Q: What should parents of students with learning differences keep in mind as they help their child prepare for college?
A: “The college transition is a critical juncture for students with learning differences,” says Jason Culp, head of the upper school at Lawrence School. “The most important consideration is whether the receiving college or university can appropriately and successfully accommodate for the student’s unique learning profile. While many colleges offer tutoring centers, such services may be insufficient for those students with more specific learning needs. It is important to ensure that the types of services the student received in high school are readily accessible at the college level. Additionally, parents should consider their child’s ability to advocate for him or herself. It will be exceptionally important for students to be able to speak candidly about their learning needs to those working in a support capacity, as well as professors who may not readily accommodate for a student with a learning challenge.”
