Elizabeth and Vicki were joined in this episode by Jane Thierfeld-Brown and Lorraine Wolf,  important experts in disability services in higher education. Jane and Lorre shared their insights into the complexities that autistic students face as they transition from high school to college. They shared their personal journeys as well as the work they’ve done together, including their new book, Neurodiversity in College: A Parent’s Guide for Autistic Students. Our conversation will help parents tackle the challenge of shifting from a parental “CEO” role to empowering students to manage their own educational journeys. We discussed how legal and practical responsibilities change from high school to college and why understanding these differences is crucial for a successful transition. In addition to talking about academic guidance, Jane and Lorre highlight the importance of social interaction and co-curricular activities and how building a supportive community around neurodivergent students can empower both students and families.

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We were excited to have Jane Thierfeld-Brown and Lorraine Wolf join us for this episode to talk about students with autism as they transition from high school to college. Jane and Lorre are recognized experts in this area and have so much information that can help parents as they help their students make this important transition.

Although this is an episode for a very specific population, so much of what Jane and Lorre shared will be helpful for all parents as they prepare their student for college. Jane and Lorre talked about the title of their very first chapter – Where have you been and where are you going?  The question that often follows is “What’s the goal?”  Such good questions for every student!

Jane and Lorre shared how hard parents often have to work to help their younger students succeed, but when they get to college the laws shift and the student needs to be in the driver’s seat. This can be a shock and surprise for parents. Helping parents begin to make the transition in high school can help that final transition go more smoothly. Allowing our students to have their own experiences – good or bad –  is essential.

Jane and Lorre reviewed the important information parents need to know about the differences between high school and college – academic, social, behavioral – as well as the differences between IDEA and ADA laws and regulations. They explained why beginning to scale back accommodations in high school will help their student become more college capable and ready for adulthood.

Jane and Lorre cautioned that parents need to understand the caseload that disabilities officers carry, but reassured us that there is an appropriate way to partner with parents. Knowing how to work with your student and the disabilities office can make an important difference.  Keeping the long-term goal in mind is essential.

Jane and Lorre shared that there are many programs that can help students with this transition. There is a list (and much more!) on their website: collegeautismspectrum.com. This is also the place to reach them.

After you hear this episode, you’ll want to check out Jane and Lorre’s book for much more information. – Neurodiversity and College: The Parent’s Guide for Autistic Students.

There’s also lots of additional, helpful information in Elizabeth’s book: 7 Steps to College Success: A Pathway for Students with Disabilities by Elizabeth Hamblet.

Don’t forget that you can listen to all of our previous podcast episodes here or subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also go to followthepodcast.com/collegeparentcentral to add our podcast (it’s free!) so that you’ll receive each new episode as we release it.

Let us know what you’d like to hear about on future podcasts! Leave a comment below or email us at [email protected].

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