Starting college is an exciting milestone, but it can also be a time of emotional upheaval. Many students experience homesickness as they adjust to a new environment, make new friends, and face academic challenges. Homesickness in college is common, but with the right strategies, you can overcome it and enjoy your college experience to the fullest. In this episode, we'll explore effective tips to help you manage and reduce homesickness for first-year college students.

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Last week I hope you and your student learned a lot about effective note taking. This week, Katie Azevedo is back for part 2, effective study strategies. I know from my 15 years on a college campus, that a student can have a great mindset, wellness plans, and time management, but that student won’t succeed if they don’t have good study skills. So, what are those skills and how does a student develop them?  My guest, Katie Azevedo, has some great suggestions for your student. 

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Here are some of my favorite episodes that you may not have heard. These contain some of the most overlooked, but essential information. Each of these episodes fills a gap in information and guidance that is hard to find. Yet, this episode highlights past episodes covering critical topics like documentation requirements, gap year considerations, college choice and a lot more. Some of it’s a warning about information that’s put out!

I'm happy that I've put this information out there for you. Even if some of these episodes don't match your circumstances, chances are that it will for someone you know. 

Are you on my email list? Well, all summerlong my episodes are covering some important topics and those on my email list will know first and get all the links. So be sure to get on my email list so you can have all the links in one place. Click Newsletter below. 

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Developing the right mindset for time management for college is a critical change some students don't make. It's unfortunate because being more skilled at time management can mean the world for your grades. It also means having more social time, more fun, less stress, and being responsible. If students don't develop the skills, then they have a harder time succeeding. 

The major barriers are a student's mindset, and the skills needed for time management in college. Why start with mindset? Think of it this way. If a student is not invested in managing their time or has certain beliefs about time management, that can hinder or even stop a student from developing the skills they need. 

This episode is a module directly from my course Time Management Essentials for College Students. I teach you how to develop the right mindset around time management. I've seen some students just don't know how to develop the skill, while others think managing their time is a hindrance. Both need the skill and can benefit from having an effective mindset around time.

Are you on my email list? Well, all summerlong my episodes are covering some important topics and those on my email list will know first, and get all the links. So be sure to get on my email lsit so you can have all the links in one place. Click Newsletter below. 

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There’s a lot of information about college transition and success. Yet, most are not practical and don’t come from those involved in college. So, what are some of the simple and over looked college succes tips?

I warn you that none of these college success tips are complicated. Yet, as I've stated before, 'simple doesn't mean easy.' Most are going to take intentionality and consistency. If you student wants to do well in college, these tips are essential to making success happen. 

There is really no other way to say it. You cannot be succesful in anything without being consistently intentional using the right skills. Day in and day out, holidays, breaks, weekends, every day is a day to use these skills. Here's the ultimate pay off. Your student's grades are better semester after semester and they graduate. Period. 

Are you on my email list? Well, all summer long my episodes are covering some important topics and those on my email list will know first, and get all the links. So be sure to get on my email lsit so you can have all the links in one place. Click Newsletter below. 

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I’ve said it before. K-12 does a horrible job of teaching self-advocacy. I find it tragic and neglectful that it’s not taught. A ton of people advocate for it, emphasize it, and even set goals for it. But they all get it wrong. What’s the best way to teach it and what do you need to do for your student to learn to self-advocate?

Here are eight episodes that focus all on self-advocacy for students with ADHD, learning disabilities like dyslexia, and mental health conditions. If you're new to self-advocacy, these episodes will be a great primer for developing this in your student.. 

Self-advocacy all starts with self-awareness and builds from there. I've said it before and will continue saying it. You cannot advocate from a position of ignorance. As your student builds their awareness of their disability and how it affects them, their knowledge increases as does their ability and confidence to speak about it. 

Click the link below to get the college services planner mentioned in the episode. 

College Services Planner Click Here

Help for your College Journey

Advocacy Transition Program

Self-Advocacy for Higher Education: A Step by Step Guide to Preparing to Request Accommodations in College

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Being prepared and preparing your student for college are shared goals. The better they are prepared, the less regret you have and possibly less stress. How do you get your senior with a hidden disability prepared to make the shift to college?

For students with ADHD, learning disabilities, dyslexia, and mental health conditions, there is a lot more to prepare. It's not just getting bedding, totes, and a mini-refigerator. It's about mindset and expectations, self-awareness and knowledge about your disability, self-advocacy, time management, and focusing on mental health. 

Each one of these areas requires time, focus, and intentionality. All are crucial components to collge success. It's best to get these steps down before your student steps foot on a college campus. If you wait, then your student has to play catch-up while trying to cope with the emotional stress and anxiety, and maintain grades and academic workload. That's a lot to ask. It's why I like letting you know ahead of time so you can prepare. 

There's a lot with college transition. As a parent who's done this twice already, I can tell you that there are always things you wish you did or said differently. Yep, I've been on a college campus for a minute for sure, but that does not mean I did everything right. I had some parental regrets that you can learn from.

I made mistakes. Not happy about it, but I get to pass on my experiences and lessons so you can benefit. It's a little personal in this episode and it's all from a place of reflection and a desire to help you on your journey.

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Guide your teen from high school to college with these 10 episodes. I have 10 of the most important podcast episodes all to help you and your student. It's a list of the college transition essential information. For students with hidden disabilities, it can be a game changer. I can guarantee this information was not in your IEP or 504 plan or transition planning. So, let me help fill in the gaps. 

Episodes are not in any specific order, but they do pack a lot of essential information in one place. So, bookmark and download each episode. Take some time when you're in your car, on the beach, or relaxing with your coffee in the morning (or afternoon, or mid-day, or late afternoon).

1. Ep. 6 How to Get Disability Accommodations for College Students
2.  
3. Ep. 17 Get Ahead of the Game: 5 Essential Realities Every Freshman Should Know About College
4.  
5. Ep. 28 Want to Supercharge Your College Transition? Summer Planning for College Disability Accommodations 
6.  
7. Ep. 35 Top 4 Underused Strategies to Make your College Transition Better
8.  
9. Ep. 52 An Important Truth. You Need to Let Them Fail.
10.  
11. Ep. 61 College Transition Tips: What are Important First Semester Student Responsibilities
12.  
13. Ep. 65 Seven Helpful Questions About College Services You Need to Ask
14.  
15. Ep. 72 College Success: Revealing the Top 3 Areas You Need to Know
16.  
17. Ep. 75 College Transition Tips: 3 Things to Do Now Before High School Graduation.
18.  
19. Ep. 76 This is The Special Role Dads Have in College Transition.

We do not discuss the Dads' role in college transition. Dads, you have a special role to play in your student's college journey and self-advocacy. Your connection to your student is unique and special. Dads bring a significant role and perspective to the college transition process. Your student's college success and a better college transition with Dads' special skillset.

Students with disabilities like ADHD, learning disabilities, and mental health conditions need parental support throughout the college experience. Dads can help ensure their student is prepared and informed. Dads should not be left out of the college transition plans, discussions, conversations etc. Let's face it, some things dads may be better at and not mom. No slight towards moms at all. Just saying that dads have a role that's just as important as yours and that role needs support too.

May is all about getting ready before graduation. Today is about the three things you and your student need to do before they graduate. For students with hidden disabilities like ADHD, learning disabilities, and mental helath conditions, there's a bit more to do before college starts. What are those three things and how do they help with college transition? 

Well, it's more than buying totes and mini-refrigerators. Those are great things, but they are not going to get your student off to a good start. The paractical things are not going to give them the access their disability needs. What will? Good knowledge of thier disability. Being able to speak about it with confidence. Knowing thier strengths and deficits. Applying for disability accommodations, and getting to know the supports that may need to use. 

Advocacy Transition Program

Self-Advocacy for Higher Education: A Step by Step Guide to Preparing to Request Accommodations in College

Time Management For College Students

Are you on my email list? Well, all summerlong my episodes are covering some important topics and those on my email list will know first, and get all the links. So be sure to get on my email lsit so you can have all the links in one place. Click Newsletter below. 

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Book: Self-Advocacy for Higher Education: A Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing to Request Accommodations in College. Available on Amazon in Kindle and Paperback formats. 

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Getting prepared for college is a huge task. There's not just the practical stuff like bedding, snacks, food, mini fridge etc. There is also the adult topics to discuss. As a parent of a college student, these college transition conversations are critical to have. Why? No regrets. None at all. Even if something happens, which I pray it doesn't, at least you know, as a parent, that you did what you could. It's also a much better college transition for them and you.

Students with ADHD, learning disabilities, and mental health issues need these college transition conversations to happen. At best, you get them prepared to consider other aspects of college life that your student may not have. Here six topics you might consider. At worst, they find it annoying. Regardless, they will be more prepared as they consider these conversations. Some are for their safety, some for their character, and some to keep them at their best.

All September long are episodes for your first year college student to develop the skills, mindset, and plans needed to be a successful college student. Today is part one of a two part interview with my special guest Katie Azevedo. Part one is about note taking. Note taking is an essential skill set for learning in the classroom. Knowing how to take effective notes helps a student study effectively. How does a student develop good note taking skills? Listen in on my conversation with my special guest Katie Azevedo.

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This is the second in a series this month all about college transition tips for parents and getting prepared. College transition is hard especially for students with ADHD, learning disabilities, and mental health conditions. Getting accommodations is vital as well as maintaining time and mental wellbeing. What if something goes wrong? I mean really wrong, like life went sideways-type wrong. It happens, more than you think. So, what options does a student have if something occurs that impacts school in a negative way? 

Learn about five of the most important policies that can help your student navigate through some of college's most challenging moments. Most importantly, two of these policies can save your student’s life and the life of someone else’s student. No joke, these two policies are here to save lives, bottom line. A close second is keeping your student in school. 

I hope you never need these policies, ever. If you do, you’ll know which policies can help and when to use them. The best part is that once you inform your student of these policies, it won't be the first time they've heard of them. That means your student is more inclined to remember them and use them if necessary. Repetition works. So, grab a notebook and pen, and take some notes. This is a College Transition Tips for Parents episode you'll want to have on hand if you need them. So, bookmark this page so you can come back to it any time.

March is College Prep month and I’m kicking it off with an episode to help guide you and your student to college success. If you could only pick three things that would make every student with a hidden disability successful in college, what three things would you pick? If you’ve listened to the podcast for a while, you have a good shot at picking these 3. 

These are simple, actionable steps. In this episode, you know what the three areas are, how they relate to college success, and what to do now to help your student prepare. Whether your student is still in high school or in college, this episode equips you with the tools needed to prepare for college and beyond.

The areas I review are simple to implement. However, simple may not mean easy. No worries, I have a lot of help for you.

Self-Advocacy for Higher Education Book

Soft Skills Planner

Wellness Planning Podcast Episodes

The Best Mental Health Wellness Plan For College Students

How To Cultivate A Mental Health First Mindset.

Does your mental health come first? What would happen if it did? What would happen if everything revolved around what was best for your mental health?

Everything in college relates to a mental health first mindset. Here are a few examples. Anxious college students don't study as well and don't remember as much for tests. Stressed students are not as productive and sometimes will put off assignments making stress worse. Depressed students may miss classes which causes secondary anxiety and worry about the work that was missed. 

That's just the start. Poll any number of people and sk them if mental health is important. They will tell you it is. Then ask them if they put their mental health first. Most, if not all, will say that they don't. Students will say the same. Yet, good mental health is the foundation upon which everything else builds and thrives. 

So how do you cultivate a mental health first mindset? This episode is about cultivating a mental health first mindset. What does that mean? If mental health is fist, what are the benefits of this? How can we learn to put our mental health first and what happens when we don't? 

This is a great episode to help your student get prepared for college. Now, is a great time to do this. Guess what? You can do it to. Yep, in fact, I think your student will make the shift a lot easier knowing you're doing it too.

Today on the podcast, Rebecca King is joining me to talk all things heathy eating and changing your relationship with food to be healthier for those with ADHD. She's and ADHD'er too. Developing intuitive eating habits for ADHD is a critical aspect of a healthy relationship with food. Here's what you'll learn on this episode:

What are some of the big issues around food and eating for those with ADHD? What is intuitive eating? How does this apply to ADHD? How does it apply to college success?

It's common for those with ADHD to have some issues with eating. Moreover, it's not just a lack of hunger because of their medications. ADHD can affect eating habits, food choices, and how someone perceives food. Did you know that it's common for ADHD'ers to misinterpret hunger cues too? This episode is packed with information and helpful advice to develop healthy intuitive eating habits for ADHD.

Rebecca provides practical and actionable tips to help you develop better intuitive eating habits for ADHD, fueling your brain and body so your student can perform at their best in college.

You can find out more about Rebecca here: 

Rebecca King • Dietitian (@adhd.nutritionist) • Instagram photos and videos

All the episodes this month are about mental wellness. You will hear me say it over and over again, 'mental health is the foundation upon which everything else is built." It's true. Yet, we all fall off this wagon and it seems harder to do. 

Truth is, it's simple but simple doesn't mean easy. So, how do we get our student to buy into it and incorporate wellness into thier college transition? Here's a secret. It's not that hard to do and keep up with. I'll show you how, what happends when students focus on this, and what happens when they don't. 

It's all about getting them prepared and focused on what's best for them. So they can be at their best. 

College Accommodations Checklist

College Transition Essentials Course

Advocacy Transition Program

Time Management Essentials For College Students

College Accommodations Checklist

College Transition Essentials Course

Self-Advocacy for Higher Educaiton Course

Time Management Essentials For College Students

It’s a very important question and probably the most asked question. Does my student need a new evaluation for college? How Do you know when a new one is needed?  I’ll let you know the three steps you need to take to make the best decision for your student.

Understanding Disability Documentation:

School Documentation Requirements

Student Accommodations Assessment:

Each area has a lot of information. So, take some notes. 

Click the link below to get the college services planner mentioned in the episode. 

College Services Planner Click Here

Step into the realm of college scholarships with me as we take a look at college scholarships. This is a special podcast episode that delves into a subject rarely explored in disability circles – scholarships. In this exclusive session, I am joined by expert Kara Walker. Did I mention she graduated debt free? That’s a story you do not want to miss! 

Kara will be our guide, leading us through the labyrinth of finding scholarships, bringing attention to what she aptly terms the “scholarship iceberg.” This metaphorical iceberg represents the vast expanse of opportunities lurking beneath the surface, waiting to be discovered. Discovering these hidden gems requires a specific approach, and Kara will generously share her expertise on navigating this terrain. 

BIO: Kara Walker graduated from college debt-free, and is now on a quest to help other students do the same with her podcast, “Money and Mental Peace.” She is a twenty-something Christian entrepreneur, amateur snowboarder, and recovering over-achiever. Kara can help you get scholarships and pay for college without student loans!

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/money-and-mental-peace-scholarships-budget-tips/id1602608122

Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/734349047530666 

Dive deeper into the world of college services for students with learning disabilities, dyslexia, mental health conditions, and ADHD. There are a lot of services for every student at college. Which services does you student need to consider? And how do you factor college services into your student’s school choice?  In this episode, learn how to help your student explore thier indivudual needs, college services offered, and decide which college has the right combination of services for for your student.  #CollegeServices #StudentSupports #Empowerment

College Services Planner

In this episode of After the IEP, we tackle a crucial concern for parents and students alike – choosing the right college for individuals with disabilities. Navigating the complexities of college selection can be daunting, especially when it comes to accommodating specific needs. Join us as we discuss the importance of finding a college that aligns with your disability requirements, focusing on learning differences (LD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and mental health (MH). We emphasize the significance of prioritizing your needs over wants, understanding your disability, and being open to necessary accommodations. With practical tips, we guide you through essential questions to ask, ensuring the chosen college provides the necessary support and learning environment. The ultimate goal is to empower students and parents to make informed decisions, reducing tension and fostering mature decision-making.

Free Guides

College Services Planner

College Accommodations Checklist

Podcasts 

Beyond the Brochure: The Ultimate Guide to College Tours for Students with Hidden Disabilities

top-5-consequences-of-not-having-accommodations-in-college

Blog Post

The College Tour for Students with Hidden Disabilities: Services

Not Requesting Accommodations in College? Read this first.

Starting college is a significant milestone, but it also comes with its challenges. One common mistake first-year students make is not seeking help early. Whether it's academic, emotional, or social support, reaching out for help can make a substantial difference in your college experience. We explore why seeking help early is crucial, common barriers to asking for help, and practical tips for accessing the support you need.

Show Links

Episode 71: How to Cultivate a Mental Health First Mindset

Episode 69: The Best Mental Health Wellness Plan for College Students

Help for your College Journey

Advocacy Transition Program

My Book- Self-Advocacy for Higher Education: A Step by Step Guide to Preparing to Request Accommodations in College

Time Management For College Students

FREE Stuff

College Accommodations Checklist

College Services Planner Click Here

Web Page Accessing College

Mastering self-advocacy is not just a valuable skill but a key determinant of a student's success in college. Recognizing its significance is one thing, but understanding how to effectively apply it is another. This episode reviews practical steps to take at home for both parents and students. Improve self-advocacy skills at home with some easy, practical steps that will help in college and beyond.  

Click the link below to get the College Accommodations Checklist. 

College Accommodations Checklist Click Here

My Book

Self-Advocacy for Higher Education

In this podcast episode, we answer the question: Why self-advocacy is important? This is a pivotal question for self-advocacy for college students with disabilities. While self-advocacy is widely acknowledged and supported, self-advocacy skills are absent from K-12. In addition, self-advocacy's significance within higher education and beyond often remains overlooked. 

I redefine self-advocacy as a lot more than "speaking up." Self-advocacy begins by  fostering self-awareness, navigating strengths and weaknesses. From there a student should know about the disability, how it affects them, and what accommodations work for them or not.  Self-advocacy extends to encompassing seeking help when necessary and prioritizing overall wellness for college and beyond. 

Self-advocacy is a lot more than just speaking up. It has a great influence on college success and even  influencing subsequent generations. Join me as I uncover the essential components of self-advocacy. 

Self-Advocacy for Higher Education Book

Soft Skills Planner

Self-Advocacy for Higher Education Course

Unravel the complexities of college responsibilities in this episode! Gain valuable insights into managing daily tasks, notifying instructors, and optimizing accommodations for academic success. Learn how proactive communication and informed choices about accommodations impact the college journey. We explore the use of assistive technology, test accommodations' intricacies, and troubleshooting techniques. This episode equips students and parents with indispensable guidance for a seamless transition into college life. Tune in to unlock the keys to a successful first semester and empower students to navigate their responsibilities with confidence!

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College Services Planner

Are you or someone you know plagued by the dreaded Sunday scaries? It’s a common phenomenon among students, but it doesn’t have to rule the weekend. Let’s delve into how a simple change in perspective can transform those anxious feelings into normal pre-week concerns.

Welcome to "After the IEP," where we dive into navigating the college experience. In this episode, "College Transition Tips: Seeking help? What gets in the way?" we unpack the complexities surrounding asking for help in college.

Parents often worry about their student's ability to seek assistance when needed. However, various factors hinder this process. From denial and the pressure to appear independent to the fear of failure ingrained in us, these barriers often overshadow the necessity of seeking help. We explore how our belief that we should inherently know what to do impacts our willingness to ask for support. Moreover, the abundance of resources available sometimes goes unnoticed, leaving students unaware of the aid at their disposal.

Distractions and conflicting priorities further compound the challenge. By addressing these hurdles head-on, we empower both parents and students to recognize these barriers and proactively overcome them. Tune in for strategies and insights on navigating this essential aspect of the college journey on "After the IEP."

Ep. 30 How to go From Stress to Success: Growth Mindset for College Students

Ep 56 One Skill That Can Change Their Life: Resilience - Accessing College

College Services Panner

Time Management Essentials Course for College Students - (accessingcollege.com)

In the realm of higher education, the desire for life balance is a common refrain among students. However, what if the pursuit of balance is not the key to success? In this blog post, we challenge the conventional wisdom surrounding the pursuit of life balance and propose an alternative approach: life flexibility.

As After the IEP reaches its one-year milestone, it’s time to celebrate a journey filled with invaluable conversations, transformative insights, and empowering discussions, specifically tailored for students navigating the transition from high school to college, particularly those with disabilities. Here is After The IEP’s first anniversary special.

Failure, a pivotal part of the learning process, deserves its spotlight. In our exploration, we unravel the idea that failure isn’t an endpoint but a launchpad for growth. Coupled with a growth mindset, we empower parents to guide their children in viewing setbacks as opportunities for development.

Join us as we unravel the intricacies of decision-making and the impact our emotions can have on this process.  Ever found yourself making decisions from extreme emotional states? It happens more often than we realize, impacting our college journey. In this episode, we delve into the dangers of emotion-based choices and strategies to triumph over them. So, grab your notebook and pen, and let's dive into crucial insights for a successful college experience.

Discover what constitutes emotion-based decisions, stemming from boredom, lack of motivation, or feeling overwhelmed. Uncover their consequences - from lower grades to decreased focus and increased procrastination. Emotions often overpower rationality, but there are remedies. Strengthen your mind to surpass emotional hurdles by gaining experience in overcoming them. Learn practical approaches: finding novelty in mundane classes, breaking goals into manageable steps, and initiating progress from small tasks when feeling overwhelmed. 

Welcome to "After the IEP," where we're diving into the essential skillsets crucial for college triumphs. In this episode, "The Best Skillsets for Proven College Success," we unpack the roadmap to thrive in higher education.

Crafted explicitly for soft skills development, the Soft Skills Planner is used. It's a personalized tool designed to cultivate the fundamental skills pivotal for college triumphs. Whether you're a high schooler gearing up for the transition or already navigating college waters, this episode is a compass guiding your skill-building journey.

From mindset shifts—emphasizing growth over perfection—to actionable steps, like self-assessment and seeking external perspectives, we outline a strategic approach. Learn how to prioritize skills, rate yourself accurately, and make impactful changes by focusing on the most crucial, easiest, hardest, and high-impact skills.

Grab your notebook, pen, and tune in to chart your path to college success. It's never too early or late to start honing these skills—your future self in college and the workplace will thank you!

Soft Skills Planner

Time Management Essentials Course for College Students

The first month of college is an exciting and transformative time and the time for first year- college student mistakes. Newfound independence, new friends, and a new academic environment present both opportunities and challenges. However, this transition period is often accompanied by common mistakes that can affect a student's academic and personal well-being. Here are the top five mistakes first-year college students make during their first month and how to avoid them.

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Advocacy Transition Program

My Book- Self-Advocacy for Higher Education: A Step by Step Guide to Preparing to Request Accommodations in College

Time Management For College Students

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College Services Planner Click Here

Web Page Accessing College

In this episode, we delve into the pivotal task of assessing your semester—especially when it seems like everything went smoothly. We explore the necessity of avoiding complacency and seeking areas for improvement even in successful times.

We start by reflecting on what went well, conducting a comprehensive class review that delves into preferred elements, dislikes, professors' impacts, and key information gained. A skills review follows, spotlighting eight essential skills using a soft skills planner available in the show's description for guidance.

Referencing previous episodes like Ep 33 and Ep 24, we offer additional resources for assessing and initiating changes, including insights from the TM course. We tackle obstacles that hindered progress, emphasizing the importance of making plans for improvement while capitalizing on existing strengths.

The episode culminates in a strategic guide on what to do differently, highlighting the significance of identifying what NOT to do for future success. Whether your semester was outstanding or challenging, this episode equips you with the tools to assess, strategize, and thrive.

Episode 24 

Episode 33

Soft Skills Planner

Time Management Course

I realize this will be a tough topic for most parents, but it's an essential aspect of education: letting your students fail. It might be difficult to do, and even harder to watch, but trust us, you'll never regret it. So, grab a notebook and pen, because we've got some invaluable insights coming your way.

Failure is a fundamental part of the learning journey, and we're here to break down the benefits. We'll discuss the emotional side of letting them fail and how to navigate this challenging aspect of parenting and teaching.

Your role as a parent or educator is pivotal in this process. 

Failure isn't the end of the road; it's a stepping stone to success. Tune in to this episode of "After the IEP" and learn how to embrace this important truth. Your child's future success and happiness depend on it. So, let's cue the intro and get started on this transformative journey together.

Here's the link to the book and my course that walks you through the process step-by-step. 

Self-advocacy for Higher Education Book

Self-Advocacy for Higher Education Course

Free Stuff

College Services Planner Free  

College Accommodations Checklist Click Here

Get ready for the ultimate guide to conquering finals with your college student on "After the IEP"! As the semester winds down, the pressure amps up. In this episode, we delve into strategies to support your student during this crucial period.

Discover the importance of a wellness plan and how your student can navigate stress effectively. Whether they're a commuter or living on campus, find out how you, as a parent, can offer valuable support. Explore the available resources within the school and learn how to adjust to reduced communication during finals.

From care packages to time management tips, we cover it all. Is tutoring or academic coaching necessary? What about incorporating finals activities into their routine? Don't miss insights on encouraging healthy sleep habits for optimal performance.

Tune in to equip yourself with practical tips and foster your student's success during the finals frenzy! Grab your notebook, and let's ace those exams together!

As mentioned here's the links to the College Services Planner and the course for mental health profesisonals and clients. 

College Services Planner Free  

Course for Mental Health Professionals and Clients

AND Don't forget to leave a review and hit that follow/subscribe button. 

Today, we're diving into a rather unconventional idea: the power of being more selfish. You heard that right, but before you raise your eyebrows, let us redefine what selfishness means.

In this episode, we'll debunk the negative connotations associated with selfishness and show you how embracing it can benefit your college student with a disability in ways you never imagined.

Do you want your student to know how to self-advocate? 

Here's the link to the book and my course that walks you through the process step-by-step. 

Self-advocacy for Higher Education Book

Self-Advocacy for Higher Education Course

In today's episode, we're diving deep into the transformative effects of practicing gratitude and how it can significantly impact your life. You'll discover that something truly special happens when you embrace gratitude in your daily routine.

Gratitude has the power to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and even decrease your heart rate. It acts as a shield against the storms of life, making you more resilient to stress by invoking the relaxation response within you. But that's just the beginning.

So, join us in this insightful episode as we explore how the simple act of practicing gratitude can unlock the door to a healthier, happier, and more joyful life. Get ready to experience the profound transformations that await when you embrace the power of gratitude.

Here are two resources you may consider. 

College Services Planner FREE

Course for Mental Health Professionals and Clients. 

And don't forget to follow/subscribe where you get your podcast. 

You might already know that I'm not a fan of the "never tell the student the diagnosis" crowd, but in this episode, we'll explore situations where delaying the revelation makes sense. Grab your notebook and pen because you won't want to miss this discussion.

I'll shed (much needed) light on the complex decision of when to reveal a diagnosis to a child. Tune in, learn, and let's work together to provide the best support and understanding for our children.

Do you want your student to know how to self-advocate? 

Here's the link to the book and my course that walks you through the process step-by-step. 

Self-advocacy for Higher Education Book

Self-Advocacy for Higher Education Course

Hey there, parents, guardians, and educators! Are you getting ready to send your high school graduate off to college? It's an exciting time, but it can also be a little nerve-wracking, especially if your child has a diagnosis that's been kept under wraps. In this episode of After The IEP, we're diving into the vital reasons why you should let your college-bound student in on their diagnosis.

Imagine sending your young adult into the world without giving them a map. That's what happens when they don't know their diagnosis. It's like setting out on a journey with no idea where you're headed. We'll explain how this simple revelation gives them a correct starting point, helping them navigate their educational path with confidence.

Do you want your student to know how to self-advocate? 

Listen in and find out!

Here's the link to the book and my course that walks you through the process step-by-step. 

Self-advocacy for Higher Education Book

Self-Advocacy for Higher Education Course

Do you know what it takes to have your student self-advocate in college? Where does a parent start? What information is important for your student to know? Is it complicated? Will it take a long time? How does it even relate to college or their success?

In this episode of After The IEP podcast, I'm going over the five steps for self-advocacy. These are the five things your student needs to advocate for their disability in college. It's directly based on my book Self-Advocacy for Higher Education: A Step-by-Step Guide To Preparing To Request Accommodations In College.  

I firmly believe that a knowledgeable student is a prepared student. Your student cannot advocate for a place of ignorance. That starts with you, the parent. These five steps for self-advocacy will give your student a solid beginning for college.

If you know what to focus on and how best to get them the information, then your student has a much better chance of successfully advocating for their needs. It also leads to them being more self-aware, more resilient, and ask for help when they need it. 

It also maximizes the chance of them requesting accommodations in college and not waiting to do so. Remember this statistic: students who wait to request accommodations are 3 times less likely to graduate. Let that sink in. 

Do you want your student to know how to self-advocate? 

Here's the link to the book and my course that walks you through the process step-by-step. 

Self-advocacy for Higher Education Book

Advocacy Transition Program

More resources for your college journey:  

Soft-skills Planner

Self-Advocacy for Higher Education: A Step-by-Step Workbook

If you have a student with a mental health condition, chances are they are taking a medication to help manage it. What happens if they have to change that medication at some point in the semester? 

Medications come with thier own set of issues. Changing a medicaiton comes with it's own set of issues. When taking college classes, the a medicaiton change can be challenging. 

What do you do you need to consider?

What are the risks? 

How can thgey get through it in the best way possible? 

What policies do you need to know about in case you need to use them? 

Who do you need to communicate with? Which offices need to be involved? 

Here's what I'll cover:

1. Know the risks ahead of making the change

2. Discuss the change with your support team. 

3. Identify the students needs during the medicaiton change. 

4. Communicate with the appropriate campus offices if needed.

5. Know the school policies that may help. 

Handling a medicaiton change can be challenging. At college the stakes are even higher, but it can be managed successfull. Your student does not need to get behing nor drop out, but they need to consider all the options in as much advance as possible. 

Here are two resources you may consider. 

College Services Planner FREE

Course for Mental Health Professionals and Clients. 

And don't forget to follow/subscribe where you get your podcast. 

Atending college is no joke. It's hard for anyone. If the current statistics show anything, it that college is stressful and difficult. So how do students deal with all of that while having a mental health issue? I boiled it all down the top five ways. There are many more but theses are the five that will make the most difference and the biggest impact. 

What are they? 

1. Apply for accommodations.
2. Supports (needed vs. available).
3. Get a wellness plan together. 
4. Practice independence skills.
5. Safety. 

Yeah, it's a packed episode! So, grab a paper and pen and because each point has more information that can help you guide your student to being at their best and independently managing their mental health.  

Here's the course and the free services planner I mentioned in the episode. 

College Services Planner FREE

Course for Mental Health Professionals and Clients. 

And don't forget to follow/subscribe where you get your podcast. 

Starting college is an exciting milestone, but it also brings numerous challenges. One of the most common mistakes first-year students make is neglecting self-care. The demands of academic life, social activities, and newfound independence can lead to poor health habits. Prioritizing self-care is crucial for maintaining physical and mental well-being. This episode explores why self-care is important and offers practical tips for first-year college students.

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College choice is one of the most difficult aspects of the college journey. It gets more difficult the more a student needs to look at the suervices and supports available for a specific issue. Mental health conditions are no less important when considering a college. Students with mental health conditions are seldom discussed or mentioned in any format regarding college choice. 

In this episode, I'll go over the five things you need to consider when choosing a college. Helping your student make the right choice just got a little easier. So get a pen and paper and take some notes, listen til the end becasue each point has some suggestions that you may want to follow up on. 

I'll review: 

1. College supports available.
2. School location. 
3. Applying for accommodations. 
4. Severity of the mental health condition. 
5. Insurance issues. 

As mentioned here's the links to the College Services Planner and the course for mental health profesisonals and clients. 

College Services Planner Free  

Course for Mental Health Professionals and Clients

AND Don't forget to leave a review and hit that follow/subscribe button. 

I see information on the web about college disability accommodations all the time. Some of it isn't bad and some is just misleading. Some is plain wrong. ESA letter mills being the worst. Just don't go there. 

What do you look out for? How can you spot what's good and what is not? 

Do you know that some blog posts are written by people that have no experience in college accessibility?

It's just a list of things that they were told or found on the internet. Some have lists of accommodations that are rarely approved, but make it seem like it's just as common as extended test time.

For example, I see lists of accommodations include extensions for assignments. This is exceptionally rare to get approved. You have a better chance of winning the lottery and getting hit by lightning on the same day. It's that rare.

For an uninformed parent, this can lead to asking for the wrong accommodations. When these don't get approved, it leads to frustration and more.

You don't have to go through that. Not. AT. ALL.

You need the right college disability information to make an informed decision.

I'll go over all that so you can get the best college disability information without wasting your time. 

Our Show Sponsor

The Sweet Dahlia

Free Resources

College Services Planner

College Accommodaitons Checklist

E-courses 

College Transition Essentials

Book, Workbook, and Planner

Self-advocacy for Higher Education: A Step-by-Step Workbook

Soft Skills Planner

Self-Advocacy for Higher Education: A Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing to Request Accommodations in College. Available on Amazon in Kindle and Paperback formats. 

Have you ever struggled to know how to motivate and encourage your college student? It can be a daunting task for sure. How do you encourage and motivate and not seem like you're pestering or lecturing? 

Well, in this episode, I'll give you five ways to have a positive influence on them all without pestering or lecturing. 

Episodes Mentioned

Our Show Sponsor

The Sweet Dahlia

Free Resources

College Services Planner

College Accommodaitons Checklist

E-courses 

College Transition Essentials

Book, Workbook, and Planner

Self-advocacy for Higher Education: A Step-by-Step Workbook

Soft Skills Planner

Self-Advocacy for Higher Education: A Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing to Request Accommodations in College. Available on Amazon in Kindle and Paperback formats. 

Anxiety is a prevalent issue on college campuses, affecting numerous students. In this episode, we delve into some of the most common accommodations available to help students manage their anxiety while pursuing higher education. However, it's important to note that the suitability and approval of these accommodations can vary, so it's crucial to work closely with your school's accessibility staff to determine the right accommodations for your specific needs.

While accommodations can enhance access to education, they are just one part of the equation. It's essential for students to prioritize their wellness, implement a wellness plan, and collaborate with accessibility staff to determine the accommodations that best suit their needs. Remember, these accommodations aim to provide access, and your overall well-being should always be a priority.

Disclaimer: The conent is ony for educational and informationnal purposes only. The accommodations mentioned may or may not fit for your specific disability needs. A student must be aware of their disability, their needs, what works for them, and what does not. Thus, the interview with the disability services office is key to determining what disability accommodations are appropriate and reasonable for you. Use the information only as a guide.  

Our Show Sponsor

The Sweet Dahlia

Free Resources

College Services Planner

College Accommodaitons Checklist

E-courses 

College Transition Essentials

Book, Workbook, and Planner

Self-advocacy for Higher Education: A Step-by-Step Workbook

Soft Skills Planner

Self-Advocacy for Higher Education: A Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing to Request Accommodations in College. Available on Amazon in Kindle and Paperback formats.