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What does the university dyslexia assessment involve?

Hi,

As title really. What can I expect from the full dyslexia assessment in university?

Thanks.
It's usually the classic dyslexia assessment that you'd receive from an educational psychologist: so an interview and various types of tests to assess your condition.
Reply 2
Thanks Kate, how long does it take before I have the results do you think. I assume they write full report?
In all honesty, I'm not too sure: they do do a full report, and I expect it depends on things like the time of year and how busy they are on top - I would imagine you'd get it within a month, though I know our students sometimes get them within about ten days. You're best off getting the ball moving as soon as you get there - either speak to your department's disabilities' rep (if there is one) or go straight to the student advice desk and ask what to do next. It's well worth doing, because as well as extra time for exams, there's loads of useful support you can get - good luck!
Reply 4
Some reports are 'for admin purposes only' ie. they have been written to meet the criteria of evidence for DSA, but don't fully detail the difficulties/ challenges you may experience.
A report from a uni may be this. We always advise students to get a full diagnostic assessment from an educational psychologist or PATOSS registered specialist teacher if they want a detailed report.
Reply 5
Sorry should have worded my first post better. My assessment is by the educational psychologist, i have had the pre screening assessments and it shows indications of dyslexia.

My appointment is this week which I am relieved about because I know the waiting list for these things can be months!

Thanks for the replies!
Original post by Lily502
Hi,

As title really. What can I expect from the full dyslexia assessment in university?

Thanks.


Hi Lily502,

I'm a second year English Literature student and didn't find out I had severe dyslexia until my first semester of university! I was quite nervous prior to the appointment so I know how you feel.

For mine I went to the assessor’s house, it was a relaxed atmosphere. First of all we talked about my previous experiences of education, strengths and weaknesses. This was a Q & A style set up and I could elaborate as and when I needed too.

Next I had some activities to test different areas such as: memory, spelling, grammar, how I process information etc. They weren't that taxing and in general got harder as I went along. If you find you can't answer then just be honest!

After, we discussed the general findings and I got to ask questions. I found out my dyslexia was linked to how I process information and now have support for this. I got my report in about a week and then applied for Disabled Student Allowance.

I hope this helps and please let me know if you have any more questions.

Chloe
Student Ambassador
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Reply 7
Thanks Chloe,

I got my results back a few days ago, I have severe dyslexia unfortunately, feeling a quite down about it.
Reply 8
Also Chloe how are you getting on with the support? Is there anything in particular you have found that helps you process information? (I have the same problem)

Thanks.
Reply 9
Original post by Kingston University
Hi Lily502,

I went to the assessor’s house

Click here to find out more about our open days


I guess this was a private appointment with an educational psychologist and not one arranged through the uni. Most assessments will take at the university, and I wouldn't expect any uni would advise students to go to the ed psych's house.
Original post by NJones
I guess this was a private appointment with an educational psychologist and not one arranged through the uni. Most assessments will take at the university, and I wouldn't expect any uni would advise students to go to the ed psych's house.


Hi NJones,

No this was arranged and paid for by the university. This was just the way the assessor worked.

Chloe
Student Ambassador
Original post by Lily502
Also Chloe how are you getting on with the support? Is there anything in particular you have found that helps you process information? (I have the same problem)

Thanks.


Hi Lily502,

First all I want to say I know exactly how you feel. After my diagnoses I felt exactly the same, I felt confused, upset and a little bit angry that it had never been picked up before. Then I sat down and thought actually to get this far with severe dyslexia I've done really well, think of how well I can do with help!

I find that for lectures if I write the 5 main points after, it helps me remember and understand. Breaking things down into chunks is vital for me, essays especially as it helps me process things. Also, talk to your teachers/ lecturers and get a routine with your disability advisor. I have a great piece of software on my laptop that corrects bad spelling and lets me print out the words I have gotten wrong so I can work on them.

For a while I wasn't able to see a disability mentor due to my time table, so my academic tutor put aside some time every week to go through things with me, so I was very lucky.

If it makes you feel better I managed to come out of my first year with 71%, a first. It took a lot of hard work and determination but it can be done!

Again, let me know if you have any more questions!

Chloe :smile:
Student Ambassador
Reply 12
Hi Chloe,

Thank you so much for the reply, that makes me feel so much better. Well done on getting a first, that is amazing.

I like the way you’ve looked at it, having the ability to get this far without being diagnosed. You are right, it shows that we do have the ability.

I will hold you to that offer for sure, I have a meeting with needs assessment next week so hopefully we will look into way that I can study better. Will deinfeintly contact you if I have more queries.

Thank you for the pointers, will try them out too. I did the same in college occasionally, now that you have brought it up I recall remembering it better compared to lessons in which I didn’t do that. Will definitely use that tip for all lectures.

Thanks again Chloe! :smile:
Original post by Lily502
Hi Chloe,

Thank you so much for the reply, that makes me feel so much better. Well done on getting a first, that is amazing.

I like the way you’ve looked at it, having the ability to get this far without being diagnosed. You are right, it shows that we do have the ability.

I will hold you to that offer for sure, I have a meeting with needs assessment next week so hopefully we will look into way that I can study better. Will deinfeintly contact you if I have more queries.

Thank you for the pointers, will try them out too. I did the same in college occasionally, now that you have brought it up I recall remembering it better compared to lessons in which I didn’t do that. Will definitely use that tip for all lectures.

Thanks again Chloe! :smile:



Hi Lily,

I'm glad to hear that you feel better!

Good Luck!!

Chloe :smile:

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