Specific Learning Difficulties

Even you have previously had exam support or a history of difficulties with your learning, we would first suggest you consider the indicators of a SpLD, to see if these are characteristics you identify with and have shown a history of.

The British Dyslexia Association (BDA) offers specialist information on the signs of dyslexia and neurodiversity more widely on the following pages:  

• https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/advice/adults/am-i-dyslexic 

• https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/dyslexia/neurodiversity-and-co-occurring-differences 

If you do consider yourself to be showing consistent indicators of an SpLD and want to explore this further, the next step would be to pursue a diagnostic assessment.  The following options are available to Swansea University students: 

• Standard SpLD (dyslexia) assessment with the Educational Guidance Service (EGS), undertaken remotely, which costs £339.  If you would like to book an assessment with EGS and intend to self-fund, please contact: info@egs.org.uk.
  
  
• Specialist Teacher assessment (dyslexia/ dyspraxia/ ADHD) with Dyslexia Action Wales, undertaken in person (central Swansea), which costs £450.  If you would like to book an assessment with a Specialist Teacher and intend to self-fund, please contact  anne.rees@dyslexiaaction.wales.

• If you would like to book an assessment with EGS or a Specialist Teacher but want to explore potential funding assistance through the University, please see information below about applying to the Hardship Fund.

• You can explore your options privately through the British Dyslexia Association.

The likelihood of ADHD can be considered via two different routes:

• The medical route: for clinical diagnosis to access medication and for therapy if deemed appropriate
• The educational (Specific Learning Differences - SpLD) route: for education purposes to identify traits of ADHD. This is not a clinical diagnosis and does not lead to medication and/or therapy   

Medical Route

The medical route requires referral through your GP to a specialist service.  There is often a long waiting time, but your GP can advise further on this depending on the situation in your health board.  Assessment and diagnosis of ADHD via the medical route may lead to a prescription for medication as well as advice and recommendations for your ongoing support.  

You may be interested in exploring the information and assessment options available via a service such as Psychiatry UK. We advise you to discuss your suitability for a medical assessment further with your GP.

Educational Route

The educational route involves undertaking an assessment for Specific Learning Difference (SpLD). If the assessor identifies characteristics of ADHD, they may suggest further exploration to assess the impact in the context of education.  Traits of ADHD however, will not be explored if the assessor does not identify this need.  Evidence of SpLD with or without traits of ADHD can then be used to consider academic adjustments for your studies.  This is the route we can support you with further at Swansea University.

ADHD in the context of education, sits under the umbrella of a SpLD, and so it is useful to consider the wider category of SpLDs when identifying yourself with indicators.

As such, we would first suggest you consider the indicators of a SpLD, to see if these are characteristics you identify with and have shown a history of.  The British Dyslexia Association (BDA) offers specialist information on the signs of dyslexia and neurodiversity (including ADHD) more widely on the following pages:  

• https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/advice/adults/am-i-dyslexic 

• https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/dyslexia/neurodiversity-and-co-occurring-differences

If you do consider yourself to be showing consistent indicators of an SpLD and want to explore this further, the next step would be to pursue a diagnostic assessment.  The following options are available to Swansea University students: 

• Standard SpLD (dyslexia) assessment with the Educational Guidance Service (EGS), undertaken remotely, which costs £339.  If you would like to book an assessment with EGS and intend to self-fund, please contact: info@egs.org.uk.  If the Psychologist undertaking your assessment does identify a need to explore characteristics of ADHD further, they will discuss with you a follow-up appointment to explore this further, for which there will be an additional cost of £160.

• Specialist Teacher assessment (dyslexia/ dyspraxia/ ADHD) with Dyslexia Action Wales, undertaken in person (central Swansea), which costs £450.  If you would like to book an assessment with a Specialist Teacher and intend to self-fund, please contact anne.rees@dyslexiaaction.wales

• If you would like to book an assessment with EGS or a Specialist Teacher but want to explore potential funding assistance through the University, please see information below about applying to the Hardship Fund.

• You can explore your options privately through the British Dyslexia Association.

You can apply to the University’s Hardship Fund for potential funding to cover the cost of a diagnostic assessment.

If your hardship funding application is successful, please get in touch with wellbeingdisability@swansea.ac.uk to be referred for your assessment.

As noted above, if you choose to have a face-to-face assessment with one of the Specialist Teachers, you will need to liaise with them directly about booking this appointment. Funding through the Hardship Fund can also be considered if you choose this route.  

Students who self-fund their assessment can apply to the Hardship Fund at a later stage to be considered for financial support.  The Hardship Fund is means tested, so there is no guarantee of funding.   

Further advice about the Hardship Fund can be sought via: money.campuslife@swansea.ac.uk.