Ep. 237: Beyond Accommodations: How Neurodivergent Students Can Thrive in College with Eric Endlich, Ph.D

Jun 3, 2025

Ask episode

Chapters

Transcript

Episode notes

Joining us this week is returning guest Eric Endlich, Ph.D. Dr. Endlich is a clinical psychologist and founder of Top College Consultants®, which specializes in guiding neurodivergent students through the college application process. An advocate and expert in the field and a neurodivergent adult himself, he co-teaches a UC Irvine course for educational consultants, manages a large Facebook group for parents of neurodivergent students, and serves on advisory boards related to autism and neurodiversity.

Dr. Endlich joins us this week to discuss the far too often overlooked challenges that neurodivergent students face when transitioning from high school to college. While gaining admission is one big challenge, the real challenge is succeeding once on campus, and Dr. Endlich sheds some light on some of the key differences between being college-capable and college-ready, highlighting the fact that students with learning and thinking differences are typically at much higher risk of not completing their degrees.

We also explore some practical strategies to help students prepare for the increased independence and self-advocacy required in college life, with topics including building executive functioning skills in high school, the value of gap years, and how parents can gradually transition from being advocates to coaches. Dr. Endlich even talks about how to find the right college fit and make the most of on-campus resources, especially for students needing accommodations and support programs.

Whether your teen is just starting high school or gearing up for college in the upcoming fall season, this episode of the podcast truly provides some practical insights into how to foster independence!

Show Notes: [2:39] - Dr. Endlich asserts that too many students focus too much on getting into college rather than graduating from it. [4:43] - Success in college requires more than just academic capability; independence and self-management skills are also important. [6:36] - College demands greater self-organization and disability accommodation compared to high school. [8:57] - Dr. Endlich argues that parents should shift from advocating for their child to empowering their independence. [10:26] - Gradually transferring daily responsibilities helps students build independence before college. [13:02] - Taking a gap year can improve college preparedness and help prevent academic burnout. [15:10] - Dr. Endlich adds that gap years can strengthen a student's portfolio and develop valuable life skills. [18:02] - Consider the long-term value of a degree and explore financial aid options. [19:51] - Dr. Endlich points out how skill development can happen during high school, gap years, or throughout college. [22:44] - Even if colleges lack support, external programs can provide assistance and guidance. [25:26] - Visiting various colleges helps students identify their preferences and find the right fit. [28:09] - It's also important to make visits to dining halls and have meetings with support staff, helping to reveal the college's suitability. [31:02] - Even without campus visits, virtual tours and accepted-student events can also offer some valuable insights. [34:58] - Bridge programs help students acclimate to college life before the official start. [36:28] - Dr. Endlich states that carefully managing the application process and having backup plans can help reduce anxiety.

Links and Related Resources:

Connect with Us:

Connect with Eric Endlich, Ph.D: