On this page you will find information regarding:
Screening for SpLDs
If you think you might be dyslexic, have dyspraxia, dyscalculia, you may wish to explore your strengths and weaknesses via screening.
Examples of online screening tools you may wish to access include:
QS Dyslexia Test
Do IT Dyspraxia/DCD Profiler
Payment for these screening tools is your responsibility – please follow the guidance offered by the provider.
Alternatively, you can also book a 20-minute dyslexia, dyspraxia or dyscalculia screening slot with a Disability Advisor (Learning Support). Please email disability@contacts.bham.ac.uk in the first instance.
Screening results do not provide evidence for applying for reasonable adjustments such as extra time in exams at the University of Birmingham. A formal assessment with a clear diagnosis of a SpLD such as dyslexia is required before adjustments can be made. Screening can help to determine whether a full diagnostic might be appropriate. It is your decision whether to proceed with this.
Formal Diagnostic Assessments
A formal assessment could help you answer what may be a long-held question about whether you have a specific learning difficulty. A full diagnostic assessment report may provide evidence for reasonable adjustments such as exam arrangements (e.g. extra reading / writing time) at the University. It may also support a Disabled Students' Allowances (DSAs) application (for home students).
All assessment reports must be available in English. The University cannot accept reports written in other languages and we are unable to provide a translation service.
Arranging a full Diagnostic Assessment
Students who decide to have a full diagnostic assessment for dyslexia, dyspraxia or dyscalculia are responsible for arranging and paying for it.
The University is unable to recommend or endorse any particular assessment provider but organisations that may be able to assist include:
Costs may vary and not all assessors can investigate the full range of SpLDs (e.g. dyspraxia and dyscalculia). Please ensure that the assessor is experienced in identifying the SpLD(s) you want them to consider.
The assessor must be qualified to complete a full diagnostic assessment (suitable for higher education and DSA purposes (for UK students) and hold a current Assessment Practising Certificate (APC) or Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) certificate.
For more information on the criteria to be met in the report, please see our Accessing Support document.
Please note: ADHD is typically identified by an educational psychologist (EP) as opposed to a specialist teacher assessor. An EP diagnosis will be educational rather than medical.
Financial assistance towards a formal assessment following online screening
If you have a household income of less than £35k per annum, and are unable to pay for a full diagnostic assessment yourself, you may be able to obtain up to £300 of financial assistance towards the cost of an assessment for specific learning difficulties.
Please note that that funding is not available for updating any previous SpLD documentation e.g. existing diagnostic assessment report.
Please attach evidence of your screening outcome to your application for financial assistance.