What to Look for in a College if Your Teen Has a Learning Difference or Chronic Health Condition

If your teen has a learning difference or a chronic health condition, you already know how much thought and advocacy goes into helping them succeed. Choosing a college should be no different.

The good news? There are schools out there ready to support your student. The key is knowing what to look for—and what to ask.

Start With the Academic Support Structure

Not all disability services are the same. Ask:

  • Is there a dedicated learning center, and what’s the level of support (basic accommodations vs. comprehensive coaching)?

  • Are there fees for extended services?

  • What documentation is required to access support?

For Students With Health Needs (e.g., Crohn’s, diabetes, POTS, etc.)

  • Is there a health center on campus? What services do they offer?

  • Are professors trained or expected to offer flexibility when health issues interfere?

  • Can students request specific housing accommodations (e.g., private bathrooms, proximity to medical support)?

How Accessible Is the Campus Culture?

Support isn’t just about services—it’s about how welcomed your student feels.

  • Are disability services visible and respected on campus?

  • Do students feel comfortable advocating for themselves?

When You Visit or Research, Pay Attention To:

  • The language schools use (accommodation vs. support vs. inclusion)

  • Responsiveness of the disability office

  • Student reviews or anecdotes from those who’ve used these services

The Bottom Line:

Your student deserves to thrive in college, not just get by. That means finding a school where their academic, personal, and medical needs will be understood and supported.

When you approach the college process with this in mind, you’re not narrowing their future—you’re protecting and empowering it.

Call to Action:

I specialize in helping families navigate the college process with learning and medical needs in mind. If your teen needs extra support and you want help finding the right-fit schools, let’s talk. Email me at highperformanceacademics@gmail.com

https://www.highperformanceacademics.com/ 

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