Unlocking Neurodivergent Potential in College

College has been one of the most meaningful parts of my journey so far—not because everything was perfectly tailored to me, but because I’ve learned how to make it work with my brain, not against it. As an autistic student, I’ve experienced both the challenges and the breakthroughs of higher education. And despite the obstacles, I can honestly say: that college has helped unlock something in me.

There’s this idea floating around that neurodivergent people aren’t “cut out” for traditional education—but that’s not true. What we often need isn’t fewer expectations, but different tools, more clarity, and a willingness to rethink how success looks. Because when those pieces are in place, we don’t just do well—we thrive.

What’s Helped Me Thrive

The things that have helped me grow in college aren’t complicated—but they’re powerful:

Clear Structure with Room to Breathe

Routines, checklists, and structured syllabi are incredibly helpful. When I know what’s expected, I can plan ahead and give my best effort. But equally important? Professors who understand that life happens, energy fluctuates, and neurodivergent brains don’t always move in a straight line. The best experiences I’ve had have come from structure with flexibility—not rigid rules, but consistent support.

Professors Who Genuinely Ask What Works

The difference between surviving and thriving often comes down to a single question:

“What works best for you?”

That question has changed everything for me. When an instructor takes time to understand how I learn and not just what I need to do, it makes me feel like I belong there—not just tolerated, but respected. And that sense of belonging is what opens the door to confidence and growth.

Tools That Match My Brain

Things like visual calendars, quiet study spaces, and even the ability to rewatch recorded lectures have helped me build momentum. SPSS, which once felt overwhelming, became a tool I now feel proud of mastering. When the environment matches our learning style, we can move forward with focus instead of friction.

Respect for How I Think

I’m someone who works best when I can go deep. I don’t skim the surface—I focus intensely. And when that intensity is respected instead of misread as “rigid” or “too serious,” I feel safe bringing my full self to the table. That’s when the best work happens.

Rethinking College Success

Success in college doesn’t always look like fast participation or breezing through group projects. Sometimes it looks like showing up even on the hard days, organizing your life one sticky note at a time, or writing a paper that took twice the energy—but carries real insight.

Neurodivergent students often bring qualities like:

• Deep pattern recognition

• Unique problem-solving

• Persistence even when misunderstood

• A level of passion that can’t be faked

These strengths are often hidden by systems that expect fast output or high social engagement—but that doesn’t mean they aren’t there. It means we need to widen the lens of what college success can look like.

Neurodivergent Students Aren’t a Burden—We’re a Blueprint

I genuinely believe that the needs of neurodivergent students highlight things that would benefit everyone:

• Clearer expectations

• Better mental health integration

• More honest conversations about energy, pacing, and burnout

• Learning environments that honor different styles of focus and communication

We don’t just need accommodations—we’re showing what human-centered learning could look like for all students.

Final Thought

College has been good to me. It’s taught me not only academic content, but how to navigate the world in a way that honors my brain. I’ve discovered my strengths, my voice, and the fact that I don’t have to fit into a mold to move forward.

If we want to unlock the full potential of neurodivergent students, it starts with listening, flexibility, and believing in more than just test scores.

We don’t need to change who we are to succeed in college.

College just needs to meet us where we already are—and help us rise from there.