Diagnostic Assessments for Specific Learning Difficulties
The University can refund up to £300 of the cost of an Educational Psychological Assessment, whether a student has a positive or negative test. They will also pay upfront as an exception when the student cannot do so themselves. We are continuing to work with the university to make sure all students can access a diagnosis and appropriate support.
As a UK student, if you are diagnosed as having Dyslexia, ADHD, Dyspraxia, Dyscalculia or another specific learning difficulty, you can access support from the Government and the University. To access this support, you must first provide your diagnostic assessment from an Educational Psychologist or specialist tutor.
Educational Psychologist Assessments (EPA):
The University of Liverpool’s Student Support Service have put together a helpful page explaining how to get a Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD) diagnosis, including contact information for private assessors and funding available from the University.
ADHD:
Accessing support for diagnosed ADHD or ADHD symptoms without a diagnosis is slightly different to other Specific Learning Difficulties, as you will need to seek help from a GP for an ADHD assessment.
How to access an ADHD diagnosis:
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The first step to being diagnosed is to visit your GP and explain that you would like to be referred for an ADHD assessment. Your GP will want to rule out any physical causes for your symptoms and may use their own screening tools at this stage.
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The GP will refer you to your local NHS service for you to be screened for ADHD.
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The GP cannot diagnose you with ADHD, and cannot prescribe medications without the guidance of a mental health specialist trained in ADHD.
How to access reasonable adjustments at the University, without a current diagnosis for ADHD:
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You can provide a recent medical letter or the ADHD Foundation medical evidence template from a medical professional, which confirms a working diagnosis of ADHD.
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You can access a Specific Learning Difficulties diagnostic assessment, which may also highlight ADHD traits. This is not a diagnosis of ADHD but can be used to identify appropriate support within the University environment.
You can find a small list of local Educational Psychologists, specialist teachers, and ADHD-related assessors on the University's website.
Officers have recently reached out this year to understand what the University is doing to address the cost of EPAs. The University Disability Advice and Guidance team provide information about how to access an EPA. They provide a list of local assessors and will refund up to £300 of the cost of an assessment. Or in exceptional circumstances, the test can be funded upfront, this is done by contacting the Disability Advice and Guidance team.
Change It:
A student previously submitted a Change It idea for the University to pay for dyslexia tests: https://www.liverpoolguild.org/thestudentvoice/the-university-should-pay-for-students-dyslexia-tests. The Guild then compiled evidence from consultations with students in focus groups into a report, which found that students can be pushed into economic hardship or don’t seek disability support as a result of the high cost. This can be found here: https://www.liverpoolguild.org/educational_psychologist
Previously, the University offered means-tested support for students via the Hardship Fund for Educational Psychologist Assessments (EPAs). Following pressure from the Guild, the University opened a new diagnostic assessment fund in 2019/20.
The Guild is continuing to work with the University to understand how many students may need EPAs, if the University can fund all of these tests upfront, and if they can fund the whole cost of the test, if these exceed £300.
The Guild Advice team are also here to help, you can contact them at guildadvice@liv.ac.uk.
If you have any feedback in relation to EPAs & funding, please get in touch with me at: Ella.Hatch@liverpool.ac.uk.
Continue to Make Change:
If you’re keen to follow in the footsteps of past student change-makers, our online Change It platform gives each and every student the opportunity to share ideas which will have a positive impact on your time at University. Tell us what your suggestion is – no matter how big or small – and we will use our democratic processes to support your suggestion every step of the way. Your idea could be the next catalyst for change on our campus – submit your idea now, and students could be discussing your proposal at our next Guild Summit.
If you want to connect with likeminded students you can:
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Attend our Disabled Students' Meet-Ups which take place across the year.
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Find out more about our activity during Disability History Month
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Join Disability Society who run events for disabled students, and offer the opportunity to be a part of an inclusive community.
