College supports

[Anonymous]

For those that have older students - our DC has ADHD and anxiety. Gets 1.5 time accommodation in HS now. When visiting colleges what should we be looking for in terms of support services - learning center, peer tutoring, recorded lectures for most classes? Did you contact like a disabilities office to meet with them ? What kind of mental health support ? Any colleges you recommend that have a good model of support ? Thx!

[Anonymous]

We met with Disability Services at Admitted Students Day to find out what documentation they needed so we could start that process (ie. did he need a new neuropsych eval? what did they need from high school?)

DS (ADHD/Dysgraphia) gets extra time (not sure of amount.), takes tests at the testing center vs classroom, gets access to notetaking technology (transcribed notes), and can use keyboard for all assignments (no handwritten assignments.)

Mental Health services come from the Counseling Center which is separate from Disability Services.

[Anonymous]

DP. Our experience was similar to 10:58, although did not meet with on Admitted Students Day, but rather called to schedule an intake appointment. Submitted relevant sections of IEP and his requested list of accommodations. School provided a 3-4 page medical form to be completed by treating doctor.

[Anonymous]

The K&W Guide to Colleges for Students with Learning Differences was recommended to us to learn about which schools offer the most supports. If you’re in the DC area, McDaniel College in MD has unparalleled supports. They have many free supports available, but also tiered levels of additional support you can pay for. They also give generous merit aid.

Not every school is listed in the K&W Guide. My dc is headed to Loyola MD, which isn’t featured, but has good accessibility accommodations.

[Anonymous]

For the anxiety - As a clinician who worked at a university counseling center, make sure you (both parent and student) understand what the counseling center can offer. Many are “short term” and will provide 3-5 sessions of skills work or check ins, but for more intensive weekly therapy you will need to find an off campus therapist. I say this because every academic year, we would have many parents in disbelief that we could not accommodate weekly therapy for their child. If your child has anxiety and needs a therapist (and a doctor for med mgmt,) find referrals before starting school. The counseling center can provide local referrals. They may also offer support groups that can help supplement.