How Students with Learning Differences Can Have a Smoother College Experience
Students going off to college with a diagnosis of Learning Difference will have an experience unique to them, which means it is also likely to be a new experience for the parents. Many times, these students are accustomed to accommodations and support provided by their high school and/or parents while living at home. It is important to pay close attention to what they may want and need when approaching the college process or when signing up for support at the school.
There are many areas of learning that can be affected by the diagnosis of Learning Differences, and yet a student can be successful in college if they understand what compensatory skills they need. LD students may have challenges in many areas, for example: Speech/conversation, testing, concentrating, listening and focusing, spelling, writing, reading, planning, organization, following through, and remembering. Some students may be strong in some areas and weak in others.
What happens if you are an individual who has difficulty integrating information presented orally, which can also occur outside of the classroom? What would help to make the information in class (and life) easier to comprehend and recall? Often it helps to record the lecture/class or to make an appointment after class with the professor or graduate assistant to review key lecture material. Many students benefit from taking advantage of the free tutoring that many colleges provide. In some courses, professors will be presenting new and abstract concepts, therefore, it can be incredibly helpful to associate the presented material with personal experiences. Perhaps there are some visual tools an LD student can create to help better understand and learn.
The slow reader may have a challenge with keeping pace with the reading demands of the professor. Are any of the textbooks available in an auditory format? It’s helpful to find out in advance what textbooks are being used in the class and see if a company such as Learning Ally, or other similar resources, has them or could have them recorded ahead of the class starting. Another suggestion is taking pictures of the board to be sure notes are correct (make sure to notify the professor beforehand.) Don’t be afraid to ask a professor to repeat complicated directions if they have not written them down.
Remember to keep your testing up to date in order to apply for and receive the proper accommodations. I love the idea of being able to have access to priority registration or a notetaker. There is more awaiting a student who is willing to reach out and talk about what helps them be successful. Colleges want students to stay and learn and not burn out and fail so never be afraid to speak up. There are more than 350 colleges with programs and services for students with ADHD, ASD or LD and they are all featured in The K&W Guide to Colleges For Students With Learning Differences https://www.princetonreview.com/press/k-and-w-guide-to-colleges. Heading into its 16th edition, this K&W Guide is the only book of its kind and has become an invaluable resource for parents and students looking for this kind of support at the post-secondary level. There is no shortage of guidance if parents and students just know where to look and what to ask for!