Extra time for exams due to extreme sweaty palms

Hi, I'm due to take GCSEs in the summer but I have extremely sweaty palms which makes it almost impossible to write fast as I can barely grip a pen. I'm in the process of getting tested for a diagnosis but do you think that I would be able to get extra time or be able to use a laptop for this as it severely impacts my writing speed :frown:

(edited 3 years ago)

Reply 1

Reality Check

22

Original post by remuslupinkinnie

Hi, I'm due to take GCSEs in the summer but I have extremely sweaty palms which makes it almost impossible to write fast as I can barely grip a pen. I'm in the process of getting tested for a diagnosis but do you think that I would be able to get extra time for this as it severely impacts my writing speed :frown:

no... Sweaty hands don't get you 'extra time'... It would make a mockery of people with serious health conditions who do, wouldn't it?

Reply 2

remuslupinkinnie

OP

5

not really :smile:

pretty sure it's hyperhidrosis which isn't just slightly 'sweaty hands' lol it makes it almost impossible to hold a pen for 30 seconds let alone write long essays. It may not be a 'disability' but it still puts you at a huge disadvantage??

Reply 3

Beywe

6

u could wear some type of gloves maybe ask ur exam officer if its really big issue

Reply 4

Reality Check

22

Original post by remuslupinkinnie

not really :smile:

pretty sure it's hyperhidrosis which isn't just slightly 'sweaty hands' lol it makes it almost impossible to hold a pen for 30 seconds let alone write long essays. It may not be a 'disability' but it still puts you at a huge disadvantage??

Lots of things put people at a disadvantage: that doesn't mean they get extra time. The most you'd get is the use of a laptop or a scribe, but I think that's unlikely.

They're sweaty hands - it's not a myeloma.

Reply 5

Muttley79

20

Original post by remuslupinkinnie

not really :smile:

pretty sure it's hyperhidrosis which isn't just slightly 'sweaty hands' lol it makes it almost impossible to hold a pen for 30 seconds let alone write long essays. It may not be a 'disability' but it still puts you at a huge disadvantage??

Hold your pen in tissues or look at wicket keeper inner gloves.

Reply 6

EOData

16

How do you cope in class? If you routinely use a laptop then you can use one in exams

Reply 7

Robbydub

6

Original post by remuslupinkinnie

Hi, I'm due to take GCSEs in the summer but I have extremely sweaty palms which makes it almost impossible to write fast as I can barely grip a pen. I'm in the process of getting tested for a diagnosis but do you think that I would be able to get extra time or be able to use a laptop for this as it severely impacts my writing speed :frown:

Get a letter from your GP and apply for 25% extra time as Hyperhidrosis is actually a physical disability. The doctor can give you some medicine which can help. You should have done this since you were in primary, it is a serious disadvantage and the others replying do not understand the condition.

Reply 8

Aashrith

2

Original post by Robbydub

Get a letter from your GP and apply for 25% extra time as Hyperhidrosis is actually a physical disability. The doctor can give you some medicine which can help. You should have done this since you were in primary, it is a serious disadvantage and the others replying do not understand the condition.

Hey, my GP also gave me a letter to the school for my extra time due to hyperhidrosis. This is for GCSE level so it is very important but the school said even after the doctor's note, I'm still not eligible for extra time because I don't have a condition that's caused by my brain.

Reply 9

Robbydub

6

Original post by Aashrith

Hey, my GP also gave me a letter to the school for my extra time due to hyperhidrosis. This is for GCSE level so it is very important but the school said even after the doctor's note, I'm still not eligible for extra time because I don't have a condition that's caused by my brain.

Hello. You should challenge your school over this decision. Politely explain to them how Hyperhidrosis is considered to be a physical disability and constant drying of your hands causes you to take significantly longer to write. Let me know if you have any success. Personally, I just showed them a letter from my GP and they made an application for me which was successful.

Reply 10

Robbydub

6

Original post by Aashrith

Hey, my GP also gave me a letter to the school for my extra time due to hyperhidrosis. This is for GCSE level so it is very important but the school said even after the doctor's note, I'm still not eligible for extra time because I don't have a condition that's caused by my brain.

https://www.jcq.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Form-9-24-25.pdf

Reply 11

Aashrith

2

Original post by Robbydub

Hello. You should challenge your school over this decision. Politely explain to them how Hyperhidrosis is considered to be a physical disability and constant drying of your hands causes you to take significantly longer to write. Let me know if you have any success. Personally, I just showed them a letter from my GP and they made an application for me which was successful.

I will try to do that but I doubt they will accept