A recent article from Foxnews.com discusses the growing number of kids with learning disabilities choosing to attend college. According to the article, most U.S. colleges now enroll students with learning disabilities. Data suggests 56 percent of colleges have students with autism spectrum disorder and 79 percent with diagnosed ADHD.
A better understanding of learning disorders coupled with a higher rate of diagnosis means kids are getting more support than ever in their pursuit of a higher education. However, this support comes at a cost. While K-12 schools are required by Federal law to accommodate kids with disabilities through customized support, colleges are required only to make "reasonable accommodations" to support kids with learning differences like ADHD, Dyslexia, and Asperger Syndrome. Often the extra help college kids receive comes from private service providers like tutors or even specialized learning environments that better support their needs and learning styles. The article details the costs of some of these programs. Find an excerpt below or click here to read the entire article:
"Tuition plus room and board at Dean runs close to $50,000, and the supplementary services can tack on another $7,000 or more. The college runs a handsome but no-frills campus, which Rooney says lets it give most students financial aid.
Betit, the Landmark co-founder, says there is also aid available but acknowledges his school (base tuition, room and board: $59,930) is among the handful of most expensive colleges in the country, and that low-income students are not yet fully benefiting from most of the expanded options nationally.
EMU's program charges its 12 students between $4,500 and $7,500 per semester, on top of regular tuition ($9,364 in-state). That appears to be within the common range for programs within traditional universities. In some places, state programs may help cover some costs.
Another option is for-profit programs that support students while they're enrolled in nearby institutions. One such program, College Living Experience, has six locations around the country. It charges $43,500 for its full program, which could include everything from intensive academic support to basic life and social skills training. Company president Stephanie Martin says the necessary help simply isn't available at many colleges."
Effectively addressing the root cause of childhood learning and developmental challenges is the only way to stop the rapid growth of college-age kids and adults still struggling with these issues.
To learn more about our whole-child approach, contact us online or find a center near you.
Enjoy These Related Articles:
Signs and Symptoms of Asperger Syndrome
Signs and Symptoms of Dyslexia
Signs and Symptoms of ADHD
