How to Support College Students with Learning Disabilities

18 September 2025

College can be stressful for any student, but for those with learning disabilities, it can be especially challenging. With the fast pace of lectures, constant assignments, and social expectations, it’s easy for these students to feel overwhelmed.

But here’s the good news: Support makes all the difference. Whether you’re a parent, professor, friend, or mentor, knowing how to help can empower these students to succeed. In this article, we’ll explore some practical ways to support college students with learning disabilities so they don’t just survive college—they thrive in it.

Understanding Learning Disabilities in College

Before we dive into how to help, let’s clarify what we mean by "learning disabilities." These are neurological differences that affect the way students process information. Some common learning disabilities include:

- Dyslexia – Difficulty with reading and writing
- Dyscalculia – Struggles with math and numbers
- Dysgraphia – Difficulty with handwriting and written expression
- ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) – Trouble focusing, impulsiveness, and hyperactivity
- Auditory or Visual Processing Disorders – Difficulty interpreting sounds or visual information

The key thing to remember? These students are just as intelligent as their peers; they simply learn in a different way.

1. Encouraging Self-Advocacy

One of the most powerful things a student with a learning disability can do is advocate for themselves. But let’s be real—self-advocacy doesn’t always come naturally. Many students feel embarrassed asking for accommodations or speaking up about their needs.

So, how can you help?

- Normalize self-advocacy – Remind students that advocating for themselves is a strength, not a weakness.
- Teach them how to communicate their needs – Encourage them to practice talking to professors, advisors, or disability services.
- Help them understand their rights – Many students don’t realize they’re legally entitled to accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Knowing their rights empowers them to ask for the support they deserve.

2. Ensuring Access to Accommodations

Colleges are required to provide accommodations, but actually getting them can be a maze. Students may not even know where to begin.

Here’s what you can do:

- Guide them to campus disability services – Every college has an office dedicated to helping students with disabilities. Encourage students to reach out early in the semester.
- Help with documentation – Many accommodations require medical documentation. If paperwork is overwhelming, assist them with gathering the necessary documents.
- Ensure accommodations are in place – Some common accommodations include extended test time, note-taking assistance, and audiobooks. If a student struggles despite these, they may need additional adjustments.

3. Promoting Effective Study Strategies

Traditional study methods don’t always work for students with learning disabilities. So, what’s the solution? Finding what works for them.

Try these tailored study strategies:

- Break tasks into smaller steps – A huge assignment can feel like climbing Mount Everest. Breaking it into bite-sized pieces makes it manageable.
- Use visual aids and technology – Tools like speech-to-text software, audiobooks, and mind-mapping apps can be life-changing.
- Encourage active learning – Instead of just reading notes, students can teach the material to someone else, use flashcards, or create summaries.
- Set up structured study schedules – A routine helps students stay on track without last-minute cramming.

4. Providing Emotional Support

Students with learning disabilities often face more than just academic struggles. Many battle self-doubt, frustration, and anxiety. This is where emotional support is just as crucial as academic support.

What can you do?

- Validate their feelings – If a student expresses frustration, don’t dismiss it. Acknowledge their struggle and encourage them.
- Remind them of their strengths – Often, students with learning disabilities feel like they’re "not smart enough." Help them recognize their unique abilities and talents.
- Encourage resilience – Learning disabilities don’t define a person’s potential. Remind students that setbacks are temporary, and overcoming them builds strength.

5. Helping with Time Management and Organization

One of the biggest hurdles for students with learning disabilities? Staying organized. Deadlines sneak up, assignments get lost, and time slips away.

Here’s how to help:

- Introduce planners and apps – Digital planners, phone reminders, and organization apps like Trello or Evernote can be game-changers.
- Use color-coded systems – Highlighting notes and using different folders for subjects can help students stay organized.
- Encourage routine – A daily schedule can help with managing classes, assignments, and personal time.
- Teach prioritization – Help students focus on the most urgent and important tasks first, rather than getting lost in the chaos.

6. Offering Tutoring and Peer Support

Sometimes, a little extra help outside the classroom makes all the difference. Tutoring and peer support can provide a boost in understanding and confidence.

Ways to connect students with additional support:

- Encourage peer study groups – Learning alongside others can make studying more effective and enjoyable.
- Suggest tutoring services – Many colleges offer free tutoring—encourage students to take advantage of it.
- Use campus resources – Academic success centers often provide workshops and one-on-one assistance.

7. Encouraging Professors to Be Accommodating

A supportive professor can transform a student’s learning experience. But not all professors are naturally accommodating. Sometimes, they need a little encouragement.

How to foster understanding:

- Encourage open communication – Students should feel comfortable talking to professors about their needs.
- Suggest offering alternative learning methods – Things like providing lecture recordings or extra office hours can make a big difference.
- Promote universal design – If professors incorporate multiple teaching styles (visual, auditory, hands-on), the entire class benefits.

8. Helping with Stress and Anxiety Management

Let's face it—college is stressful for everyone, but students with learning disabilities often experience even more anxiety. Managing stress is key to academic success.

Ways to support stress relief:

- Encourage breaks – Overloading the brain isn’t productive. Short breaks between study sessions improve focus.
- Promote mindfulness and relaxation techniques – Meditation, breathing exercises, and even short walks can help reduce stress.
- Encourage exercise – Physical activity releases endorphins, which help with focus and mood.
- Remind students to seek help if needed – If stress becomes overwhelming, counseling services can offer guidance and support.

9. Building a Strong Support System

Nobody should have to navigate college alone—especially students with learning disabilities. Having a support system can be a game-changer.

Key parts of a strong support system:

- Family and friends – Emotional encouragement from loved ones provides motivation and stability.
- Professors and mentors – A little guidance from a trusted professor can help students feel more confident.
- Campus disability services – They exist to make sure students have the resources they need to succeed.
- Support groups – Many colleges have student groups for those with learning disabilities, offering a sense of community and shared experiences.

Final Thoughts

Supporting college students with learning disabilities isn’t about giving them an easier path—it’s about ensuring they have the resources and confidence to succeed on their own terms.

Every student deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential. With the right support system, effective strategies, and a little encouragement, students with learning disabilities can not only survive college but truly thrive.

So, whether you're a parent cheering from the sidelines, a professor guiding the way, or a friend lending a helping hand—your support can change a life.

Let’s make college a place where all students, regardless of learning differences, feel empowered to succeed.