Navigating the Transition to College: Students Requiring Accommodations and Supports

By: Jessica DeLing, M.Ed.

Sending a child to college is a milestone filled with joy, excitement, and, understandably, a bit of uncertainty. For families of students with disabilities who received support throughout high school, this transition can bring added concerns. The shift to a college environment, where students are expected to be more independent, can present new challenges; from accessing accommodations, to navigating unfamiliar surroundings and maintaining academic success. However, with thoughtful planning and intentional support, students with disabilities can overcome these barriers and thrive in their college journey.

Early Planning and Preparation: Planning and preparation play a crucial role in easing the transition to college, especially for students with disabilities, by helping them anticipate challenges, access necessary resources, and build confidence in their ability to succeed.

• Visit the Campus Together: Before the start of the semester, visit the college campus together. Familiarize your child with the layout, where key services are located (student services, counseling center, dining halls, etc.), and where their classes will be.
• Tour the Disability Services Office: Many colleges have services for students with learning challenges. Ensure your child is registered with the office to receive accommodations like extended testing time, note-taking services, or permission to record lectures.

Establishing a Support Network: Establishing a strong support network can make the transition to college smoother for many students by providing emotional encouragement, practical guidance, and timely access to essential resources.

• Create a Team of Support: Work with the college’s disability services, professors, academic advisors, and counselors. This team can help set up accommodations and make sure the school is aware of your child’s needs.
• Identify a Mentor or Peer Buddy: Having a mentor or a peer buddy in place can help your child feel supported. This could be a student who can help them navigate social situations, academics, and other college life challenges.
• Therapist/Counselor Support: Ongoing therapy or counseling can help address common issues related to ADHD, ASD or learning challenges. Having a counselor who specializes in these areas can be especially helpful for emotional regulation and social skills. Executive Functioning coaches can help students manage their course load. while teaching strategies for planning and prioritizing.

Time Management and Structure: Developing effective time management skills and establishing a structured routine can help students navigate the demands of college life, reduce stress, and stay on track academically.

• Set Up a Routine: College can be chaotic and unpredictable. Help your child establish a daily routine that includes time for classes, study, meals, self-care, and social activities.
• Use Timers and Reminders: Use planners, apps, or digital tools to set reminders for deadlines, appointments, and other tasks. Many students with ADHD benefit from visual and auditory reminders.
• Teach Prioritization: Help your child prioritize tasks. Break down larger assignments into smaller, more manageable tasks, and encourage regular check-ins to assess progress.

Social Skills and Communication: Promoting social skills and effective communication can empower students with disabilities to build meaningful relationships, advocate for their needs, and engage more confidently in the college community.

• Role-Playing Social Scenarios: Work with your child on practicing social situations they may encounter on campus, such as introducing themselves to a professor or participating in group discussions.
• Teach Self-Advocacy: Encourage your child to self-advocate for their needs. This includes asking professors for help if needed or requesting a quiet space to study. Teach them how to ask for accommodations and how to navigate social interactions effectively.
• Provide Social Scripts: Some students can benefit from social scripts or guidelines for different social situations, such as meeting new people or joining group activities.

Stress and Anxiety Management: Learning to manage anxiety and stress is essential for students with disabilities transitioning to college, as it supports emotional well-being, enhances focus, and promotes resilience in the face of new challenges.

• Teach Coping Mechanisms: College can be a stressful environment, and students with ADHD, learning disorders, or ASD may experience heightened anxiety. Teach your child stress-relieving techniques like mindfulness, deep breathing, or engaging in hobbies they enjoy.
• Ensure Emotional Support: Be there for emotional check-ins. A quick text or phone call can be reassuring, but also encourage independence by helping them work through challenges rather than solving everything for them.
• Recognize Sensory Sensitivities: Some students may have heightened sensory sensitivities (to noise, lights, etc.). Help them identify spaces on campus where they can retreat if they become overwhelmed, like a quiet lounge or library.

Academic Strategies: Having a strong foundation in academic and study strategies is vital for students transitioning to college, as it equips them to handle increased academic demands, stay organized, and achieve their educational goals more independently.

• Alternative Learning Approaches: Encourage your child to explore alternative learning strategies, such as auditory learning tools, video tutorials, or visual aids, which can complement their learning style.
• Office Hours and Tutoring: Encourage your child to take advantage of professors’ office hours and tutoring services. These resources can provide additional support in understanding course material or clarifying assignments.
• Note-taking Assistance: Many colleges offer note-taking services for students with disabilities. If your child struggles with attention or memory, this support can be invaluable.

Promote Independence: Promoting independence is essential for parents of students heading to college, as it empowers their children to take ownership of their responsibilities, make informed decisions, and confidently navigate the challenges of college life.

• Encourage Self-Management: While it’s natural to want to provide a lot of support, encourage your child to take responsibility for their academic and personal life. Start with small steps, like setting up their own doctor’s appointments or managing their own budget.
• Support Decision-Making: Allow your child to make choices about their classes, extracurriculars, and living arrangements, while guiding them through the decision-making process.

Create a Comfortable Living Space & Encourage Healthy Habits: Creating a comfortable living space and encouraging healthy habits can significantly support students transitioning to college by providing a sense of stability and well-being in a new environment. A personalized and organized living area can reduce stress and make students feel more at home, while healthy routines (like balanced eating, regular sleep, and physical activity) can boost energy, focus, and emotional resilience, all of which are crucial for academic and personal success during this major life change.

• Personalize the Dorm Room or Apartment: Ensure your child has a space that feels comfortable and safe, with enough sensory regulation (e.g., noise-canceling headphones, soft lighting, sensory-friendly items) to reduce stress and distractions.
• Create a Study Space: If they find the dorm room too distracting, help them set up a quiet, personalized study space on campus, such as in a library or study lounge.
• Regular Exercise: Encourage regular physical activity, as exercise can help manage ADHD symptoms and reduce anxiety. Many colleges offer fitness centers and recreational programs.
• Balanced Diet and Sleep Hygiene: Encourage your child to establish healthy eating and sleeping habits. Proper sleep and nutrition can greatly impact mood, energy, and focus.

Regular Check-ins: As you prepare to send your child off to college, know that your support continues to matter more than ever, just in a new way. Regular check-ins, whether through a quick call, a text, or a video chat, can be a comforting reminder that you’re always in their corner. Trust that you’ve given them the tools to thrive, and let your presence be a steady source of encouragement as they navigate college life!

• Check In Without Hovering: While it’s important to allow your child to navigate college life independently, check in regularly to see how they’re doing. This could be through text, phone calls, or video chats. Encourage them to reach out if they need help, but give them space to manage their own life.
• Set Expectations for Communication: It’s a good idea to set a communication routine. For example, agreeing on a weekly call to discuss how things are going can help them feel supported while giving them space to manage their independence.

Our Educational Specialists at C&FD are here to support you through important educational milestones with personalized parent consultations. If you have any questions or would like guidance, feel free to schedule an appointment with our team. We’re happy to assist you!