General Advice & College Recommendations for ADHD & Neurodiverse Students

S24 also deciding between DU and UCI, UCSC, UCSD. Has ASD/ADHD, and is very strong academically but I think he will need support to thrive.
We are also still exploring the ND support at the UCs, but I think DU is the better fit for for him. He actually agrees, but UCs are the shiny new prize, so he wants to take a little time to think about it.

I’m really interested in what feedback others can provide regarding ND support at UCs.

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Congratulations to your son for some enviable acceptances!! You’ve probably already checked out UC’s official statement on LD students and the links to departments at each campus here: Students with disabilities | UC Admissions

While I can’t provide you with information about our student’s experience at a UC, I will say that despite great luck with her UC applications, including most of the schools you mention, she opted to attend a small private college that has a fabulous disability service program/DSP.

This was not the primary reason she chose it, but she knew herself well as a student and that she would continue to excel in a small environment with both easy access to resources as well as greater opportunities to connect and shine. So far it’s been fantastic for her.

One note - she was accepted into UCSB’s CSS program, its small size and greater access to counseling made it very tempting, and likely a great fit for a LD student- this may be an option for your son as well. You can apply before entrance but also yearly thereafter.

Good luck with the choice!

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I have no knowledge of UC schools programs.

But, I did want to respond to your last thought. I have always felt that my job as a parent of bright, neurodiverse kids was to help prepare them to have a satisfying, productive adult life. That did not mean going to the most prestigious schools to which they were admitted. In ShawSon’s case, I encouraged going to a top NESCAC school rather than Ivies and discouraged any school that glorified massive amounts of work (e.g., MIT).

Beyond thinking about their strengths (per my post above), I also worked with them to think about what kinds of careers they would like and we talked about kinds of jobs and incomes they could expect. Having a satisfying, productive adult life is not about maximizing income, but having a high enough income to be able to afford housing, comfortably raise kids makes life a lot easier. That came later for ShawSon but for ShawD, she switched to nursing after her first semester. She was admitted to a BSN/MSN program and I told her that she would be tired after the BSN but should go straight through as I though she would like being a nurse but would love being an NP. We did have talks while she was in school about choices that would affect her income.

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Adding this here- nice supportive reminder that we are all a little different but will each come into our own

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@NYMom139 I would love to find some of these programs. Do you have a list, or any suggestions? TIA.

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Here are a couple program resource lists by state or college; they are usually an additional fee per semester and offer anything from academic coaching to therapy services depending on the program.

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I’m sure the list above is a better resource. The one I remember specifically as friends have had kids there is Landmark College.

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Some (private) programs are more expensive than the college itself. (https://www.summitcampusma.com/).

Many schools have their own programs. Here are some examples
Colorado State Opportunities for Postsecondary Success - Center for Community Partnerships

UConn What Is Beyond Access? | Beyond Access

Rutgers College Support Program (CSP) | Rutgers Center for Adult Autism Services

Eastern Michigan https://www.emich.edu/college-supports-program/index.php

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