Navigating College with Neurodivergence: A Parent's Guide with Dr. Eric Endlich - Episode 116

Inclusion and Disability Advocacy from a Parent's Perspective: The Inclusive Dad

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron speaks with Dr. Eric Endlich, founder of Top College Consultants, to explore college readiness and inclusion for neurodivergent students. From practical advice on navigating college admissions to insights on empathy and identity-first language, Dr. Endlich shares decades of lived and professional experience. They discuss how starting early can ease transitions, where to find inclusive campuses, and how parents can shift from advocates to allies. Whether you're a parent, educator, or student, this conversation is packed with strategies to make higher education more inclusive and empowering for everyone.

Key Takeaways:

Start Early – Begin preparing for college in 9th or 10th grade to build confidence and independence.

Know the System – College accommodations differ from K–12; students must self-advocate.

Inclusive Colleges – Inclusive programs vary widely—small private colleges often lead, but great options exist everywhere.

Empathy Matters – Being inclusive means being curious, asking questions, and avoiding assumptions.

Support Beyond School – State and federal programs can help fund support services—explore all options early.

Dr. Eric’s definition of inclusion:

Inclusion is creating an environment that is welcoming and accessible to everyone regardless of the various kinds of differences they may have.

Dr. Eric’s Bio:

Dr. Endlich is dedicated to helping students worldwide successfully apply and transition to college and graduate school. As a clinical psychologist as well an educational consultant, he is especially passionate about guiding students with learning differences, emotional challenges or other disabilities.

He is a Professional Member and Board Member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA) and has served on their Learning Differences/Neurodiversity and Diversity/Equity/Inclusion Committees. In 2020, IECA honored Dr. Endlich with the “Making A Difference” Award for his contributions such as a database of neurodiversity-friendly colleges. (Learn more about this honor here.) He has also served on advisory boards for the UCLA Tarjan Center, College Autism Network and Association for Autism and Neurodiversity (where he helped found the Neurodiverse Couples Institute).

A professional writer and editor, he is a longtime advisory board member and contributor for Personal Best/Oakstone Publishing. In 2021, Exceptional Needs Today Magazine honored Dr. Endlich as a Top Contributor for his article, “7 Things Students With Disabilities Should Do When Starting College.”

Dr. Endlich has taught at Tufts University, Suffolk University, Boston College and UMass Boston; he currently co-teaches the “Working with Students with Learning Differences” course through the UC Irvine Division of Continuing Education with Dr. Marci Schwartz.

Connect with Dr. Eric:

Website: https://www.topcollegeconsultants.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TopCollegeConsultants/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/topcollegeconsultants/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/topcollegeconsultants/

SPAM© Count:

Host:

Yes

Current Guest:

No

Cumulative Guest Stats:

Yes - 46

No - 68

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