Coaching Neurodivergent Students

Temple Grandin, Ph.D., is a pioneering scientist and autism advocate, renowned for documenting her personal experiences with autism and advancing research in the field. As a professor of animal science at Colorado State University, she has made significant contributions to the study of animal behavior. Her groundbreaking work on calming techniques for animals has also influenced sensory therapies for individuals with autism.

We Need Every Brain

This April 2 is Autism Awareness Day. Statistically, one in 36 children and one in 45 adults is on the autism spectrum (as reported by Autism Speaks), and there are more and more students with autism attending colleges across the country. The Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, cited in this article by The 61% Project, projects that 45% of students with autism who are moving into adulthood will pursue a higher education degree. However, attrition is a significant issue for students with ASD (autism spectrum disorder), many of whom drop out due to mental health challenges, social difficulties, and other challenges.

As Temple Grandin has said, "The world needs all kinds of minds." Institutions of higher learning have the opportunity to help neurodivergent minds realize their capabilities. Academic coaches, with their mandate to meet students where they are, take a holistic approach, and offer a safe and nonjudgmental space, can be a significant support for students with ASD. Although this newsletter post can only scratch the surface of how to thoughtfully work with neurodivergent students, here are a few points of awareness that can help.

Put your attention on overdrive. Students with autism often function best when certain conditions are met, but the conditions can be unique to each individual. Note what seems to work for a student — a certain location for the chair, a particular speed of conversing, making sure the pens have their caps on, having their technology just so — and do your best to facilitate it.

Focus on structure and familiarity. Neurodivergent students often struggle with transitions and structure disruptions, and it can help to support them through setting up new or re-established structures when they feel thrown off center.

Notice favorite topics. Has your student brought up a love of transportation, anime, ancient Greece, bowler hats? Continue the conversation when it comes up, or mention something you know about the topic. This can go a long way to helping a student feel cared about and valued.

Expect the unexpected. "If you've met one person with autism, you've met one person with autism," as the saying goes. Keep a close rein on your assumptions. Whereas one student may display what might seem a more "typical" affect (lack of eye contact, low social engagement), another may mask their autism effectively but still struggle underneath.

Connect to relevant resources. Make sure students know what is available to them from support offices across your institution, and share information about technological supports such as voice-to-text tools. Important note: unless the student has self-identified as having one or more diagnoses, be general in how you share, and carefully avoid assumptions.

Finally, know that being someone a neurodivergent student can rely on is one of the most important supports you can provide for this vulnerable and valuable population.

If you’re looking for additional strategies to effectively support neurodivergent students, consider LifeBound’s flexible training programs. Our 15-hour self-paced online course covers foundational and advanced coaching skills, offering practical tools through realistic student scenarios, including strategies specifically designed for supporting neurodivergent learners. We also offer a live three-day virtual coaching training for an interactive, hands-on experience. LifeBound’s comprehensive coaching training ensures you have the skills needed to help all students thrive academically, personally, and professionally.

Make 2025 the Year Coaching Solves Higher Ed’s Toughest Challenges

Higher education is grappling with unprecedented challenges—rising mental health crises, the need for greater career readiness, and the unfortunate reality that many students struggle to secure meaningful employment or are let go shortly after starting. These issues affect not only individual students but also university outcomes like enrollment, retention, and long-term institutional success.

By equipping your staff with coaching training, you can help students build resilience, achieve meaningful employment, and address many challenges that universities face today. Allocate your budget toward LifeBound’s training options this year and plan ahead to ensure your institution is prepared to address these critical needs effectively. Let’s create a campus-wide culture of coaching and make an impact in 2025!

LifeBound offers multiple ways to train academic coaches, faculty, or staff:

3-Day Virtual Training

Next Class: April 4, 11, 18

A dynamic, interactive course focused on practical coaching techniques.

Self-Paced Inclusive Coaching Success Course

Choose Your Own Dates!

A flexible, 15-hour program designed for those who want to deepen their skills at their own pace. The course dives deep into foundational and advanced coaching techniques as well as motivation, resilience, career readiness, cultural competence and coaching diverse student populations, and includes private sessions with a LifeBound Coach. Institutional packages are available for group training.

LifeBound Certification Program

Summer Session: May 27 – Aug 26

For coaches ready to take their skills to the next level, the LifeBound Certification Program offers an in-depth dive into advanced coaching practices and strategies, culminating in certification as a LifeBound Coach.

Let’s make 2025 a year of transformation for your institution and the students you serve!

Learn More at lifebound.com

Live 3-Day Course

Format

Online

2025 Dates

April 4, 11, 18

May 2, 9, 16

June 2, 4, 6

(view all 2025 dates online)

Time

3 days, 6 hours each

Cost

$1,500 per person

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Self-Paced Course

Format

Online

Dates

Choose the dates that work best for your schedule

Time

15 hours (self-paced), plus 3 hours with LifeBound Coach

Cost

$1,500 per person

If you’ve already completed the 1-Day or 3-Day program, email contact@lifebound.com to receive a discount code for $500 off the new Self-Paced Course. Contact us about group rates.

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