ADHD Experts Podcast – Episode 542
Gap Year Pros and Cons for Neurodivergent Students
February 11, 2025
Host: Annie Rogers (Attitude Magazine)
Guest: Carolyn K. Jepsen (CEO, Broad Futures)
Overview
This episode dives into the increasingly popular topic of gap years for neurodivergent students, especially those with ADHD and executive function challenges. Carolyn Jepsen, an advocate and program leader focused on neurodivergent youth, shares insights on who should consider a gap year, the major pros and cons, types of gap year experiences, and how to approach the decision-making process, both practically and emotionally. The conversation addresses common parental concerns, offers actionable advice on structuring a productive year (including for stay-at-home gappers), and highlights resources for planning a successful gap year journey.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
The Rationale for Gap Years — And Neurodivergent Students
- Gap years surged during COVID and remain popular, especially as a response to uncertainty and the need for more readiness in youth moving from high school to college.
- Why it matters more for neurodivergent students:
- Many lack independence, confidence, and self-determination compared to their neurotypical peers due to historically structured supports (parents, teachers, therapists).
- A gap year intentional about growth can close this readiness gap.
Quote:
"Most folks are college capable, but are they college ready?"
— Carolyn Jepsen [03:16]
- Developmental Timing:
- Neurodivergent brains often mature a few years behind — making age 17–19 still quite young for full independence.
- One-third of freshmen drop out their first year, often due to lack of readiness.
The Benefits of a Gap Year (For All, But Especially Neurodivergent Students)
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Maturity & Personal Growth:
- Any break from the high school structure fosters growth, responsibility, new perspectives, and allows for personal maturation.
- Exploring outside of academics allows self-determination and more thoughtful career and academic goals.
-
Academic Recharging:
- Break can reignite academic motivation, especially after “burnout” from high-achievement or chronic academic struggle.
-
Career Exploration & Employability:
- Real-world work or volunteer experiences provide essential executive function practice: punctuality, task management, communication, and advocating for support.
- Neurodivergent youth often lag here, with employment rates as low as 15–45%. Gap years can give a competitive advantage.
Quote:
"88% of folks who took a gap year felt like it helped them with their future employability, then higher job satisfaction. Why is that true? That's true because we've had time to actually think about what we want to do."
— Carolyn Jepsen [15:41]
- Effect on College Success:
- 90% of gap year students enroll in college; a quarter have higher grades than peers; they tend to finish on time and demonstrate greater intentionality about studies.
Quote:
"They actually end up finishing college more quickly than folks who didn’t. Not only are they doing better, they’re getting through college more quickly."
— Carolyn Jepsen [23:47]
- Self-Exploration:
- Time to reevaluate identity, interests, and goals, often not possible within the narrow schedule of high school.
Who Should Consider a Gap Year?
- Broadening Perspectives:
- Students needing to develop independence, executive functioning, motivation, or a sense of direction.
- Burnout or Lack of Readiness:
- Those who are emotionally or academically unprepared for college’s demand.
- Mental Health Needs:
- Time to recharge can prevent significant stress or crisis later.
- Desire for Non-Academic Growth:
- Those seeking personal development, life skills, or practical experience.
Potential Downsides & How to Address Them
- Financial Concerns:
- Costly programs, delay in starting earning as a graduate. BUT: Not taking a gap year and then dropping out is even costlier; scholarships and low-cost programs exist.
- Loss of Academic Momentum:
- Possible for students with working memory issues, but can be offset by including light coursework or structured projects.
- Readjustment to Academics:
- Dramatic difference in structure (e.g., mountain trekking to Ivy League academics) can make transitions bumpy. Match gap year structure to student needs.
- Feeling “Left Behind”:
- Social/emotional impact if peers all go to college.
- Floundering Without Structure:
- Solution: design a structured plan with goals, “contracts” at home, or use programs with strong supervision.
Quote:
"You have to set certain boundaries… you have to make sure that all those college-ready skills I was talking about, that they have [them]."
— Carolyn Jepsen [51:26]
Types of Gap Year Programs (And DIY Options)
-
Travel/Adventure Programs
- E.g., Where There Be Dragons, Irish Gap Year, Carpe Diem, Spanish Gap Year, The ARC.
- Focus: Cultural immersion, language, community projects.
-
Outdoor/Wilderness Programs
- E.g., Outward Bound Costa Rica, Knowles, Gap at Glenbrook.
- Focus: Outdoor skill-building, resilience.
-
Career-Focused & Internship Programs
- E.g., Broad Futures (DC-based), Dynamy (Massachusetts), Urban Gap (NYC).
- Focus: Internships, independent living skills, job readiness.
-
Self-Discovery/Supported Programs
- E.g., The Point School (Puerto Rico), Croca Expeditions.
- Focus: Growth with extra support for those not fully independent.
-
Therapeutic Programs
- E.g., The Dorm (NYC, DC), True North (Vermont).
- Focus: Mental health, skill-building with professional support.
-
Design Your Own
- Mix-and-match: part-time classes at local college, work/volunteer, arts, wellness, or home-based projects.
- Advice: Set concrete goals and include a reflection or summary project.
Resource:
"I’m putting up the Gap Year Association website. You should be able to search in a myriad of ways, different types of programs, you can look at different levels of support..."
— Carolyn Jepsen [39:16]
Navigating the Application Process and Logistics
- Applying to College & Deferring vs. Applying During Gap Year:
- “It completely depends on your student.”
- For many, it's simplest and less stressful to apply senior year and then defer enrollment — keeps access to counselors, scholarships, and structure.
- Some students may bolster their application with gap year experiences and apply during that year, especially if they need a stronger academic or extracurricular profile.
- College Credit for Gap Programs:
- Some accredited programs give college credit—may or may not be accepted everywhere.
- Scholarships & Financial Aid:
- Eligibility may hinge on not delaying enrollment (state- and scholarship-specific); check requirements with colleges and programs.
- Use of 529 Funds:
- Often possible if the program offers accredited college credit and counts for costs of attendance, but requires program-specific research.
Structuring a Productive "Home-Based" Gap Year
-
Set clear boundaries and agreements:
- “You cannot jump in, you cannot go wake them up if they’re late to work, right. You cannot do that... You have to make sure that all those college-ready skills I was talking about, that they have.” [51:26]
-
Key elements:
- Work (paid or volunteer) — 15–20+ hours/week
- Courses/projects as per interest; can include arts or physical activity
- A clear schedule/contract (e.g., routines, responsibilities, technology hygiene)
- Responsibility for self-care (medications, meals, time management)
- "Culmination" project: presentation, portfolio, video, or written reflection on the year
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On Readiness
- “If your child is not waking up on their own...they are probably not ready to go live on a college campus.” [05:21]
-
On Parental Support
- “We as parents take away some of those opportunities for self-determination. We’ve been so supportive and in a positive way… that we actually haven’t gotten them to a point where they have those abilities to manage on their own.” [06:41]
-
On Burning Out
- “Some super high-achieving young people get actually burnt out, right?...It’s a great opportunity to reignite that academic momentum.” [09:22]
-
Easing the Emotional Path
- “Put it in those terms: you’re actually going to be in a better position in the end. We’re coming from a strengths-based approach...” [55:19]
Poll Results & Audience Insights
[42:42]
- Most exciting aspects of a gap year for parents:
- #1: Improving executive functions (time management, prioritization)
- #2: Exploring potential majors/career paths
- #3: Academic recharging
- #4: Practicing social/professional skills
- Biggest worries:
- #1: Losing academic skills/momentum (22%)
- #2: Losing interest in college (20%)
- #3: Floundering/lack of structure
- #4: Time wasted (e.g., video games)
Q&A Highlights
How do scholarships and state aid affect gap year plans?
- Some scholarships require immediate college enrollment; check specifically with each institution/state program. Some may allow credits earned through accredited gap programs to count, but this is variable. [47:49]
Advice for structuring an at-home gap year to build independence?
- Set clear “contracts”; parents should not handle routines, transport, or reminders; student must plan and own their schedule, self-care, medications. Priority is on work/volunteering and independent life skills, not just classes. [51:26]
Approaching the gap year conversation positively:
- Emphasize increased competitive, personal, and academic advantages; avoid framing as punishment or lack of trust. “You are college capable, but want to reach your full potential.” Focus on strengths, potential, and future success. [55:19]
Can 529 funds pay for gap years?
- Sometimes, if the program is accredited and offers college credit; it’s program-specific — research and direct inquiries are needed. [57:55]
Key Resources Mentioned
- Gap Year Association: https://gapyearassociation.org/
(search by program type, support level, accreditation, etc.) - Broad Futures: broadfutures.org
(internship-focused gap year programming for neurodivergent youth) - List of gap year programs referenced (Where There Be Dragons, Outward Bound, Dynamy, Urban Gap, The Point School, The Dorm, etc.)
Final Takeaways
- Gap years provide unique, sometimes critical, time for neurodivergent students to mature, recharge, and develop life skills.
- Planning, structure, and intentionality are essential to ensure success and avoid the “floundering” pitfall, especially for those staying at home.
- Families must check specifics on finances, credits, and scholarships and tailor the approach to the student’s situation.
- The ultimate goal is not to delay college but to empower students to thrive both academically and personally once they arrive.
Contact for More Info:
Carolyn Jepsen welcomes follow-up questions and offers guidance on direction and resources.
For slides, resources, and the full episode:
attitudemag.com — search “podcast 542”
Summary by ADHD Expert Podcast Summarizer