Screening and Assessment for Specific Learning Differences

SpLD screening

Do-IT Profiler (on-campus undergraduates only)

Our free online screening, the Do-IT Profiler, can flag up signs of dyslexia, dyspraxia or ADHD. Download a personalised report with your results, advice and links to useful resources. After you do the Profiler, we can advise you on your next possible steps, including assessment and support.

The Profiler is available to all Falmouth undergraduate students studying on our Cornwall campuses, including applicants with a firm offer (who are emailed during the summer before they start with details). Exeter students based in Cornwall may do it on request. Please contact inclusive@fxplus.ac.uk for more information.

If you are an online learner and/or on a post-graduate course, please see the Information, checklists and screening for SpLDs and Autism page.

Diagnostic Assessment

The Do-IT Profiler is only a screener; if you need firm evidence of Specific Learning Differences (SpLDs) such as dyslexia, dyspraxia or ADHD you should consider having a diagnostic assessment. Make sure the assessor has an Assessment Practising Certificate (APC) - this is required if you want to apply for the Disabled Students' Allowance. 

Download a list of qualified diagnostic assessors who can assess you on campus (cost: £375).

In other parts of the country, you can visit the Patoss website to find an assessor in your area. Remember to tick the APC box when searching.

• Falmouth undergraduate students may be able to claim money towards the cost of their assessments, subject to meeting certain conditions. Please see our Refund Page for more information.
• Exeter students in financial hardship may be able to claim money towards the cost of their assessments. Please see the Hardship Support Fund page.

ADHD Assessment

If you think you have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) you can either pay for a diagnostic assessment (as above) or ask your Cornish GP for a referral to the Adult ADHD Service in Cornwall. The waiting list for this service is currently four years.

Advantages

• It is free.
• It can lead to a prescription for medication to control your symptoms.
• It can be used as evidence when claiming DSA.

Disadvantages

• There is a long waiting list* for assessments.
• If you have other SpLDs (such as dyslexia or dyspraxia), it cannot diagnose them.

*Under NHS 'Right to Choose' you could ask your GP for an alternative provider, for example 'Psychiatry UK'. Find out more at ADHD UK. See here for Providers' waiting list information.

You might want to complete this Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale beforehand and print out your answers and score to take along as evidence to share with your GP.

Autism Assessment

If you think you have autism, you will need a medical diagnosis to confirm this.

To access this, ask your GP for a referral to the Cornwall Adult Autism Assessment Team (C.A.A.A.T). There is no cost but the waiting list* is currently about three years. 

*Under NHS 'Right to Choose' you could ask your GP for an alternative provider. See the Psychiatry UK page for details.

You might want to complete this Autism Spectrum Quotient Questionnaire beforehand and print out your answers and score to take along as evidence to share with your GP.