In this episode, host Michelle McAnaney of The College Spy speaks with Beth Felsen, founder of Spectrum Transition Coaching, about the challenges autistic students face when transitioning to college.

Beth Felsen is the founder of Spectrum Transition Coaching and an autism specialist with a Master’s in Psychology. Beth brings over twenty years of experience in the autism community to her coaching practice and as a parent of an autistic young adult, she understands the challenges of raising autistic adults firsthand. Beth is a graduate of the Autism Association of New England’s Intensive Autism Coach Training & Teens and College Students Executive Function Coach Training through JST Coaching and Training. She is also a certified provider of the UCLA PEERS for Young Adults Social Skills intervention and a trained counselor for the Greenwood Holistic Career Assessment. Beth is a member of WISER and the College Autism Network (CAN) and a frequent speaker at neurodivergent focused events.

We dive into why the college transition is hard for ALL students and how it can be specifically challenging for autistic students due to loss of familiar scaffolding, social challenges, executive function demands and self-advocacy requirements.

Today's episode includes practical strategies for parents to help prepare their children for this significant life change. Start with understanding the differences between high school and college and helping your student discuss their diagnosis. Michelle and Beth also encourage parents to allow their student to experience controlled failure while still at home so they build confidence, resilience and independence.

Also in this episode:

Admission Tip of the Day: Don't hesitate to share an autism diagnosis on college applications. This information can help with acceptance as colleges seek diversity, including neurodiversity, and it highlights the student's unique strengths.

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College Spotlight: Nova Southeastern University

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Key points in this episode

1:52 Meet Beth Felsen, Founder of Spectrum Transition Coaching

6:57 Why the transition to college can be difficult for all students

14:40 Deciding if college is the right next step after high school

23:32 How College 101 helps families prepare in high school

31:56 Tip of the Day

32:30 College Spotlight on Nova Southeastern University

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College 101: Preparing Your Autistic Student by Spectrum Transition Coaching: A comprehensive online course for parents. Use promo code "THECOLLEGESPY" to save $50.

Spectrum Transition Coaching

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Contact Michelle McAnaney at Michelle@TheCollegeSpy.com