1. Build Executive Function Foundations

Executive function skills—organization, time management, and task initiation—are essential for independence. Many students with learning differences need more direct practice in these areas.

Encourage your teen to manage their own calendar, use reminders for assignments, and break large tasks into smaller steps. Step back from daily nudges and let them experience the responsibility of tracking their own work. These small shifts create habits that will serve them well in college and beyond.

2. Strengthen Standardized Test Strategies

Standardized testing can feel overwhelming for students who learn differently. The first step is deciding whether the SAT or ACT should be part of their college plan at all. With many schools now test-optional, you may choose to focus elsewhere if testing adds unnecessary stress.

If testing is on the table, help your teen prepare with strategies that match their learning style. That might mean extended practice with accommodations, or working with a tutor who understands how to support students with learning differences. The goal is not a perfect score but a thoughtful approach that minimizes stress and builds confidence.

3. Use Academic Planning Tools

Planning is one of the best ways to reduce stress during the school year. Support your teen in setting up weekly planning sessions to review assignments, deadlines, and upcoming tests. Tools like color-coded calendars, digital planners, or simple checklists can make a big difference.

Equally important is balancing the course load. Encourage your student to take classes that challenge them while also leaving space for success and confidence. A strong year comes from a steady rhythm, not from constant crisis management.

4. Balance Academics and Well-Being

Students who learn differently often carry extra stress from managing schoolwork. Parents can help by modeling and supporting routines that strengthen mental health.

Encourage consistent sleep, balanced meals, and physical activity. Just as important, help your teen practice self-advocacy. Roleplay conversations about accommodations, or show them how to email a teacher with a clear request. These small moments build confidence and reduce reliance on parents to step in.

When academics and well-being are balanced, students are far more likely to thrive.

5. Practice Everyday Independence

Daily life skills matter just as much as classroom skills. High school is the time to begin practicing independence in small, manageable ways.

Let your teen handle laundry, cook simple meals, or track a small budget. If they take medication, show them how to refill a prescription or set reminders on their phone. These responsibilities may feel ordinary, but they are the building blocks of confidence when it comes time to live away from home.

Parent Checklist

Here are practical ways you can support your teen this year:

Executive Function Foundations

• Encourage your teen to set their own reminders for assignments and activities
• Help them create a calendar or checklist system, then step back and let them manage it

Standardized Test Strategies

• Decide together whether the SAT or ACT should be part of the plan
• If testing, secure accommodations early and practice under real conditions

Academic Planning Tools

• Hold a weekly planning session to review assignments and deadlines
• Support a balanced course schedule that challenges without overwhelming

Balancing Academics and Well-Being

• Encourage healthy routines for sleep, meals, and exercise
• Practice self-advocacy by roleplaying conversations with teachers or counselors

Everyday Independence

• Assign simple responsibilities like cooking, laundry, or managing spending
• Let your teen practice refilling medication or scheduling an appointment