Best Colleges for Neurodivergent Students

Neurodiversity is a phenomenon that often goes unnoticed and even overlooked by most institutions. While they boast of their education systems being extensive and comprehensive, most neurodivergent students would disagree. If you’re reading this article, you probably feel the same way. 

This blog can serve as your guide on the best colleges for autistic students, including the best schools for high-functioning autism and colleges with autism programs. We’ll also tackle the best colleges for ADHD, and help you understand what to look for when choosing a university as a neurodivergent student. 

• How to Choose the Best Colleges for Neurodivergent Students
• What Are the Best Colleges for Autistic Students?
• Colleges with Autism Programs
• What Are the Best Colleges for ADHD?
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

How to Choose the Best Colleges for Neurodivergent Students

The best colleges for neurodiversity are those that provide their students with free and accessible resources that can help them not only survive but also thrive in their new environment. Some other factors you also need to take into account when choosing a neurodiversity-friendly college are college websites, online forums, and guided sessions and tours. We’ll get into the reasons behind these considerations in this section.

College websites

This is the perfect place to begin your research because you get to do it from the comfort of your own home. From their website alone, you can find out if a college has the right services you want and need. These can include learning disability resource hubs, flexible class schedules and arrangements, and easy access to guidance counselors. 

In choosing the right college, you need to pay attention to the details of the resources they offer. Ask yourself questions like: Does their website showcase that their support is integrated across an entire range of departments and programs? Do they offer the specific learning structures I want? If I avail of these services, will there be additional fines towards my tuition fee?

Sometimes, the web design can also be a tell-tale sign of whether the college supports neurodiversity. If their website is easy to navigate, accommodation policies are clearly explained, and you can immediately find the right avenues for seeking help, then there’s a good chance that they do. However, do note that this is not the same for all cases. 

Online forums

Online forums on platforms like Facebook or Reddit can be a great way to get an insider look into the support that a specific college provides for its neurodivergent students. From personal anecdotes to traumatizing experiences, these online forums contain lots of stories on the personal lived experiences of the students who have enrolled there before. This makes it a great source of secondhand information about the college and whether they’re as great and inclusive as they make it seem. 

However, it’s also important to remember that whether positive or negative, each story is also just one account out of all the other students there before. You should also consider the other statements and remarks made by other previous students or even by their parents. This way, you can make sure that you are getting a more unbiased and general perspective.

Guided sessions and tours

After narrowing down your list of colleges, it’s a good idea to pay their campus a visit. If you’re especially sensitive to new environmental factors like noise levels, this will be a great chance for you to familiarize yourself with their general atmosphere. It can also be an opportunity to strike up a conversation with other students within the university and get a feel for their culture.

Aside from just visiting their campus, signing up for an official, guided tour should also be on your list of priorities. These sessions can greatly benefit your application since they will show that you’re really intent on learning more about their history and traditions as an institution. In return, you will also get to know the answers to your more specific questions that can’t be answered by their website or the online forums alone. 

A tip we can give on taking these guided sessions and tours is to ask the same set of questions for each college. You can approach the tour guide, admission officers, and even the college’s office for student support. This way, you can better compare their answers when deciding on the perfect college for you. 

What Are the Best Colleges for Autistic Students?

Recent data shows that 1 in 45 adults in the United States have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). In response, colleges have begun providing additional services and facilities to ensure that their students with special needs will have the support they need to succeed. So, what are the best colleges for autistic students, and which ones can be called the best schools for high-functioning autism?

Appalachian State University

Founded in 1899, this public university is located in Boone, North Carolina, and can be considered one of the best schools for high-functioning autism.

App State offers multiple services and resources for students on the autism spectrum, such as a support network called the Hub for Autism and Neurodiversity (HANd). This hub is open to all members of their community, free of charge, and includes nutrition assistance, library materials, and personalized educational help. 

The institution offers clinical and developmental services focused on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) such as low-volume diagnostics, in-depth assessments, and therapy. App State also has a student club dedicated to the neurodivergent community on campus, called the Neurodivergent Students and Allies Club. They also currently host a chapter of one of the largest autism advocacy organizations in the United States, Autism Speaks Inc.

Drexel University

As a global R1-level research university, Drexel believes in the importance of providing an inclusive learning environment for preparing graduates of diverse backgrounds to become “agents for positive change.” Aside from having a team dedicated to providing disability resources for students and their families, they also have a Center for Autism and Neurodiversity (CAN).

Formerly known as DASP or the Drexel Autism Support Program, CAN is a fee-based, student-centered program for neurodivergent Drexel students. They offer a number of student support tiers, with the highest costing $2,800 per term and the lowest costing $900. The program consists of one-on-one academic coaching, weekly scheduled study hours, and planned social events with the help of the Drexel student organization, Neurodragons.

Landmark College

Landmark College is a school specifically designed for students with learning disabilities, which makes it one of the best schools for high-functioning autism. From their branding alone, “The College for Students Who Learn Differently,” you can already tell they give high importance to neurodiversity. Compared to traditional universities, Landmark College has an exceptionally low 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring that individualized attention is given.

Located in Putney, Vermont, their institution offers various academic programs, recreational activities, and health and counseling services, all dedicated to providing their students with personal, directed assistance. Landmark College also boasts of its own research arm called the Landmark College Institute for Research and Training (LCIRT). 

LCIRT was made for pioneering research on learning disabilities and discovering innovative strategies and practices to improve teaching and learning outcomes for students with dyslexia, autism, and ADHD. Their institute also regularly shares their newfound information with the rest of the academic community through webinars and workshops. 

University of the Ozarks

Located north of downtown Clarksville, Arkansas, University of the Ozarks is a private institution focused on the liberal arts. However, money doesn’t have to be a big deciding factor if you’re considering this school. As of today, they have given out $11.9 million in institutional scholarships, with 99% of their students receiving financial aid. 

University of the Ozarks offers a comprehensive support program called the Jones Learning Center (JLC) for students with documented learning disabilities that possess above average intellectual abilities. It was established in 1971 and was one of the first programs in the country with this type of service. JLC currently offers two tracks of support, a comprehensive, pre-made program and a customizable program for students who want to design their own level of support.  

Colleges with Autism Programs

A total of 74 Autism-Specific College Support Programs (ASPs), located across 29 states, were identified in a 2021 study. Though there are still a lot of areas left uncovered, colleges have certainly started to see the importance of providing specialized support for students with ASD.

Here are some of the colleges and universities that offer ASPs in their curriculum:

What Are the Best Colleges for ADHD?

One of the major misconceptions about Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is that it can be outgrown as you grow older. Though it is more commonly diagnosed during childhood, ADHD is a long-term neurological condition and was reported to have affected at least 16 percent of college students in 2023. While it cannot exactly be cured, symptoms can change over time and get easier to manage as you grow older. 

As mental health disorders are slowly starting to lose their stigma, universities have also started to become more accepting and inclusive of their students with special needs. In the next part, we’ll discuss the schools that have taken a huge leap towards being neurodivergent-friendly. Most importantly, we’ll explain why they’re considered the best colleges for ADHD. 

Beacon College

As the first college in the United States accredited to provide higher education to students with learning disabilities and ADHD, Beacon College is focused on creating unique and customized approaches for learning. They are located in Leesburg, Florida and have a 14:1 student to faculty ratio. The college also has a relatively low 12-15 average class size which helps them provide each student with the attention and support they need.

Beacon College provides each enrolled student with a learning specialist every 2 years, which ensures that you receive individualized support specific to your needs and academic level. Peer tutoring, through their Open Learning program, is also highly supported and encouraged by their Center for Student Success. Another highlight of their campus and services is their Smiles with Sully program, starring Beacon’s therapy dog, Sully the Goldendoodle.  

Mitchell College

Mitchell College in Connecticut is another good choice for neurodivergent students with ADHD. They offer an interesting gap-year program specifically designed to ease students into college life after high school. Thames at Mitchell College is a holistic program that helps students receive a personalized, pre-college experience through courses with transferable college credits and specialized workshops.

Mitchell also features a comprehensive academic support program called the Bentsen Learning Center (BLC). Though fee-based, it can certainly aid students in gaining independence and empowerment in their academic life through BLC’s three-tiered academic support framework, as well as the guidance of their provided learning specialist. These are only some of the reasons why we can consider Mitchell College as one of the best colleges for ADHD.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What makes a college neurodiversity-friendly?

Neurodiversity-friendly colleges offer inclusive resources such as disability support services, flexible learning options, and student organizations specifically designed for neurodivergent individuals. They also prioritize creating a welcoming and accommodating campus environment for all students.

2. Do I need to disclose my neurodivergence when applying to colleges?

No, disclosure is not mandatory. However, sharing this information can help colleges better support you during the application process and after enrollment by providing tailored resources or accommodations.

3. Are there scholarships specifically for neurodivergent students?

Yes, many institutions and organizations offer scholarships for neurodivergent students, including those with autism, ADHD, or other learning differences. Check for opportunities with your prospective college’s financial aid office and external scholarship platforms.

4. What should I ask during campus tours as a neurodivergent student?

Ask about the accessibility of support services, the availability of accommodations, and whether their neurodiversity programs align with your needs. You can also inquire about faculty training, peer mentoring, and student-led advocacy groups.

5. Can I switch colleges if my chosen one doesn’t meet my needs?

Yes, transferring is a common option if your current college doesn’t offer the support you need. Many colleges have dedicated transfer advisors to assist you with the process.

Takeaways

• The best colleges for neurodivergent students prioritize accessible, inclusive resources such as autism support programs (ASPs), learning specialists, and low student-to-faculty ratios.
• Before making a decision, use college websites, online forums, and guided tours to gain insight into how well a school supports neurodivergent students.
• Colleges like Landmark, Beacon, and Drexel offer unique programs tailored to neurodivergent students, making them excellent choices for personalized support.
• Evaluate campus culture, community support, and extracurricular opportunities to ensure your college experience is well-rounded and accommodating.
• A person with special needs should reach out to an admissions counselor to discuss available accommodations and support services. Talk to one to make sure your unique needs are met throughout the application process and beyond.