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After the IEP: College Transition and Success Tips for Parents of Students with ADHD, Learning Disabilities, and Mental Health Conditions - Ep 122 Gap Year Planning Simplified, Replay

Ep 122 Gap Year Planning Simplified, Replay

Explicit content warning

04/23/25 • 17 min

After the IEP: College Transition and Success Tips for Parents of Students with ADHD, Learning Disabilities, and Mental Health Conditions

Attending a recent high school choir event with my daughter, I noticed a shift—more students than ever are choosing to take a gap year before heading to college. While college often seems like the default next step, it’s not always the right choice for everyone immediately. The pressure to jump straight into higher education can be overwhelming, and for some students, taking time to explore their options, build life skills, and gain work experience can be incredibly beneficial.

A gap year can provide time for personal growth, financial savings, and career exploration. Yet, the stigma around it persists. Many students feel uneasy telling peers they’re taking a year off, fearing they’ll be seen as directionless. However, when approached with intention and structure, gap year planning can be simplified and one of the most valuable experiences of a young adult’s life.

If you or your child is considering a gap year, it’s important to plan it properly. Here’s how to simplify it and make the most of it.

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

College Services Planner Click Here

My Book

Self-Advocacy for Higher Education

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Attending a recent high school choir event with my daughter, I noticed a shift—more students than ever are choosing to take a gap year before heading to college. While college often seems like the default next step, it’s not always the right choice for everyone immediately. The pressure to jump straight into higher education can be overwhelming, and for some students, taking time to explore their options, build life skills, and gain work experience can be incredibly beneficial.

A gap year can provide time for personal growth, financial savings, and career exploration. Yet, the stigma around it persists. Many students feel uneasy telling peers they’re taking a year off, fearing they’ll be seen as directionless. However, when approached with intention and structure, gap year planning can be simplified and one of the most valuable experiences of a young adult’s life.

If you or your child is considering a gap year, it’s important to plan it properly. Here’s how to simplify it and make the most of it.

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

College Services Planner Click Here

My Book

Self-Advocacy for Higher Education

Previous Episode

undefined - Ep 121 Does College Choice Matter?

Ep 121 Does College Choice Matter?

Does College Choice Matter for Students with Learning Disabilities and ADHD?

Finding the right college for students with learning disabilities and ADHD is a critical step in setting them up for success. The college experience presents new challenges, but with the right support systems, students can thrive academically, socially, and personally. Does college choice matter? Yes, it does, but there is a lot of work that goes into it.

This guide will walk parents and students through the 6 key considerations and steps in selecting a college that meets the unique needs of students with learning disabilities and ADHD. By the end, you and your student will have a better answer to the question, 'Does college choice matter?'

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

College Services Planner Click Here

My Book

Self-Advocacy for Higher Education

Next Episode

undefined - Ep 123 A College Transition Success Story

Ep 123 A College Transition Success Story

The first semester is always challenging. One challenge that often gets missed is how to deal with academic challenges when they come up, and they will. This is particularly true when a student’s tried-and-true academic skills no longer meet the demands of higher education. I’ll tell you the college transition success story of one student I worked with, Sara. It's about a real student (name has been changed) and her inspiring journey to find success amidst adversity, learning valuable lessons about resilience, self-discovery, and trusting the process. This is her college transition success story.

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

College Services Planner Click Here

My Book

Self-Advocacy for Higher Education

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