2E Goes to College

For many American students, college is the next step after high school, or at least that’s what we’ve been told to believe. The fact is, post high school transition can include many steps, many changes, and look very different for every person. From starting college while still in high school, to taking space and time or joining the workforce directly, there are a wide variety of ways that learners transition from one stage to the next.

We have a few tips for our parents of college-level learners.

Make sure your child has a picture ID. One of the first lessons I learned when my child started college classes was that he needed a picture ID to do ANYTHING at the school. My child didn’t have a driver’s license or a state-issued ID. Thankfully, the college accepted a school ID, but it did mean we had to make a second trip out! Have your child check with the school to see what forms of ID they accept.

Transition executive skills you support to your child. Many 2e children struggle with executive function tasks. Many parents help support the executive functioning load of their 2e children just naturally. However, as children develop their own autonomy, it’s important that they also start gaining more agency over their executive function and any supports or accommodations. For example, many parents help remind their children of due dates or appointments, so when students go off to school, they may not have developed the skill set of tracking due dates. A few tips for transitioning this cognitive load back to your child prior to their college experience include:

Identifying where and how you support your child. Sit with you child and maybe ask them how they would like you to pass over any appointments that you have been managing.

Give your child executive function training. There are lots of training/coaching opportunities for students to help develop their executive function skills or to develop strategies for managing and organizing their lives. If your child is ready and motivated, take advantage of these outside resources.

Go to the bookstore to buy the books and check the books on the first day of class. There are so many complicated things that go with starting college classes. One easy way to get tripped up early is buying the wrong books, especially if you order them online. If possible, go with your child to help them navigate the book store, understand the way course catalogs are set up and associated with book, and then encourage your child to verify that they do have the right books with the teacher on the first day of class.

Connect with disability services and the teacher for any accommodations. IEPs and 504s don’t automatically transition over to college. If your child needs any support or services, help them connect with Disability Services on campus. Also, depending on your child’s advocacy and comfort with talking about their learning differences, they should connect with their teacher and discuss any accommodations that will help them be successful. Understood.org has a lot of really wonderful information about disability, learning differences, and how to support your child.

These are just a few tips that I have picked up along the way as I help my 2e child navigate the college experience. What are some tips you have learned? Let us know in the comments!

Psst… Keep watching the blogs. We have exciting news! Debbie Reber, Yes, THAT Debbie Reber is coming to talk with Sam. More details to follow!