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Season of Change

Supporting Neurodiverse Transitions in Mind and Mood

A Blog by Chiara Latimer, MFT

Director, Center for Neurodiversity & PATH, Rowan University

A new semester brings fresh classes, new routines, and for many, the independence of college life.

Exciting? Yes. Overwhelming? Also yes—especially for neurodivergent students who thrive on structure.


With a few mindful strategies, you can protect your emotional well-being and make the semester feel more manageable.

Here are five ways to support yourself during this season of change:

1. Give Yourself Grace in Transitions

Adjusting to professors, roommates, and new schedules takes time—so don’t expect perfection on day one.


  • Set small goals: If a study routine doesn’t work, tweak it instead of giving up.

  • Prep at night: Pack your bag, charge devices, or set out clothes so mornings feel calmer.


Example: Not a morning person? Have breakfast ready to grab-and-go so you can ease into the day.

Season of Change

Supporting Neurodiverse Transitions in Mind and Mood

A Blog by Chiara Latimer, MFT

Director, Center for Neurodiversity and PATH, Rowan University

A new semester brings fresh classes, new routines, and for many, the independence of college life.


Exciting? Yes. Overwhelming? Also yes—especially for neurodivergent students who thrive on structure.


With a few mindful strategies, you can protect your emotional well-being and make the semester feel more manageable.

Here are five ways to support yourself during this season of change:

1. Give Yourself Grace in Transitions

Adjusting to professors, roommates, and new schedules takes time—so don’t expect perfection on day one.


  • Set small goals: If a study routine doesn’t work, tweak it instead of giving up.

  • Prep at night: Pack your bag, charge devices, or set out clothes so mornings feel calmer.


Example: Not a morning person? Have breakfast ready to grab-and-go so you can ease into the day.

2. Practice Asking for Help

Advocacy is a must in college, even if it feels awkward at first.


  • Connect with professors, disability services, or advisors before you need them.

  • A quick email or office visit early on can prevent bigger stress later.


Example: If a class pace feels too fast, talk to the professor about recording lectures or reviewing slides in advance.

2. Practice Asking for Help

Advocacy is a must in college, even if it feels awkward at first.


  • Connect with professors, disability services, or advisors before you need them.

  • A quick email or office visit early on can prevent bigger stress later.


Example: If a class pace feels too fast, talk to the professor about recording lectures or reviewing slides in advance.

3. Make Time for Enjoyment

College is busy, but fun keeps you balanced.


  • Schedule downtime for hobbies, clubs, or favorite activities.

  • Balance study time with social time—even short breaks make a difference.


Example: Host a weekly game night with friends. What’s Next? A Life-Size Transition Game is perfect for this—it gets everyone moving, laughing, and connecting beyond screens.

3. Make Time for Enjoyment

College is busy, but fun keeps you balanced.


  • Schedule downtime for hobbies, clubs, or favorite activities.

  • Balance study time with social time—even short breaks make a difference.


Example: Host a weekly game night with friends. What’s Next? A Life-Size Transition Game is perfect for this—it gets everyone moving, laughing, and connecting beyond screens.

4. Build Your Personal Toolkit

Having designated supports helps you feel grounded in new environments.


Example: If the dining hall feels overwhelming, grab food to-go and eat in a quieter spot.

4. Build Your Personal Toolkit

Having designated supports helps you feel grounded in new environments.


Example: If the dining hall feels overwhelming, grab food to-go and eat in a quieter spot.

5. Prioritize Rest and Recharge

Daily expectations can become exhausting at times, so find ways to relax.


  • Take breaks between classes to recharge.

  • Use creative outlets—journaling, art, or dance—to release stress.

  • Remember, rest isn’t always sleep.


Example: If back-to-back lectures drain you, give yourself a set amount of time in a calm space before diving into assignments or projects. A stress ball squeeze or a few mindful breaths can help reset your energy.

5. Prioritize Rest and Recharge

Daily expectations can become exhausting at times, so find ways to relax.


  • Take breaks between classes to recharge.

  • Use creative outlets—journaling, art, or dance—to release stress.

  • Remember, rest isn’t always sleep.


Example: If back-to-back lectures drain you, give yourself a set amount of time in a calm space before diving into assignments or projects.


A stress ball squeeze or a few mindful breaths can help reset your energy.

Final Thoughts

Transitions may feel heavy, but small strategies—grace, advocacy, fun, personal supports, and rest—can make college more manageable. Tools like What’s Next? A Life-Size Transition Game and simple supports like dice-shaped stress balls aren’t just “extras”—they’re ways to make everyday life a little smoother, calmer, and more connected.

Final Thoughts

Transitions may feel heavy, but small strategies—grace, advocacy, fun, personal supports, and rest—can make college more manageable.


Tools like What’s Next? A Life-Size Transition Game and simple supports like dice-shaped stress balls aren’t just “extras”—they’re ways to make everyday life a little smoother, calmer, and more connected.

Get Your Support Tools Today!

Explore these tools and more at M&J Games—because caring for your mind and mood is the foundation for success both in class and in life.

Rainbow sensory stickers designed to offer a playful path to mindfulness, helping kids and adults practice calming breaths anywhere.

Shop Now

A groundbreaking innovation that's perfect for neurodivergent teens and young adults, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving through gameplay.

Shop Now

These squishy, tactile stress relievers are perfect for squeezing during tense moments or keeping your hands busy during game nights. problem-solving through gameplay.

Shop Now

Get Your Support Tools Today!

Explore these tools and more at M&J Games—because caring for your mind and mood is the foundation for success both in class and in life.

Rainbow sensory stickers designed to offer a playful path to mindfulness, helping kids and adults practice calming breaths anywhere.

Shop Now

A groundbreaking innovation that's perfect for neurodivergent teens and young adults, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving through gameplay.

Shop Now

These squishy, tactile stress relievers are perfect for squeezing during tense moments or keeping your hands busy during game nights. problem-solving through gameplay.

Shop Now