Dyslexia at University: Is It Worth Getting a Diagnostic Assessment?
University can place very different demands on learning. Some students who managed well at school find that independent study, extensive reading, note-taking, deadlines and longer written assignments make previously manageable difficulties much more noticeable.
If this sounds familiar, could a diagnostic dyslexia assessment help?
Why might dyslexia become more noticeable at university?
Many students reach university without previously being identified as dyslexic. Strong ability, hard work and effective coping strategies may have helped compensate for difficulties earlier in education.
At university, however, you may notice that you:
Take considerably longer than others to read and process academic material.
Need to reread information before it sinks in.
Have good ideas but struggle to organise them into written assignments.
Find note-taking while listening particularly challenging.
Struggle with spelling, proofreading or written accuracy.
Find organisation, deadlines and managing multiple assignments difficult.
Feel unusually tired after intensive reading or writing.
These experiences do not necessarily mean that you have dyslexia, but they may indicate that further investigation would be helpful.
What can a diagnostic dyslexia assessment tell you?
A full assessment looks beyond reading and spelling. It brings together your background, educational experiences, standardised assessment results and observations to build an individual picture of your strengths and areas of difficulty.
The aim is not simply to obtain a diagnosis. Understanding your learning profile can help identify strategies and support that may make studying more manageable.
Could an assessment help with Disabled Students’ Allowance?
Potentially, yes. In England, students applying for Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) on the basis of a Specific Learning Difficulty such as dyslexia can provide a diagnostic assessment from a practitioner psychologist or suitably qualified specialist teacher. GOV.UK
DSA can help eligible students access support related to the additional study costs arising from their disability or learning difficulty. After applying, students may have a DSA Needs Assessment, which looks at the support that could help them during their course. GOV.UK
Universities may also offer their own disability, learning and study support, so it is worth speaking to your institution about what is available.
Is it too late to be assessed?
No. Dyslexia can be identified in adulthood, and reaching university without a diagnosis does not mean your difficulties are insignificant.
A diagnostic assessment can provide something particularly valuable: a clearer understanding of how you learn and the support that may help you fulfil your potential.
At Dyslexia Insight, we believe insight is the foundation of change.
Comments