Resources
Here’s a thoughtfully curated list of websites, books, podcasts, social media influencers, and apps designed to empower and inform neurodiverse college students. These resources offer valuable guidance, inspiration, and support to help you navigate your college experience with confidence.
CAN (College Autism Network)
The College Autism Network uses research to help advocate for and support students out of high school and in college with autism. They connect people with a passion for supporting students' entry, college experiences, and successful results in college. Every year CAN hosts a summit in which different people come together to discuss strategies to help college students with neurodiversity. Their website has a great page where you can find information about numerous colleges and their autism support programs.
*Check out their “Family Resources” page that I curated.
Autism Speaks
Autism Speaks is the largest non-profit autism research organization in the United States. This organization focuses on research, awareness, and advocacy relating to autism. They are committed to helping create an inclusive and de-stigmatized world to support people with autism and their success. They are dedicated to empowering people with autism and promoting inclusion in society.
OAR (Organization for Autism Research)
OAR was founded and led by parents/grandparents of autistic children. Their goal is to use scientific research to tackle the complex social and educational concerns of autism. They cover topics including social skills, employment, communication and more.
UCLA Peers
PEERS is a social skills program for preschoolers, adolescents and young adults. They strive to help kids develop and maintain relationships and offer specialized programs.
KFM
KFM is an organization created by Kerry Magro to give scholarships to students with autism and raise awareness for disabilities. Their goal is to have an impact on the lives of people with special needs.
Neurodiversity Network
Neurodiversity Network is a website that integrates and curates neurodiversity courses into one place. They aim to promote these resources, spread awareness, and help diverse people find employment and education.
TCC ( Top College Consultants)
TCC is a website that assesses different colleges/college programs to help neurodiverse students in the college process. They provide a great search feature for specific colleges, their programs and other helpful articles, podcasts, and videos.
Studocu-40 Study Tips For Neurodiverse Students
This website is a great place for teens to learn more about studying most efficiently. The tips range from organizing your notes and desk area to advice on your mindset and how ot ask for help.
Neurodiversity Hub Students Page
This page shares important information about the transition from high school to a university. It covers orientation, disclosure of your diagnosis, what to expect and learning when you are there.
Autism Acceptance
On this website, there are many interesting articles about autism. Its purpose is to help educate you on your diagnosis and support you in coming to a place of acceptance.
American Autism Association
The American Autism Association focuses on raising awareness and educating people about autism. They advocate for a better quality of life for autistic people and
offer many resources including research initiatives and support networks.
Bass Educational Services
The Bass Educational Services website offers resources on postsecondary options, standardized test preparation, and academic coaching to support students' transitions. It also features a team of experienced consultants and information on workshops, webinars, and other educational programs.
Kerry Magro→ Supporting your Autism Journey
Kerry Magro is an award-winning author and speaker who is on the Autism spectrum. He grew up nonverbal and has now become a professional speaker. One of his many books, Supporting your Autism Journey is an in-depth, deeply personal novel that explores autism and Magro’s personal experience. It offers a unique perspective on many aspects of autism including the community, social skills, stigma and overall hope for individuals with autism. It is an amazing resource for anyone to deepen their understanding of the complexities of autism, as it combines someone's own personal narrative with expert guidance.
A Regular Guy: Growing Up With Autism
A Regular Guy is a book about a boy (Matthew) with autism told from his mother's perspective. It incorporates humor and highlights the importance of recognizing and accepting differences. It also emphasizes Matthew’s want to fit in with the societal norms.
The Reason I Jump: The Inner Voice of a Thirteen-Year-Old Boy with Autism
The Reason I Jump is an award-winning memoir that tells the story of a thirteen-year-old boy (Naoki) with autism. Although he is nonverbal, with an alphabet grid to construct sentences, Naoki offers deep insights about himself and the world. It takes people into the mind of a person on the spectrum, diving into the thoughts, feelings and perceptions that not many will ever experience.
The K&W Guide to Colleges for Students with Learning Differences:
This guide features 350+ colleges each with a comprehensive profile on requirements, test policies, and support services/programs the college offers. It has curated information on the level of support, resources to help students find the right fit and advice from learning specialists on the college transition.
Life Skills Workbook for Teens with Autism and Special Needs: Activities to help develop Independence, Self Advocacy and Self Care
The Life Skills Workbook for Teens with Autism and Special Needs is designed to help teens build crucial skills for independence. It offers activities focused on self-advocacy, self-care, and managing daily life. The workbook aims to empower teens with practical tools to navigate their world with greater confidence and autonomy.
Some Like It Cold
Some Like It Cold is a book that explores relationships through the lens of an autistic 18-year-old girl. It is a great demonstration of a young adult with autism and the love and joy that she experiences.
Different, Not Less
This memoir is about the journey of a girl with autism and ADHD. She feels isolated and struggles to fit in, but eventually finds her place in a supportive community.
Navigating College
This book was written by autistic adults about the transition from high school to college. It covers topics such as accommodations, time management, relationships and more. The book aims to help support people on the spectrum while facing the many challenges of college.
A Freshman Survival Guide For College Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Written by a student with autism, this guide gives tips from firsthand experience. This book covers topics that are both important and relevant to teens including Greek life, living away from parents, what to expect from classes and more.
The Autistic Brain
This book offers an inspiring perspective on autism through personal experience. The author uses the latest research on the autistic brain and genetic factors. Rather than concentrating on the deficits, this book shows the importance of celebrating differences.
Self Care For Autisitc People
This book helps people on the spectrum going into college with 100 different activities to help destress, cope and manage the challenges of autism. It helps empower you and lets you take control and find solutions.
Seven Steps to College Success: A Pathway for Students with Disabilities
is a guide designed to help students with disabilities navigate college successfully. It provides practical strategies for self-advocacy, accessing accommodations, and managing academic and social challenges. The book aims to empower students by offering step-by-step guidance for a smoother transition into higher education.
Habitica (free)
THabitica is a tasks and goals app that uses engaging elements to make creating and completing activities more fun. It helps to boost productivity and assists people who need more structure in their daily lives.
Evernote
Evernote is a note-taking app that allows you to attach pictures, audio recordings, documents and more to keep organized and be productive. Evernote stores all of the notes in “notebooks” which you can continue to revise.
Focus Keeper
Focus Keeper is a time management app that uses a Pomodoro timer to enhance productivity. This is a versatile app that can be used both for work and personal goals. This app helps you stay motivated and on task.
Natural Reader
This app uses AI to convert text from a variety of sources to audio. This is very helpful for school assignments if it is beneficial to have things read aloud to you.
Molehill Mountain
This is an app specifically designed for autistic people with anxiety. Numerous features can help manage your anxiety including a space where you can write, evidence-based tips and breathing exercises.
My Study Life
This app is perfect for managing your daily schedule. Its features include a homework organizer, daily schedule planner and monthly/weekly schedule view. It helps to stay organized by also giving reminders.
Quizlet
Quizlet is a study tool that is interactive and has so many different ways for you to learn. This includes making electronic flashcards, tests, games and more.
Bearable
This mood and symptom tracking app helps to connect your activities to triggers and gives insights into patterns in your mental health. It is very beneficial to help manage your emotions and anxieties.
Timely
Timely is a time-tracking app shows how much time you are spending on each one of your tasks to help people learn how to balance out their time.
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Instagram influencers
Instagram influencers
Tik Tok Influencers
Tik Tok Influencers
Neurodiversity Podcasts
The Neurodiversity Podcast offers engaging conversations with experts in psychology, education, and beyond, focusing on the strengths and unique perspectives of neurodivergent individuals. The podcast seeks to challenge outdated views, promoting a more inclusive approach that celebrates neurodiversity. Whether you're looking for insights into improving support or understanding neurodivergent communities, each episode provides valuable knowledge and practical advice. Join us in reshaping how we think about differences and enhance the lives of neurodivergent people.
The Podcast Series
The Neurodiversity Podcast focuses on supporting neurodivergent individuals by offering valuable insights from experts in education, psychology, and more. Each episode aims to break down misconceptions, offer practical advice, and promote the well-being of those who are neurodivergent. The podcast highlights real-life stories, strategies for personal and academic success, and explores topics like transition planning, self-advocacy, and navigating different life stages. It's an essential resource for parents, educators, and neurodivergent individuals themselves.
21andsensory Podcast
21andsensory Podcast is a vibrant and insightful show hosted by Emily, a graphic designer, illustrator, and podcaster from the UK, who has Sensory Processing Disorder and is Autistic. In each episode, Emily dives into topics surrounding sensory experiences and autism, offering both personal stories and expert interviews. With a wide variety of neurodiverse guests—including authors, influencers, educators, comedians, and more—Emily explores how sensory processing and autism impact everyday life. Tune in for candid conversations, creative insights, and a unique perspective on navigating the world as a neurodivergent individual.
The Social Survival Guide for Teens on the Autism Spectrum with Lindsey Sterling
Dr. Lindsey Sterling Podcast offers expert insights into Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and coexisting conditions like anxiety and depression. Hosted by Dr. Sterling, a Clinical Psychologist with extensive academic and clinical experience, this podcast explores the latest research, strategies, and real-world applications for supporting autistic individuals and their families. Dr. Sterling’s guests include professionals, advocates, and those with lived experience, providing a well-rounded perspective on neurodiversity. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or clinician, this podcast is a valuable resource for understanding and navigating the complexities of autism and mental health.
Speaking of Psychology
"Speaking of Psychology," produced by the American Psychological Association, explores the latest and most important research in the field of psychology. Each episode breaks down complex psychological studies, offering practical insights you can apply to your everyday life. Whether it's mental health, relationships, decision-making, or personal growth, this podcast helps you better understand the science behind human behavior. Tune in for expert conversations that bring the fascinating world of psychology to life and show how it can make a real difference in how we think, feel, and live.
Talking College College-Ready Card
Talking College College-Ready Cards are a valuable resource designed to help neurodivergent students and their families prepare for a successful college transition. Developed by learning disability educators, therapists, and neurodivergent individuals, this deck includes 55 cards with hundreds of practical tips across 9 key themes, such as academic readiness, self-care, disability accommodations, and independent living skills. Tailored to the needs of incoming college students with learning differences, the cards provide discussion prompts to assess and build essential college-level skills, while also offering insider advice on working with campus support services. With a thoughtful approach, students and families can use the cards to track progress, ensuring a smooth and confident transition to college life.