The transition to adulthood happens at different times for different people. For some, it’s an abrupt shift while for others it happens gradually over time. Regardless of when and how the change from having others organize and structure your time and decisions to doing those things on your own, the transition usually comes with some surprises and challenges. We’re here to help!
One of the common illusions – at any age – is the illusion that there is a “normal” to strive for.
“The only normal people are the ones you don’t know very well.” -Alfred Adler
Not so sure? Check out Todd Rose’s TEDx talk The Myth of Average.
In short, things may be easier for one person at one point in time and for another person at another point in time.
Successful people are people who know what they need and know how to ask for help. This page aspires to help you identify what you need and have some resources for getting help.
Know Yourself
We each have a unique combination of strengths and weaknesses in how our minds take in and use information (click here to learn more about these mental processes.) Understanding your own learning strengths and challenges can help you be more successful. You can make the most of situations that tap your strengths, including identifying careers that match your learning strengths. Being aware of your learning weaknesses can help you develop strategies for being successful despite those challenges.
Having a clear picture of your strengths and weaknesses is a great place to start. You can begin to see what you “look like” as a learner by creating a snapshot of yourself as a learner with our interactive Learner Sketch Tool.
Then you can explore its accompanying information and suggestions, and download or email yourself a copy of your Learner Sketch report, which includes strategies for managing learning challenges.
Managing Challenges, Leveraging Strengths
As one of our partners stresses, there’s no IEP* in college or in life! The trick is to become your own advocate and coach. From your first decisions of whether to go to college or to work and when to move out of your family’s house to learning how to manage your finances, there’s a LOT of learning to navigate as you transition into adulthood (as well as for the rest of your life!)
For Starters: The Top 10 Steps to College Success for Students with Learning Challenges (with useful tips for every college student)
We’ll continue to add materials and resources here, so check back for updates.
* Individualized Education Plan.
Resources
7 Things to Know About Disability Services in College
20 Time Management Tips For Students
Best Guide to Online Graduate Schools for Neurodiverse Students
College Transition and Accommodations for Students with Dyslexia and Other Disabilities
Eye to Eye “Unlocking greatness in the 1 in 5 who learn differently”
Next Steps NH: Options for Life After High School
Planning Your Future: A Guide to Transition from the National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD) with support from the Educating All Learners Alliance
Your Brain Map from OpenColleges – An interactive map filled with facts about the brain as well as strategies for leveraging those brain features to take ownership over learning.
Our Partnership Team
Transitioning to Adulthood is a collaborative endeavor among Kim Carter, Betsey Bradley, and Kari Thierer, EdD of the Q.E.D. Foundation and Paul Yellin, MD, FAAP and Susan Yellin, Esq. of The Yellin Center for Mind, Brain, and Education.
