The Center for Neurodiversity
The Center for Neurodiversity is committed to supporting secondary and higher education institutions as they explore, adapt, and create innovative programming and curricula that meet the evolving needs of today’s neurodivergent learners. Through evidence-based strategies, institutional collaboration, and strengths-based frameworks, we help schools build more inclusive environments where all students can thrive—socially, academically, and personally. The Center for Neurodiversity also supports students and families with our comprehensive diagnostic testing center and college counseling services.
Available Services
High School Consulting
We specialize in helping secondary schools reimagine their approach to college readiness and whole-student development for neurodivergent learners. Our goal is to elevate the existing strengths within a school while identifying opportunities for growth and transformation.
Our services include:
- College Readiness Curriculum Design
Tailored to the unique executive functioning, social-emotional, and cognitive profiles of neurodivergent students, our curriculum frameworks integrate life skills, self-advocacy, and transition planning into core academic programming. - Holistic School Assessments
A deep-dive audit of your school’s structures, culture, and academic offerings through a neurodivergent lens. We assess institutional readiness and provide actionable feedback to align current practices with best-in-class standards for inclusion and success. - School-Designed Assessments to Support College Readiness
We work collaboratively to build custom assessment tools that measure progress in key transition domains—from independent living skills to self-determination—empowering schools to track readiness beyond GPA. - Professional Development for Faculty and Staff
Dynamic, hands-on training sessions that equip educators with the latest research, tools, and strategies to build inclusive classrooms and school cultures. - Parent Workshops and Community Education
Interactive sessions that help families better understand neurodivergence, their students’ strengths and challenges, and how to become empowered partners in the transition to adulthood.
College & University Consulting
We partner with colleges, universities, and transition programs to ensure their systems, staff, and services are not just accessible—but designed with neurodivergence in mind. From the classroom to campus life, our work supports the full student experience.
Our services include:
- Community-Wide Professional Training & Workshops
Faculty, student life staff, admissions professionals, and leadership teams all play a role in fostering neuroinclusive campuses. Our trainings address UDL, trauma-informed teaching, mental health intersections, and communication styles across departments. - Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Support
Guidance on embedding UDL principles in course design, campus communications, and co-curricular programming, improving access and engagement for all learners. - Auxiliary-Based Programming Design
We help institutions design specialized programming—including fee-based models—to support neurodivergent students’ transition into and through college. This includes summer bridge programs, first-year experience supports, and coaching models that align with institutional culture. - Family Education and Engagement
Empowering families to understand and navigate the higher education system with confidence. Our offerings help bridge the gap between high school and college with information, advocacy strategies, and realistic expectations.
Evaluation Center
The Franklin Academy Evaluation Center is a comprehensive diagnostic testing center designed to provide various assessments for children and adolescents ages 6–19. We specialize in testing and assessment of students with diagnosed or suspected developmental differences, as well as common co-occurring barriers to functioning (e.g., anxiety, depression, executive functioning deficits, learning disabilities, etc.). Our assessments follow an interdisciplinary, team-based approach and draw from various fields, including psychology, neuropsychology, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, education, and psychiatry. Assessments may focus on any or all of the following areas:
· Cognitive Abilities/Intelligence
· Academic Achievement
· Speech and Language Skills
· Sensory and Motor Skills
· Attention
· Executive Functioning
· Memory and Learning
· Social/Emotional Functioning
· Behavior
· Adaptive Functioning
· Creativity
· Personality
· Character Strengths
Students may be referred to the Evaluation Center for several reasons. A thorough assessment can provide diagnostic clarity and identify barriers to learning and social-emotional well-being. It can also identify interventions that may support the student in overcoming those barriers. The Evaluation Center can complete evaluations necessary for triennial reviews within a student’s home school district (parents or caregivers should discuss this with the student’s home district before the referral is made). Testing can identify potential accommodations that would be appropriate for ACT and SAT tests. Recommendations regarding appropriate supports and placements following graduation from high school may also be a focus of assessment.
The assessment process is usually comprised of several steps. First, a referral has to be made to The Evaluation Center by the student’s educational team and parents/guardians. Following the referral, a thorough review of the student’s records is completed, and an interview is conducted with the student, parents/caregivers, and the student’s educational team. Additional service providers may also be contacted at this time with permission from the student’s parents/caregivers. From there, recommendations are made regarding assessments necessary to answer the referral question(s).
Once the assessment structure has been established, the evaluator(s) will schedule times to meet with the student to complete testing. The assessment may take place over several days or weeks, depending on the student’s level of fatigue and attention. After completing the assessment, a comprehensive and integrated report is generated. The report will include a comprehensive background section, a review of previous evaluations, current strengths and areas of concern, testing results, current diagnoses, and appropriate recommendations. The student and parents/caregivers will meet with the evaluators following the completion of the report to receive direct feedback regarding the assessment results and to have an opportunity to ask any questions they may have.
The cost of testing will vary depending on the type of assessment conducted. If you have any questions regarding The Evaluation Center or its services, or wish to refer your child for testing, please contact Dr. Josh Acocella-Stollerman, at (860) 873-2700 x1402 or at ja******************@***ct.org.
College Counseling Services
Our Purpose & Approach:
College Counseling through the Center for Neurodiversity is designed specifically to support neurodivergent students and their families as they navigate the college search, application, and transition process. With an individualized, student-centered approach, we help students discover the environments and supports where they can thrive—academically, socially, and emotionally.
We work closely with each student to explore colleges that align with their strengths, interests, and support needs, providing guidance on everything from self-advocacy and accommodations to application strategies and essay development. Our team is experienced in working with students who identify as autistic, ADHD, dyslexic, or have other learning differences, and we understand the unique factors that contribute to a successful college experience.
Whether a student is looking for a school with a robust disability support office, a fee-based learning support program, or a neurodiversity-friendly campus culture, our goal is to empower students to make informed decisions and find the path that best fits them.
Student Profile:
Neurodivergent high school juniors and seniors (grades 10–12) who are:
- Thinking about college but unsure where to start
- Seeking a counselor who understands neurodiversity
- Looking for a safe, supportive, and individualized process
Support that Understands You:
- Most traditional college counseling services are not designed with neurodivergent students in mind
- Many schools do not have dedicated college counselors
- Neurodivergent students often need a more personalized, strengths-based approach to
- navigate applications, essays, and choosing the right-fit college
Counselor Credentials:
- Toni Schexnyder, M.Ed.
- Associate Dean of College & Career Counseling at Franklin Academy
- 9+ years experience supporting neurodiverse learners
- ICF Associate Certified Coach, specializing in ADHD/Executive Function
