Unlocking College Success for Neurodiverse Teens

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Despite the prevalence of neurodiversity among today’s teens, understanding and accommodation for their needs can often be lacking, especially in higher education.

Statistics show that 11.3 percent of children ages 5 to 17 have been diagnosed with ADHD in the United States. At the same time, young adults diagnosed with ADHD are 11 times more likely to not enroll in higher education, with only 15 percent holding a four-year degree (in comparison to 48 percent of their non-ADHD peers).

While neurodiverse teens can certainly have significant challenges in navigating higher education, parents can help. I recently had the opportunity to speak with psychotherapist Justine Biado, a coach and psychotherapist at Springboard Clinic, regarding actionable tips parents can utilize to give their teens the best chance for success.

1. Foster Independence

For all college students, one of the biggest hurdles is learning to operate independently from their families—a challenge that can be even greater for teens who identify as neurodiverse. However, research shows that young adults with ADHD who build self-advocacy skills and independence are better prepared to handle the demands of higher education and adult life (Ford, 2020).

Biado emphasizes the importance of gradually shifting responsibility to your teen before they leave for college. While neurodiverse teens may need frequent check-ins and parental support initially, tasks like managing schedules or meeting responsibilities help build their independence. This approach not only fosters self-advocacy but also prepares them to face the challenges of adulthood. She encourages parents to have their teens take on tasks like managing their schedule, handling basic finances, or preparing meals to build these essential skills before college.

2. Understand the Accommodations

While colleges today are more accommodating to neurodiverse learners than in the past, the level and type of support can vary widely between institutions. Research shows that while 94 percent of postsecondary institutions provide disability services, only 24 percent of students with disabilities take advantage of these accommodations, often due to a lack of awareness or understanding of the process.

Parents can start by ensuring their teen’s neurodiversity assessments are accepted and then explore what accommodations prospective schools offer. Many colleges provide resources such as disability resource centers, peer support groups, academic advising, and tutoring.

Seeking reasonable accommodations like extended exam time, note-taking assistance or priority registration can make a significant difference for neurodiverse students. Helping teens identify and access these services while fostering their self-advocacy skills, can empower them to thrive in higher education.

3. Help Develop Time Management Skills

Time management is a crucial skill for success in higher education. However, it can be especially challenging for neurodiverse teens due to difficulties with executive functioning. These challenges can make it harder for them to plan, prioritize, and stay organized without additional support.

“Using agendas or digital planners can help keep your teen on track with college-related tasks by simplifying time blocking,” Biado says. “By assigning specific times of day for college applications and other activities, you can help your teen maintain focus and self-regulate so they have a clear timetable for planning and organizing essential tasks.

According to experts, breaking tasks into smaller parts and using checklists can significantly improve organization and task completion for individuals with ADHD. This approach helps to reduce the cognitive load and allows for more focused attention on individual steps, making tasks seem less overwhelming.

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4. Recognize When Additional Support Is Needed

Over half of all students report that “applying to college was their most stressful academic experience to date.” For neurodiverse teens, this experience can be even more stressful, which may require extra parental or professional support.

Parents should monitor their teens’ behavior for signs that they are getting overwhelmed, such as procrastination, emotional outbursts, increased stress, changes in appetite or sleep, withdrawal, or new academic difficulties. Biado recommends that parents put support systems in place ahead of time, both during the application process and when their child arrives at college. This ensures you and your child aren’t looking for help when they no longer have the bandwidth for it. Regular (at least weekly) check-ins are also critical for parents to remain involved and aware of their teen’s situation and needs.

5. Provide Positive Reinforcement

At the end of the day, the most important thing parents can do for their neurodiverse teens is provide emotional encouragement and positive reinforcement. Research shows that positive reinforcement plays a vital role in helping neurodiverse teens build self-confidence and maintain a positive mindset, especially during transitions like moving toward higher education. By offering encouragement, praising strengths, and responding with compassion when challenges arise, parents help teens develop a strong sense of self-worth.

These interactions can be particularly crucial in protecting against anxiety and depression, conditions that are more prevalent among students with ADHD and autism. By fostering emotional support and reinforcing successes, parents can help their teens navigate the challenges of higher education with greater resilience and self-assurance.

Bottom Line

While parents can’t control every outcome for their neurodiverse teens, they can play a crucial role in setting them up for success. By creating a supportive environment and encouraging the development of essential skills, parents empower their teens to thrive in higher education and beyond. The key is striking the right balance: offering guidance without taking over. This approach fosters independence and equips teens with the confidence and resilience they’ll need to navigate life’s challenges and achieve their full potential.

© 2024 Ryan C. Warner, Ph.D.