Amy Bryant recently presented at the 2026 Independent Educational Consultants Association Annual Conference in Baltimore alongside Jen Hambleton of College Consulting Collaborative. Their session, “Supporting LD/ND Student-Athletes Through the College Search Process,” focused on the intersection of learning differences, neurodiversity, athletics, and college recruiting.
Drawing from her background as a longtime college coach and student-athlete advisor, Amy and Jen shared insights into how ADHD, dyslexia, autism spectrum disorder, giftedness/twice-exceptional learners, and slow processing speed can present uniquely in athletes. The presentation also explored practical strategies for helping LD/ND student-athletes navigate the recruiting and college search process successfully, including balancing athletic fit with academic and social support, asking thoughtful questions of coaches during the recruiting process, and developing self-advocacy skills before student-athletes arrive on campus.
A key theme of the session was that athletics can provide structure, accountability, confidence, and community for many LD/ND students. Amy emphasized that when the right support systems are in place, sports can become an important pathway for growth, independence, and success during the college years.
