Blog #334: Neurodiversity and The College Application Process

Let’s call this kid Tommy…Tommy is a junior in high school on the autism spectrum working on college applications. He has a desire to go into the field of general studies (majors that could leach to teaching, working in a library, etc.) but there is a lot that goes through Tommy’s mind such as what college he has his heart on attending (does he want to be close to home, does he want to be far from home, does he have enough finances to cover student loans or debts, among other things).

Well, Tommy isn’t alone here. Like I mentioned in my last blog where the prom was a rite of passage, going through the college application process is also a rite of passage. To me, the college application process molds young minds into what life after high school is like such as taking up responsibilities in their respective fields of employment or getting a taste of traveling for business.

The process shows that while you will get the support, you won’t have that same support forever. What’s more is that some major colleges and universities don’t have the necessary programs to accomodate students with disabilities and neurodiverse differences. There is a lot to process for soon to be neurodiverse and disabled high school graduates, but there is a way to make the process easier for when the time comes.

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For one thing, a business practice that me and my wingman have is to look at various speaking opportunities that can either be a fit or not a fit. You might have a school that you may like at first, but then it ends up to be something you don’t like. Some, not all, families will force their children to attend a school or pursue a major that is not their passion (Dead Poets Society ring a bell to anyone?) because other members of the same family attended and had gone on to live the life that they didn’t want to have to begin with.

Secondly, you want to connect with the college on a personal level. Ask yourself whether you see yourself attending that school and will that college give me the support that I need to earn my degree when the time comes. Ask the college if they accept Individual Educational Plans or IEP’s or if there are still going to be IEP Meetings if necessary. Some colleges might, but most do not, so keep that in mind.

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Basilica of the Sacred Heart at University of Notre Dame, South Bend, IN

Altar of Basilica of the Sacred Heart at University of Notre Dame, South Bend, IN

Overhead Artwork of Basilica of the Sacred Heart at University of Notre Dame, South Bend, IN

Plus, there’s even the matter of a neurodiverse students’ mental health. In a sense, the decision to go to a college can sometimes solely rest on the individiuals mental health state. Of course, there will be a lot to take in (having a roommate, setting up a new routine, being in a super large sized class, etc.) and the fears of having a panic attack or frequent meltdowns and overloads are there.

It also helps if the student spends time on the campus for as long as it takes during the senior year of high school to get the feel of actually being on campus when the time comes. Take for example the possibility of being accepted to the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana.

If you come from a deeply religious family or background and deal with stress and anxiety as part of your autism or other neurodiverse condition, you can help devise a new routine by regularly attending mass at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart as an example. There is always going to be someone on hand to help you when you are feeling stressed out with a new class or self-confidence struggles with trying to get into various social circles.

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But the key thing to remember that sometimes you DON’T need a college degree to get anywhere in life. Sometimes, you go far with a high school diploma and a flexible day job that allows you to pursue your ultimate real-life goals. That’s what I do, and I am perfectly happy with the path set before me.

But if you have a career goal that requires a degree, go for it! The world could need someone like you making a difference while armed with a degree!!

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Catch you all later!!

#CollegeAcceptance #Diversity #Disability #Neurodiversity #Equality #SpecialEducation #Autism #CollegeApplications #Education #MentalHealth #Inclusion