Dyslexia is one of a range of specific learning difficulties which also includes Dyspraxia. Dyspraxia is a related specific learning difficulty that can cause similar challenges and also impair motor / coordination skills. ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder) can also be identified as a specific learning difficulty but is usually identified via a psychiatry referral via the NHS.
In this article:
Diagnostic assessment for Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLDs)
I have had an Evaluation of Needs - can I have a full diagnostic assessment?
1. Request a screening questionnaire by emailing Disability Support
2. Complete the questionnaire and email this back to Disability Support.
3. A Learning Support Coordinator will review your questionnaire responses and contact you to either:
Offer an appointment to discuss your concerns in more detail, or
Refer you directly for a full diagnostic assessment.
A diagnostic assessment will take 3-4 hours and includes an in-depth background interview and a range of tasks and tests related to reading, writing, memory and information processing.
The aim of the assessment is not just to provide the individual with a formal diagnosis, but also to explore and understand the person’s pattern of strengths and weaknesses so that to identify the best ways to manage any underlying difficulties.
Important to know:
ADHD can only be identified as a specific learning difficulty in these assessments. This is not a medical diagnosis of ADHD.
What happens after the assessment?
At the end of the assessment, you will be given verbal feedback. The assessor will send a written report to you and also to the Disability Support Team at King’s College London within two weeks of your appointment.
- On receipt of your written report, you should contact the Disability Support Team to arrange an appointment with us to discuss the findings of the report and to discuss appropriate support.
Fees and charges
- An administration fee of £50 will be charged for all students enrolled at King's (from September 2019 onwards).
- All other costs (and the full costs for students who joined King’s in 2018-19 or earlier) will be covered by King’s College London.
- Assessments cost the university approximately £350.00.
Once we have received confirmation of payment of the £50 fee, where applicable, you will be provided with contact details of the assessors with whom to book your diagnostic assessment.
We have been planning to resume diagnostic assessments on campus, however, the current “roadmap” concerning relaxation of the Covid-19 restrictions does not enable us to decide exactly when we can do this.
We are constantly reviewing the situation relating to Covid-19 restrictions and our plans for reopening the campus; we will continue to update this article as things change.
You may wish to refer to the guidance from Specific Learning Difficulty (SpLD) Assessment Standards Committee (SASC) webpage, where you can also keep up to date with the latest updates.