “Disability Services [insert name of college]” and go from there. Or call the Admission Office and ask which office handles these issues. You can also hunt through the website. But don’t stop there! Pick up the phone and CALL. Speak to a real person! Get a sense of how they interact with people- are they willing to spend time answering questions, are they happy to talk to you? You may get a student receptionist and need to leave your name and number, but this is really worth doing.
Key Questions To Ask
- How does one qualify for support services?
- What services are offered?
- Is there an additional fee?
- How long do the support services last? (i.e. six meetings or the entire college career?)
- Do professors/staff refer students for academic or other support if the student is struggling, or is it entirely dependent on the student to initiate the process?
Why It Matters
College should challenge you to grow, but it should also meet you where you are at to chart the best path to success. Researching this aspect of your criteria will increase the odds you graduate and maximize your success.