Bipolar Disorder, Learning Disabilities and College

Parents Forum
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<p>My son is a rising senior diagnosed with ADHD in 7th grade and began taking medication which helped. However, by 10th grade, we realized that the ADHD diagnosis was not telling the whole story. S was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder in January and is now taking medication to address the symptoms (mood stabilizer, antidepressants and Concerta/Ritalin). </p>

<p>He is doing much better but receives a lot of academic support in the form of tutoring and me organizing his life for him. He has made progress but with just one year left of high school, the shift to college will no doubt be difficult. Academically, he is a B/C student. Much depends on his relationship with the teachers which, when good, motivates him to do his best. So, his GPA is around a 2.8. The average GPA at the international school he attends in Rome Italy for graduating seniors is around 3.1, so he is not as far off as one would think. However, he is NOT taking any IB courses (most students graduate with the IB diploma) which means an easier academic load. This year he will be taking an AP online course in psychology and Math Studies, English IV, Italian IV and Biology II. </p>

<p>His ACT composite score was 23, with a 25 in English and Reading, 22 in Science and 21 in Math. He will be taking the ACT again at the end of September. We chose to go with the ACT rather than with the SAT because of the accommodations awarded him. College Board granted time and a half while the ACT granted time and half AND testing over multiple days in his school environment. Clearly a better scenario for him. </p>

<p>His psychological testing describes him as having ADHD and a receptive and expressive language disorder. When researching colleges, I noticed that the schools with structured programs emphasize that their programs are only for students with ADHD and/or language based learning disorders with average or above average intelligence, so he fits the bill. We are considering schools like Adelphi and Curry although he found Adelphi "depressing" when we visited. It is apparently a commuter school which makes for an empty campus on evenings and weekends.<br>
While I feel that these schools are definitely where we should be looking, I am concerned that the social life aspect of the schools would exacerbate the depression that characterizes his Bipolar disorder. </p>

<p>So, in a nutshell, he needs a school that has a campus situation that is vibrant and social (he is very socially adept) but that also offers a structured program for his learning disabilities AND easy access to mental health professionals. He does prefer to be in or near a city such as Boston, New York or Chicago but I realize that we can't be limited by this. SInce I live in Rome I don't have the luxury of visiting the campuses while school is in session. With my three older children (Brown, Boston College and Georgia Tech), seeing the campus with students was fundamental in the decision. AGain, the major factors for him would be the social life of the school and structured LD program availability with mental health professionals available. </p>

<p>I would appreciate anyone with experience to share!</p>

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<p>I don’t know what would qualify as a “structured LD program”, but I want to direct you to American University in DC, which has a well-regarded disabilities support services function ([For</a> Students - Services Provided | Disability Support Services | American University, Washington, D.C.](<a href=“http://www.american.edu/ocl/dss/For-Students-Services-Provided.cfm]For”>http://www.american.edu/ocl/dss/For-Students-Services-Provided.cfm)) which might be helpful with respect to your son’s bi-polar disorder, as well as an academic support center for students with ADHD and learning disabilities ([Academic</a> Support Center Homepage | Academic Support Center | American University, Washington, D.C.](<a href=“http://www.american.edu/ocl/asc/]Academic”>Site Error | American University, Washington, DC)). And of course the geographic location is excellent for mental health resources. Not sure your son would qualify academically, but it’s worth a look.</p>

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<p>Will you still be in Rome when he starts college? Is he a strong self advocate? Will he recognize the need for help with both academics and possible mental health issues and follow through?</p>

<p>I have a senior and he has processing issues. It is my impression, though not familiar with the specific programs you listed, that college students with disabilities have to be strong self - advocates</p>

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<p>You do have a rough road ahead. Will you be in the US while he is in college? Statistically he’ll be pretty much the statistical portrait of the vast majority of average college ready students who end up at their state publics or in the case of states with highly competitive flagship universities at the directional public universities. There are many, many to chose from especially if there is no financial need. These students also go to LACs that are not highly selective. Add to that the need for strong mental health support and my guess is your list will not be thousands and will be fairly short. You might try re-posting all of this in the learning disabilities forum and see what turns up. There is also a rather lengthy post about 3.0 to 3.3 kids that is a long read, but might have some wisdom on potential college choices. </p>

<p>Anecdotally it sounds like the kids that struggle the most are those that are not self sufficient. I’ve posted several times that college readiness is similar to the benchmarks used for kindergarten readiness. For college readiness that means being capable of getting them self up and out the door without supervision, the ability to make good decisions around how they organize their free time and the ability to complete basic tasks and requests without supervision.</p>

<p>Some posters have said the SALT program at the University of Arizona is a good program. The University of Arizona would be that traditional college environment.</p>

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<p>Thank you all for answering my post…I’ve rewritten it in the LD section of the blog. I would have the flexibility to be in the US while he is in college if necessary. I’ve just contacted a private college counselor who specializes in LD college applicants and will hopefully come up with a good list of schools. Thanks again!</p>

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<p>Have you looked at Landmark College in VT?</p>

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<p>momdiquattro, I know there are posters who would be very interested in what the counselor recommends. Best wishes for the journey.</p>

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<p>I have heard a lot of good things about Landmark. I have a friend whose son is going there this year.</p>

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<p>Landmark, Curry, New England College (NH), maybe Lesley…</p>

<p>You probably already know he will need to register with a disabilitities office at most schools and provide documentation from doctors and other professionals.</p>

<p>Antidepressants and stimulants are usually pretty tough for kids with bipolar to handle, even with a mood stabilizer on board. I am surprised at his med regimen but glad that it is helping.</p>

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<p>My D is thriving at Landmark! But it’s not for everyone. It is very rural and the social scene can be very quirky at times. They do offer some short term programs in summer for students transitioning to college. Something like that may be useful for the OPs S.</p>

<p>I posted the info below in th LD forum, but here it is again:</p>

<p>I would check out Dean College in Franklin, MA. It is a beautiful campus and a short train ride to Boston. Train station is walking distance from campus. They have several specialized LD programs. They offer some four-year but mostly two-year degrees but have transfer agreements with several Boston area uni’s. D and I both loved this school but the FA did not work out for us.</p>

<p>I’d be most concerned about you “organizing his life for him” as I think this will be the most difficult part of the transition for both of you! He definitely needs a school that will emphasize executive function skills and will keep a close eye on him given his mental health diagnosis.</p>

<p>I’ve also heard great things about the disability services at Lesley U in Cambridge, MA. Many students from D’s current college transfer there with positive results.</p>

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<p>The University of Arizona with the support of their SALT program might fit…vibrant social scene guaranteed.</p>