Help for students with Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLDs)

Specific learning differences (SpLDs)

Specific learning differences (SpLDs) can include

Dyslexia
Dyspraxia
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Developmental conditions such as Autistic Spectrum Condition.

How the Disability Advisory Service can support you with Specific learning differences (SpLDs)

support you with your Disabled Student Allowances application
provide DSA-funded specialist Mentors (where eligible)
liaise with academic departments, so that you have the support you need on your course
support via central departments such as the Examinations Office and Accommodation
help you make contact with a Medical practice, University Counselling Service, the Reading Students' Union

Helpful resources

Autism and Aspergers further information
Continuing ADHD Medication at University
Guide to support for Dyslexic/SpLD students
Disability Advisory Service guides
Disability funding support
University support and adjustments
Appeal your non-medical help support
Appeal your SFE funded non-medical help support
British Dyslexia Association: has general information and advice on dyslexia.
Dyspraxia Foundation: supports individuals affected by dyspraxia.
Adders: information and support for people affected by ADD and AD(H)D. Mostly aimed at families but research articles are useful.

SpLD

Can I apply for Disabled Students' Allowance?

With a diagnosis of a SpLD, you can apply for the DSA (Disabled Student's Allowance). Your diagnostic report is used as supporting documentation of your learning difference. The DSA process can be long and so, if you have your report, do not wait until you arrive at university to apply for it.

If you are diagnosed with a SpLD while at university, we can help you with your DSA application, securing your exam recommendations and additional support. International students are not eligible for the DSA, but we can discuss further options with you.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us for assistance.

Can I be assessed at the University of Reading?

We are currently not doing SpLD screenings or assessments at the University.

We would advise you to search for an online screening form such as Quick Scan which costs £14.50.

If you would like to go ahead with an assessment, PATOSS provides a list of Assessors who work locally and nearer to your home location.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

I do not have an official diagnosis, but I describe myself as living with an SpLD

If you think you might be living with a SpLD, where possible, we always recommend getting your assessment and diagnostic report before you come to university. This will help to ensure that any support and adjustments are in place when you start your course.

If you do not have a formal diagnosis, completing an online screener might be a good place to start as it will highlight the likelihood of you living with a SpLD.

If you are unsure, you could discuss your learning differences with a specialist assessor in your area, and then decide whether-or-not to have a diagnostic assessment. Diagnostic reports written by specialist assessors are less expensive than reports written by educational psychologists and are equally accepted.

I have already been assessed by a suitably qualified professional and diagnosed with a SpLD

Great. If you have not done so already, you can register with DAS (Disability Advisory Service) by completing our online registration form and uploading your supporting documentation. We encourage you to register with us before you start your course, this will enable us to get you all set up for the start of term.

You will need to submit supporting documentation of your SpLD. This means that you will need to provide the university with a clear diagnosis of a learning difference. We can only put your reasonable adjustments in place once we have reviewed and accepted your supporting documentation.

The team can advise you about additional support that might be available, including Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSAs).

I am at university now, I think I might have a SpLD, but I don’t have any evidence. What do I do now?

We are currently not doing SpLD screenings or assessments at the University.

We would advise you to search for an online screening form such as Quick Scan which costs £14.50.

If you would like to go ahead with an assessment, PATOSS provides a list of Assessors who work locally and nearer to your home location.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Is there any funding to help me with the cost of an assessment?

As you may be aware, SpLD assessments and diagnoses are not covered by the NHS, and so assessments are arranged privately. If you are at university and have a bursary, your assessment can be part-funded. You will pay the first £100 of the assessment, and the UoR Bursary funding will pay the remaining balance.

What counts as supporting documentation for a SpLD?

Your supporting documentation should be a full diagnostic report carried out by a qualified and registered Specialist Teacher/Assessor or Psychologist. At school or college, you may have been assessed for access arrangements and given a JCQ Access Arrangement (Form 8). While this provides useful information, universities do not accept a Form 8 as sufficient supporting documentation of your learning difference, as it does not contain formal diagnosis.

Diagnostic reports must be in English. All supporting documentation written in another language must be translated by a qualified transcription service and formally authenticated as such. If you have questions about the suitability of your supporting documentation, please contact the DAS Office.