Neurodiversity and College - 2nd Edition by Jane Thierfeld Brown & Lorraine Wolf (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Help to Make the College Experience a Great One for Your Autistic Student!

Sending a child off to college is a daunting experience for most parents, but if your child is neurodiverse, the challenge is magnified. Even students with excellent academic preparation face difficulties in higher education, primarily related to communication, social skills, and sensory-based issues.

This parent-friendly book, written by parents who also are autism professionals, takes fear and mystery out of the college experience. The new edition takes a detailed look at:

• Changes and challenges for parents in college applications
• New and expanding college programs for autistic students
• The role of parents in the transition from being the advocate to supporting their student in self-advocating

Advance Praise for Neurodiversity and College

Targeted for parents supporting autistic and neurodivergent individuals heading toward higher education and professionals within the field, this state-of-the-art resource has a plethora of easy to implement, practical solutions for students applying to, attending, and transitioning out of college. This is the book I wish my parents had as they were guiding me through my education.

-- Stephen Shore, Ed.D, Clinical Associate Professor of Special Education, Adelphi University; internationally known author, consultant, and presenter on autism and neurodiversity issues; autistic individual

Review Quotes

"With increasing numbers of autistic students attending college, this practical look at important topics, such as bullying, online safety, and sleeping and sensory issues, that may arise during the college years will prove a beneficial resource for parents and students." -- Library Journal

"Perfectly targeted at the nexus of parents supporting autistic and otherwise neurodivergent individuals heading toward higher education and professionals within the field, this state-of-the-art resource is packed with easy-to-implement, practical solutions for promoting success for students applying to, remaining in, and transitioning out of college. A resource that will help educate my students for supporting these individuals through the college experience, this is the book I wish my parents had as they were guiding me through my education." -- Stephen Shore, Ed.D, Clinical Associate Professor of Special Education, Adelphi University; internationally known author, consultant, and presenter on autism/neurodiversity issues. Autistic individual

"Relinquishing the role of CEO and teaching their autistic student to manage their life and education is scary for most families....These authors know this road better than anyone - on both a professional and personal level. They are the leading experts in the field and the best possible guides through this exciting but anxiety-provoking transition. Parents are so lucky to have this new edition, which covers everything you'd expect from authorities with the experience they have - how to choose a school, managing the admissions process, what shifting laws mean for students, the many environments they have to adjust to, and even how they can start planning for work after college. I will be recommending this book to all parents of students with autism who are even thinking about college." -- Elizabeth C. Hamblet, College Learning Disabilities Specialist, College Transition Expert, and Author of Seven Steps to College Success: A Pathway for Students with Disabilities.

"Jane Thierfeld Brown and Lorre Wolf have done it again! This revised and updated version of their groundbreaking book, The Parent's Guide to College for Students with Autism, continues the critical discussion of how parents can support their neurodivergent children as they prepare for and transition to higher education. With decades of experience as scholars, educators, and (most importantly) parents of neurodivergent children, Jane and Lorre offer background, advice, and strategies that will undoubtedly empower parents, families and their autistic students for years to come. A must read for families!" -- Adam R. Lalor, Ph.D. vice president for neurodiversity research and innovation, Landmark College, co-author of From Disability to Diversity: College Success for Students with Learning Disabilities, ADHD, and Autism Spectrum Disorder and co-editor of The New Accessibility in Higher Education: Disrupting the System for an Inclusive Future

"An essential guide for families of college-bound autistic students. This neuro-affirming book offers expert advice, practical strategies, and invaluable tools to navigate the complex transition to higher education. Drawing on decades of combined experience, the authors offer valuable insights on some of the most crucial aspects of the transition to college life, including making disclosure decisions, working effectively with disability services, and fostering communication between parents, students, and college staff. This essential resource serves as an important primer for leveraging the college experience as a foundation for successful future employment." -- Laurie Ackles, Executive Director, Washington Neurodiversity Project

"By demystifying the college experience their children will encounter, the authors make it possible for parents to be useful guides in this challenging transition. This book levels the playing field in significant ways, helping parents understand the limitations and opportunities of advocating for a student while demonstrating respect for the professionals who do this work every day. This new edition will "move the needle" for the field of college autism support, providing guidance for work that is challenging and rewarding." -- Lee Burdette Williams, Executive Director, College Autism Network