In this week’s episode of the After the IEP podcast—part of our 12-week summer college transition series—we’re diving into a critical conversation: what really happens when students with disabilities choose not to request college accommodations?

Whether your student is hesitant, unsure, or planning to "wait and see" how college goes before applying for support, this episode outlines the Top 5 Consequences of not requesting accommodations—based on real cases I’ve seen in over 15 years on college campuses.

Here’s what we cover:

Why students lose access to necessary academic supports
How delaying accommodations impacts GPA and stress levels
The hidden connection between untreated needs and mental health struggles
What “wait and see” really costs students long term
How this one decision can affect major choice—or lead to dropout

These consequences are preventable, and this episode gives you the insight to help your student make an informed decision before the semester starts.

Want to go further?
✔️ Download the free College Accommodations Checklist
✔️ Grab the book Self-Advocacy for Higher Education to help your student speak up with confidence.

This episode is perfect for:

• Parents of college-bound students with ADHD, learning disabilities, or mental health conditions

• School counselors and transition specialists

• High school seniors preparing for college life

• Students nervous about requesting accommodations

Is your student heading to college with an IEP or 504 Plan? Then this episode is a must-listen. While your student may have had supports all through K-12, college operates under a different set of laws—and that means disability accommodations aren't automatic.

In this episode of After the IEP, we break down how to get disability accommodations in college, what documentation is required, and how parents can help their students advocate effectively without stepping over boundaries. Understanding this process now is essential for a smooth and successful college transition.

• Why colleges aren’t required to follow IEPs or 504 Plans—and what that means for your student

• The exact steps your student must take to request accommodations

• The type of documentation colleges will ask for (hint: it’s not always the IEP)

• How the process differs from high school—and what to expect from disability services offices

• Common pitfalls students and parents make when requesting support

• The parent’s role in the process—and how to balance support with student independence

This episode is packed with actionable steps and insights to help your student start college prepared, not scrambling to catch up without the support they need.

My Book:

Self-Advocacy for Higher Education: A Step by Step Guide to Preparing to Request Accommodations in College

FREE

College Accommodations Checklist

Your 12 Week Guide to Summer College Transition Planning starts right here!

In this kickoff episode, I’m breaking down five essential steps to prepare your student for college—especially if they have a disability, ADHD, or mental health condition. This sets the foundation for the next 11 weeks of transition support. Be sure to download the College Accommodations Checklist and grab your copy of Self-Advocacy for Higher Education. Click the links below to grab your essentials and have everything you need!

My Book

Self-Advocacy for Higher Education: A Step by Step Guide to Preparing to Request Accommodations in College

FREE

College Accommodations Checklist

As high school graduations are occurring, it’s time to get prepared to send your student off to college. Yes, there is still time before they go. But the day your student heads off to campus will be here before you know it. So, what do you need to do now to get yourself and your student prepared to transition to college?

Here is my hand picked list of 12 episodes to get you and your student ready for college. Over the next 12 weeks, each week will be a specific episode that builds on the previous episode. They are in a specific order to help you plan, prepare, and get ready for drop off day!

My vision for you is that you know you ahve done all that you can to get your student ready. Immage your student having the skills to self-advocate for what they need, know what to expect, and what skills are needed for thier first semester.

To achieve that goal over the next 12 weeks, you'll need two more things: my free College Accommodations Checklist and my book, Self-Advocacy for Higher Education. Click the links below.

My Book

Self-Advocacy for Higher Education: A Step by Step Guide to Preparing to Request Accommodations in College

FREE

College Accommodations Checklist

Helping students with disabilities plan for a productive summer may not be on your bucket list, but it can provide a lot of opportunity to your student. For college students with learning disabilities or ADHD, summer is an opportunity to reset, build new skills, and prepare for future academic success. But without structure, summer can quickly turn into lost time. Parents can play a crucial role in guiding their students toward a productive and balanced break while helping set them up for success in the upcoming semester.

Confused about what to do to request accommodations in college? Get my checklist, click the link below.

College Accommodations Checklist

Is your college student feeling overwhelmed, discouraged, or burned out after a tough semester? Whether they’re managing ADHD, learning disabilities, or mental health challenges, recovery is possible—with the right support. In this episode, we’ll explore how parents can help college students recover from a tough semester by recognizing academic burnout, fostering emotional resilience, and using summer break as a time for growth and renewal.

You'll learn how to:

• Spot the signs of college student stress and academic burnout

• Encourage a growth mindset after a bad semester

• Support your student’s emotional well-being

• Create a personalized summer recovery plan to build academic and soft skills

• Connect your student with college disability services and mental health resources

This episode is packed with actionable tips to guide your student toward academic success and renewed motivation. It’s a must-listen for any parent offering support during a challenging college journey.

Related Episodes:
🎧 Ep. 116 – How to Prevent Burnout in College
🎧 Ep. 30 – The Power of Yet: 3 Steps to a Growth Mindset for College Success
🎧 Ep. 125 – Why Resilience Through Failure Is the Key to Student Success
🎧 Ep. 69 – The Best Mental Health Wellness Plan for College Students

Soft Skills Planner

College Services Planner

College isn’t just about earning a degree—it’s also about building habits that carry you into the workplace and beyond. While classes focus on academic knowledge, many students overlook the soft skills and professional behaviors that employers value just as much—if not more. The good news? You can start practicing these behaviors right now.

In this episod, we’ll explore five simple yet powerful professional habits every college student should develop to prepare for employment and long-term success.

Soft Skills Planner

Click the link below to get the College Accommodations Checklist.

College Accommodations Checklist Click Here

My Book

Self-Advocacy for Higher Education

Are you just going through the motions in college—or are you standing out? In this episode, I'm revealing 5 practical ways of how to stand out in college and set yourself apart on campus. Whether you want to build connections, boost your resume, or simply make the most of your college experience, these tips can change the game.

We're covering what most students overlook but successful students prioritize. And trust me, this isn't about doing more, it's about doing what matters most.

Click the link below to get the College Accommodations Checklist.

College Accommodations Checklist Click Here

My Book

Self-Advocacy for Higher Education