What adjustments can I access if I have a diagnosis/referral for ADHD?

If you have ADHD (or have traits of ADHD and are awaiting an assessment) you may be allowed adjustments during exams so you are not put at a disadvantage due to your condition.

Individuals with ADHD often have difficulties relating to information processing, managing energy levels, managing emotions, sustaining concentration, organising their thoughts and managing sensory needs. Exam access arrangements are put in place for students with these difficulties to help to level the playing field.

Any adjustments put in place will match what support you are typically given in the classroom and during class tests. You cannot just request an adjustment because of your diagnosis because support for exams is based on needs, not diagnosis. Make sure to speak to your school about what support you may find helpful in class and how this can be translated to exams.

To encourage independence for students, schools are advised to encourage students to use adjustments like assistive technology or auxilary aids before recommending extra time or assistance from another person (such as a reader or a scribe).

The access arrangements available to you will depend on what evidence you have.

If you have a diagnosis of ADHD or an EHCP this can be used as evidence for any of the access arrangements listed below or linked to on the reading and writing support threads.Your diagnosis can be from the NHS or a private practice but it must be written in English.

If you have a letter from the NHS confirming that you are on the waiting list for an ADHD assessment AND confirming you are going to be assessed, then this can be used as evidence for many of the adjustments listed below or linked to on the reading and writing support threads. You will not be elegible for a scribe, speech-to-text software, a word processor with SPaG checking software or listening to music or white noise. You will not be elegible for extra time unless your school has a case for exceptional circumstances (this would require very substantial evidence of need from teachers).

If you have not been referred or if you do not have a letter formally confirming that you will be assessed for ADHD then you may still be able to get adjustments. Of the adjustments described below and those linked to on the reading and writing support threads the only adjustments you would not be elegible for are extra time, a scribe, speech-to-text software, a word processor with SPaG checking software, or listening to music or white noise.

What exam adjustments might be available for me?

For information on support with reading and writing in exams, please see these threads: difficulty with reading and difficulty with writing.

Permission to use fidget toys

A timer on your exam desk

Ear defenders

Rest breaks

A prompter

Paper for doodling

Alternative rooming arrangements

Listening to music or white noise

Extra time

(edited 1 month ago)

Reply 1

DerDracologe

Study Forum Helper

For more information on exam adjustments and support, please see this thread. Feel free to ask any questions about exam access arrangements below or share your own experiences about what adjustments worked for you if you think this will help others 🙂

Reply 2

Pokedexmistress

I think I have autism but idk

Reply 3

DerDracologe

Study Forum Helper

Original post

by Pokedexmistress

I think I have autism but idk

Its best to speak to your school and GP about this
We have a thread on autism accomodations too 🙂
If you think you might struggle with exams due to your needs you can take a look at that thread and ask any questions about support on there
https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=7657870

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