After the IEP: College Transition and Success Tips for Parents of Students with ADHD, Learning Disabilities, and Mental Health Conditions

In this episode of After the IEP, we break down one of the most critical—yet misunderstood—parts of the college transition: college disability documentation. If your student had an IEP or 504 Plan in high school, you’ll learn why that’s not enough for college and what documentation colleges actually require.

In this week’s episode of the After the IEP podcast—part of our 12-week summer college transition series—we’re diving into a critical conversation: what really happens when students with disabilities choose not to request college accommodations?

Whether your student is hesitant, unsure, or planning to "wait and see" how college...

Is your student heading to college with an IEP or 504 Plan? Then this episode is a must-listen. While your student may have had supports all through K-12, college operates under a different set of laws—and that means disability accommodations aren't automatic.

In this episode of After the...

Your 12 Week Guide to Summer College Transition Planning starts right here!

In this kickoff episode, I’m breaking down five essential steps to prepare your student for college—especially if they have a disability, ADHD, or mental health condition. This sets the foundation for the next 11 weeks of transition support. Be sure to download t...

As high school graduations are occurring, it’s time to get prepared to send your student off to college. Yes, there is still time before they go. But the day your student heads off to campus will be here before you know it. So, what do you need to do now to get yourself and your student prepared to transition to college?

Here is my hand picked list of 12 episodes to get you and your student ready for colle...

Helping students with disabilities plan for a productive summer may not be on your bucket list, but it can provide a lot of opportunity to your student. For college students with learning disabilities or ADHD, summer is an opportunity to reset, build new skills, and prepare for future academic success. But without structure, summer can quickly turn into lost time. Parents can play a crucial role in guiding their students toward a p...

Is your college student feeling overwhelmed, discouraged, or burned out after a tough semester? Whether they’re managing ADHD, learning disabilities, or mental health challenges, recovery is possible—with the right support. In this episode, we’ll explore how parents can help college students recover from a tough semester by recognizing academic burnout, fostering emotional resilience, and using su...

College isn’t just about earning a degree—it’s also about building habits that carry you into the workplace and beyond. While classes focus on academic knowledge, many students overlook the soft skills and professional behaviors that employers value just as much—if not more. The good news? You can start practicing these behaviors right now.

In this episod, we’ll explore five simple yet powerful professiona...

Are you just going through the motions in college—or are you standing out? In this episode, I'm revealing 5 practical ways of how to stand out  in college and set yourself apart on campus. Whether you want to build connections, boost your resume, or simply make the most of your college experience, these tips can change the game.

We're covering what most students overlook but successful students prioritize. And trust me...

What if I told you that failing is one of the most important skills your child can learn? I know, it sounds backwards. As a parent, especially of a child with learning disabilities,it’s painful to watch. But what if the real strength lies not in avoiding failure—but in how you handle it? In today’s episode, we’re diving into the psychology of resilience—what it really takes for your child to succeed by learning to fail...

Your student got accepted—now what? 🎓

In this episode of After the IEP, we break down the three most important steps to take after receiving college acceptance letters:

The first semester is always challenging. One challenge that often gets missed is how to deal with academic challenges when they come up, and they will. This is particularly true when a student’s tried-and-true academic skills no longer meet the demands of higher education. I’ll tell you the college transition success story of one student I worked with, Sara. It's about a real student (name has been changed) and her in...

Attending a recent high school choir event with my daughter, I noticed a shift—more students than ever are choosing to take a gap year before heading to college. While college often seems like the default next step, it’s not always the right choice for everyone immediately. The pressure to jump straight into higher education can be overwhelming, and for some students, taking time to explore their options, build life sk...

Does College Choice Matter for Students with Learning Disabilities and ADHD?

Finding the right college for students with learning disabilities and ADHD is a critical step in setting them up for success. The college experience presents new challenges, but with the right support systems, students can thrive academically, socially, and personally.  Does...

What is self-advocacy? How does your student develop this skill? How can you teach it? 

I'll review all this and a bit more in this episode. 

Teaching self-advocacy is one of the most important steps in preparing students with learning disabilities or ADHD for success in college and beyond. Self-advocacy involves understanding one’s own needs, confidently expressing them, and seeking the necessary support or accommodations to succe...

Watching your child transition to college is both exciting and nerve-wracking. As a parent, you want to support their independence while staying informed about their well-being. Striking this balance can be challenging, especially for parents of students with learning disabilities, ADHD, or other unique needs.

This post provides actionable strategies for supporting independence in college students without ...

College accommodations provide essential support for students with disabilities, but they’re not always sufficient to meet every need. When accommodations fall short, it can lead to frustration and academic challenges.

This episode outlines actionable steps students and parents can take when college accommodations aren’t enough, ensuring that students receive the support they need to thrive.

C...

Balancing the social and academic demands of college life can feel like a juggling act. On one hand, there’s the need to maintain relationships and enjoy the social experience of college. On the other, academic pressures like assignments, exams, and projects demand focus and discipline. Managing both simultaneously is key to a fulfilling and successful college experience.

This episode explores effective st...

Burnout is a common challenge for college students, especially those managing heavy workloads and personal responsibilities. Building healthy routines can help prevent burnout and improve overall well-being.

Trust me when I say this. Burnout has a profound effect on everything. EVERYTHING. It harms everything it touches. I’ve been burned out three times in my early to mid twenties. I learned something from...