ADHD Experts Podcast 542- Gap Year Pros and Cons for Neurodivergent Students
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Feb 11, 2025 Carolyn Jeppsen, CEO and co-founder of Broad Futures, sheds light on the potential of gap years for neurodivergent students. She discusses how these breaks can foster self-discovery and emotional readiness, making the transition to college smoother. The conversation dives into both the benefits, like enhanced employability and personal development, and challenges, such as maintaining structure and managing concerns about academic skill loss. Carolyn also shares practical strategies for navigating gap years while retaining scholarship eligibility.
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Gap Year Importance for Neurodivergent Students
- Neurodivergent students may benefit from gap years to address academic, motivational, emotional, and independent living skills.
- Evaluate college readiness holistically, considering decision-making, schedule management, medication adherence, and technology use.
Challenges for Neurodivergent Students
- Neurodivergent students often lack control, independence, and confidence compared to neurotypical peers due to academic struggles and structured environments.
- Parents may inadvertently limit self-determination opportunities, hindering their children's ability to manage independently.
Timing and Neurodivergence
- Consider neurodivergent brain development, which can be several years behind neurotypical brains, when planning for college.
- Since COVID, a significant shift has occurred in the maturity and independence levels of young people, impacting college readiness.