SpLD Diagnostic Assessments
1. What are Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLDs)?
A Specific Learning Difficulty or ‘SpLD’ is often also referred to as a specific learning difference as it refers to different approaches to particular aspects of learning.
The most common SpLDs are dyslexia, dyspraxia, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyscalculia and dysgraphia.
2. What does the SpLD Diagnostic Assessment involve?
The primary purpose of the SpLD Diagnostic Assessment is for diagnosing any SpLDs present and is conducted in line with the requirements of your DSA funding body.
A typical SpLD Diagnostic Assessment will last approximately three hours and will involve detailed discussion with your Assessor who will test your underlying ability, cognitive processing and attainments in literacy and numeracy, to establish your individual learning strengths and challenges.
These are completed to provide the Assessor with the required information to offer a professional diagnosis regarding the presence (or otherwise) of SpLDs. Where required, further diagnostic assessments are carried out to clarify these if appropriate.
The written report following an assessment is detailed, with broad recommendations for support and the ‘reasonable adjustments’ required to assist you in your studies. This will typically be completed and sent to you within 10 working days of your assessment.
The final report may also be forwarded to your funding body for approval of the support which is confirmed in your DSA2 letter.
3. Who should have an SpLD Diagnostic Assessment?
If you think that you have a Specific Learning Difficulty (SpLD), support may be available to help you with your studies. A SpLD diagnostic assessment will:
1) establish whether you have dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, ADHD or other SpLD
2) Identify what ‘reasonable adjustments’ could be made to support you on your course
3) help you access appropriate support such as one-to-one specialist study skills tuition and/or assistive technology
Abacus offers a free SpLD screening service which will determine whether you would benefit from a full SpLD diagnostic assessment.
4. How to book your SpLD Diagnostic Assessment
You can contact us to arrange a convenient time for your diagnostic assessment, which you can also book online.
Once an appointment has been booked, we will confirm this via email and send you directions on how to find us.