Presenters: Candice Baugh, MA, LMHC and Katie McDermott, MSE, MEd, McDermott Autism Services, LLC Private Practice

Since school disruptions in 2020, college students have been reporting more symptoms of anxiety and depression as well as somatic symptoms (Nails et al., 2023). As a result, many colleges have an increased demand for wellness supports and preventing worsening mental health. In addition, a major aspect of mood disorders is disordered and difficulty with decision making, a primary skill required to successfully navigate college. People with neurodivergent brains can also struggle with executive functioning. We recommend that academic, counseling and support services staff use tools from the Self-Determined Learning Model of Instruction (SDLMI) (Wehmeyer et al., 2011) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) values clarification strategies (Eifert & Forsyth, 2005) to enable students to make decisions in their best interests both academically and in consideration of their personal life dreams. Student groups could also use the ACT Life Compass worksheet or SDLMI worksheets on their own to help support each other. We will teach and practice using both tools to help students make sound decisions which play to their strengths and point them in personally meaningful directions. Supporting students with this skill is a best practice not only for navigating college but also for planning the transition to careers.