Making the jump from high school to college is a huge step for any teen. For students who are neurodiverse—living with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, or other learning differences—the transition can feel even more overwhelming. Suddenly, they’re expected to manage their own schedules, communicate directly with professors, and take care of daily responsibilities without much outside guidance.

Here’s the good news: as a parent, you still play a crucial role. It’s not about managing every detail for them. It’s about preparing them with the skills and confidence they need to thrive on their own. With the right support, your teen can move from surviving to thriving in college. Here are five practical tips to help you guide the way.

1. Encourage Self-Advocacy

In high school, parents often communicate with teachers and administrators on behalf of their child. College flips that script. Students are the ones responsible for requesting accommodations and reaching out for help.

Start practicing now. Have your teen send the email instead of you. Encourage them to ask questions in class or speak directly to their counselor. Role-play scenarios, such as explaining their needs to a professor or introducing themselves to a teaching assistant.

Example: Instead of calling the disability office to arrange accommodations, sit beside your teen and help them draft their own message. This builds confidence while still letting you provide backup support.

2. Strengthen Executive Functioning Skills

Time management, organization, and planning are essential in college, but they’re also the areas many neurodiverse students struggle with most. Without daily reminders from teachers or parents, it’s easy for tasks to slip through the cracks.

Introduce tools like digital calendars, reminders, or task-management apps before the semester starts. Try color-coding subjects, setting alarms for deadlines, or breaking large assignments into smaller steps.

One practical idea: create a weekly “Sunday night planning session.” Sit down together to review upcoming assignments, tests, and personal commitments. Then, gradually step back so your teen begins running these sessions independently.

3. Connect with Campus Resources Early

Colleges often provide a wide range of supports, including disability services, tutoring centers, writing labs, counseling services, and peer mentors. The challenge? Many students don’t know these resources exist until they’re already struggling.

Encourage your teen to connect early. Walk them through the process of registering with the disability office before classes begin. Suggest they attend orientation programs designed for students with learning differences. Even a quick visit to the writing center or counseling office during the first week can make those spaces feel more familiar later on.

Knowing where to go for help reduces stress and builds a safety net long before challenges pop up.

4. Build Independence at Home

Academic skills are only part of the picture. Many first-year students struggle with daily life tasks—laundry, cooking, budgeting, even remembering to take medication. For neurodiverse teens, these responsibilities can add extra stress on top of academics.

Help your teen practice independence now. Teach them how to manage a bank account, shop for groceries, or plan simple meals. Encourage routines around laundry, cleaning, and personal care. If they take medication, give them practice with pill organizers or reminders before they leave for school.

These small steps make a big difference later. By building independence at home, you give your teen the tools to handle college life with more confidence.

5. Normalize Challenges and Celebrate Strengths

College isn’t always smooth sailing. Every student will face setbacks—missed deadlines, tough classes, or social struggles. For neurodiverse students, those moments can feel even heavier if they believe they’re failing.

Remind your teen that challenges are normal. Talk openly about problem-solving and bouncing back after mistakes. Celebrate the qualities that make them strong—creativity, persistence, or unique problem-solving skills. Highlight progress, no matter how small, to keep motivation high.

A positive mindset helps your teen view obstacles as opportunities to grow rather than roadblocks.

Final Thoughts

The transition to college is about so much more than academics. It’s about independence, self-advocacy, and learning how to navigate a brand-new environment. As a parent, your role shifts from manager to coach—encouraging, guiding, and cheering them on from the sidelines.

With the right preparation, your neurodiverse teen can do more than adjust to college life—they can thrive. You’ve been their supporter all along. Now, you’re helping them take the next step toward independence and success.

Copyright © 2025 by Edna Brown. All Rights Reserved.