Competitive schools that are known for supporting students with ADHD or LD?

Anonymous
I always wonder how the DC will cope after college with those disabilities. I hope somehow it works for them, but I always wonder how they find suitable workplaces…
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:I always wonder how the DC will cope after college with those disabilities. I hope somehow it works for them, but I always wonder how they find suitable workplaces…


Tech. We're all neurodivergent and prefer to hide behind our computer screens than interact with the public.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Dc has high stats and is very bright, but also has ADHD. Are there any good colleges that are better known for providing support to kids like this than others?


We feel your pain as have same challenges on the horizon with younger GTLD teen.

Our older extremely GTLD DC attended a UC with excellent supports. The student support office was terrific, as was the medical services center for students. However, the UCs are much harder to get in from out of state now,

The list of competitive colleges with good student support services by PP above is worth checking out. Add U Arizona which reportedly has the largest student learning support center in the country.

Locally, among less competitive but solid universities with good learning supports, it is worth checking out George Mason.

I would also consider liberal arts colleges (liberal arts refers to only having undergraduate students not to only providing humanities majors). Many are very strong in STEM education, have smaller class sizes, and specialize in meeting the needs of undergraduates. For example, we are looking at St Mary’s College in south Maryland, a public liberal arts college.

Here is a list by Petersons of good colleges that support students with LDs.

https://www.petersons.com/blog/20-great-colleges-for-students-with-learning-disabilities/


One last thing - very few students outgrow ADHD by the end of high school. The human brain does not finish maturing until mid twenties and many adults have to take steps to manage their ADHD as well. It is wise of you to consider universities and colleges that are more likely to support your child’s tertiary education journey.

Please report back regarding what colleges made your final list as being good options.

Good luck!


What is GTLD?
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:I always wonder how the DC will cope after college with those disabilities. I hope somehow it works for them, but I always wonder how they find suitable workplaces…


My 11th grader is autistic. School is really hard for him. The executive function demands of having 6 classes, having to socially interact with peers all day, having little control over the content of classes, not understanding things like analyzing literature in English class. But he will be amazing when he can work full time in a job related to his special interests. I know that because he has an internship this year and has none of the difficulties that he has at school.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I always wonder how the DC will cope after college with those disabilities. I hope somehow it works for them, but I always wonder how they find suitable workplaces…


My 11th grader is autistic. School is really hard for him. The executive function demands of having 6 classes, having to socially interact with peers all day, having little control over the content of classes, not understanding things like analyzing literature in English class. But he will be amazing when he can work full time in a job related to his special interests. I know that because he has an internship this year and has none of the difficulties that he has at school.


This is what I hope for my daughter with ADHD - that she will thrive doing something she actually likes/cares about. She basically just shuts down if she doesn’t like or care about the topic.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I always wonder how the DC will cope after college with those disabilities. I hope somehow it works for them, but I always wonder how they find suitable workplaces…


My 11th grader is autistic. School is really hard for him. The executive function demands of having 6 classes, having to socially interact with peers all day, having little control over the content of classes, not understanding things like analyzing literature in English class. But he will be amazing when he can work full time in a job related to his special interests. I know that because he has an internship this year and has none of the difficulties that he has at school.


I forgot to add that as we are looking at colleges, we're focusing less on the LD services from the school (they all offer basic accommodations and I will pay for a separate executive function coach anywhere) and more on keeping distribution requirements to a minimum/maximizing course choices.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I always wonder how the DC will cope after college with those disabilities. I hope somehow it works for them, but I always wonder how they find suitable workplaces…


Tech. We're all neurodivergent and prefer to hide behind our computer screens than interact with the public.


And certain fields of research/academia, if they're bright but neurodivergent. Have many friends who did the undergrad/grad grind because they knew they'd come out the other side getting to focus on their special interest and nothing else. It works for them!
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I always wonder how the DC will cope after college with those disabilities. I hope somehow it works for them, but I always wonder how they find suitable workplaces…


My 11th grader is autistic. School is really hard for him. The executive function demands of having 6 classes, having to socially interact with peers all day, having little control over the content of classes, not understanding things like analyzing literature in English class. But he will be amazing when he can work full time in a job related to his special interests. I know that because he has an internship this year and has none of the difficulties that he has at school.


I forgot to add that as we are looking at colleges, we're focusing less on the LD services from the school (they all offer basic accommodations and I will pay for a separate executive function coach anywhere) and more on keeping distribution requirements to a minimum/maximizing course choices.


Will you please expound on this? Unclear to me. Thank you.
and more on keeping distribution requirements to a minimum/maximizing course choices.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:I always wonder how the DC will cope after college with those disabilities. I hope somehow it works for them, but I always wonder how they find suitable workplaces…


I have pretty bad ADHD and anxiety. Went to a highly selective LAC (that was known for harsh grading) and worked at McKinsey. Studied abroad. Lived abroad for work at 24 with no support system at all. I was no genius but I worked hard. Graduated college with a 3.6 I think. ADHD wasn’t diagnosed much especially in girls back in the 90’s which is why I had anxiety.

I did just fine without help so I hope kids now can do even better and have less stress with accommodations.

Both my kids have ADHD and meds don’t really do much so I do worry. Then I look around at most people who are doing well and they really aren’t that bright so I think it will all work out for my kids (and others) who are smart but have some challenges.

Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I always wonder how the DC will cope after college with those disabilities. I hope somehow it works for them, but I always wonder how they find suitable workplaces…


My 11th grader is autistic. School is really hard for him. The executive function demands of having 6 classes, having to socially interact with peers all day, having little control over the content of classes, not understanding things like analyzing literature in English class. But he will be amazing when he can work full time in a job related to his special interests. I know that because he has an internship this year and has none of the difficulties that he has at school.


This is what I hope for my daughter with ADHD - that she will thrive doing something she actually likes/cares about. She basically just shuts down if she doesn’t like or care about the topic.


Who doesn’t? Some high school classes are a nightmare and everyone has a different one.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Dc has high stats and is very bright, but also has ADHD. Are there any good colleges that are better known for providing support to kids like this than others?


Depends on the definition of competitive, of course. But here are a few with the names of departments/services you should ask about when applying.

For the 1-in-5 people with Learning Disabilities like ADHD that are not related to intelligence, all colleges are required to provide reasonable accommodations. The schools below are more aware of neurodiversity and have experience with LD students.

American University, D.C.
LSP (Learning Services Program fee-based freshmen program)*

Brown University, RI
Student Accessibility Services

University of Connecticut
Beyond Access (fee-based)*

Davidson College, NC
Disability Resources

George Washington University, D.C.
Disability Support Services

Howard University, DC
Office of Student Services

New York University
Moses Center for Student Accessibility

University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Accessibility Resources and Service

Northeastern University, MA
Learning Disabilities Program (LDP fee-based)*

Notre Dame University, IN
Accessibility Services

Pennsylvania State University
Student Disability Resources

Syracuse University, NY
The Center for Disability Resources

Vassar College, NY
Office for Accessibility and Educational Opportunity (AEO)


Glad to see Brown. My adhd kid is headed there next year.

In addition to others on this list, I've read good things about CU Boulder, Hofstra and maybe Cincinnati and WPI.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I always wonder how the DC will cope after college with those disabilities. I hope somehow it works for them, but I always wonder how they find suitable workplaces…


My 11th grader is autistic. School is really hard for him. The executive function demands of having 6 classes, having to socially interact with peers all day, having little control over the content of classes, not understanding things like analyzing literature in English class. But he will be amazing when he can work full time in a job related to his special interests. I know that because he has an internship this year and has none of the difficulties that he has at school.


This is what I hope for my daughter with ADHD - that she will thrive doing something she actually likes/cares about. She basically just shuts down if she doesn’t like or care about the topic.


Who doesn’t? Some high school classes are a nightmare and everyone has a different one.


It's a whole different level for an adhd kid
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Dc has high stats and is very bright, but also has ADHD. Are there any good colleges that are better known for providing support to kids like this than others?


We feel your pain as have same challenges on the horizon with younger GTLD teen.

Our older extremely GTLD DC attended a UC with excellent supports. The student support office was terrific, as was the medical services center for students. However, the UCs are much harder to get in from out of state now,

The list of competitive colleges with good student support services by PP above is worth checking out. Add U Arizona which reportedly has the largest student learning support center in the country.

Locally, among less competitive but solid universities with good learning supports, it is worth checking out George Mason.

I would also consider liberal arts colleges (liberal arts refers to only having undergraduate students not to only providing humanities majors). Many are very strong in STEM education, have smaller class sizes, and specialize in meeting the needs of undergraduates. For example, we are looking at St Mary’s College in south Maryland, a public liberal arts college.

Here is a list by Petersons of good colleges that support students with LDs.

https://www.petersons.com/blog/20-great-colleges-for-students-with-learning-disabilities/


One last thing - very few students outgrow ADHD by the end of high school. The human brain does not finish maturing until mid twenties and many adults have to take steps to manage their ADHD as well. It is wise of you to consider universities and colleges that are more likely to support your child’s tertiary education journey.

Please report back regarding what colleges made your final list as being good options.

Good luck!


What is GTLD?


Gifted and talented with learning difference/disability.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Dc has high stats and is very bright, but also has ADHD. Are there any good colleges that are better known for providing support to kids like this than others?


Depends on the definition of competitive, of course. But here are a few with the names of departments/services you should ask about when applying.

For the 1-in-5 people with Learning Disabilities like ADHD that are not related to intelligence, all colleges are required to provide reasonable accommodations. The schools below are more aware of neurodiversity and have experience with LD students.

American University, D.C.
LSP (Learning Services Program fee-based freshmen program)*

Brown University, RI
Student Accessibility Services

University of Connecticut
Beyond Access (fee-based)*

Davidson College, NC
Disability Resources

George Washington University, D.C.
Disability Support Services

Howard University, DC
Office of Student Services

New York University
Moses Center for Student Accessibility

University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Accessibility Resources and Service

Northeastern University, MA
Learning Disabilities Program (LDP fee-based)*

Notre Dame University, IN
Accessibility Services

Pennsylvania State University
Student Disability Resources

Syracuse University, NY
The Center for Disability Resources

Vassar College, NY
Office for Accessibility and Educational Opportunity (AEO)


Surprised to see Notre Dame on this list. My son, who has ADHD is there now and he gets the very basic accommodations, which is extended time on assessments. But he has to remember to apply for it every year or every semester...can't remember. We worked with a college consultant who specializes in helping kids find schools that are strong with students with disabilities, and this councilor did not recommend Notre Dame based on the services offered. But this was son's dream school and he had the stats to get in. He is loving it by the way.

Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Dc has high stats and is very bright, but also has ADHD. Are there any good colleges that are better known for providing support to kids like this than others?


Depends on the definition of competitive, of course. But here are a few with the names of departments/services you should ask about when applying.

For the 1-in-5 people with Learning Disabilities like ADHD that are not related to intelligence, all colleges are required to provide reasonable accommodations. The schools below are more aware of neurodiversity and have experience with LD students.

American University, D.C.
LSP (Learning Services Program fee-based freshmen program)*

Brown University, RI
Student Accessibility Services

University of Connecticut
Beyond Access (fee-based)*

Davidson College, NC
Disability Resources

George Washington University, D.C.
Disability Support Services

Howard University, DC
Office of Student Services

New York University
Moses Center for Student Accessibility

University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Accessibility Resources and Service

Northeastern University, MA
Learning Disabilities Program (LDP fee-based)*

Notre Dame University, IN
Accessibility Services

Pennsylvania State University
Student Disability Resources

Syracuse University, NY
The Center for Disability Resources

Vassar College, NY
Office for Accessibility and Educational Opportunity (AEO)





I'm interested to see GW on this list. Are they known for being good for support?
Yes, they even have student success coaches (plural) that will sit down with and help to organize your student learner. And, they poured money into counseling before Covid hit.
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