Social/Emotional Disorders

Understanding your own feelings and challenges is extremely important. By doing this, you can speak up for what you need. If you’re not sure what types of support or accommodations you might need after high school, talking with a counselor or therapist can help you figure things out.

Feeling comfortable and supported is important to your success and well-being. Think about where you’ll feel best. Do you want to be close to home or do you want to explore a new place? Think about the campus culture, such as student life and traditions; what kind of environment suits you best? Visit as many schools as you can and see what feels right (and what feels wrong!). Remember to think about such factors as how big the campus is, how many students are there and what people do for fun.

When you’re thinking about where to go, look at what kind of help each college offers for people dealing with a disability or disorder. Colleges have places such as counseling centers, disability services offices and health centers where you can talk to someone if you’d like. They likely have support groups, counseling sessions and specialized programs for students like you. Before deciding, make sure to discuss any concerns with professionals on campus to see if they have the kind of support services you may need. Also consider exploring local off-campus mental health services, so you know what’s close by, in case you ever need it.

Talk to the school to make sure you can pick classes that won’t be too much all at once. You will want a manageable course load So you can avoid unnecessary stress. Also, see if you can find out how many students will be in each class, so you know what to expect.

There are groups and clubs that focus on helping students with disabilities and disorders. Joining one can introduce you to new friends who can relate to your challenges. These organizations are also place to share, get advice and gain experience advocating for your needs and those of others.