Find out how to register for funding for a Specific Learning Difference assessment.
Requesting a Specific Learning Difference assessment
If you think you have a Specific Learning Difference (SpLD) such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia or dysgraphia, but do not have a diagnostic report, we can link you to one of our pre-approved assessors.
You won’t need a formal diagnostic report to access reasonable adjustments, but it may help identify additional learning needs and could further entitle you to apply for the external Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA).
Diagnostic assessments are carried out by a chartered or educational psychologist or specialist teacher, indicating that a SpLD has been identified. Assessment outcomes for ADHD and autism are non-diagnostic but can provide a basis for further assessment through your GP or healthcare provider.
All our approved assessors work closely with the University and offer discounted rates to students.
How to request an assessment
If you don’t have any documents showing that you have a SpLD, you can contact one of the approved assessors below. Each assessor will then make arrangements with you directly to book your assessment and complete any pre-assessment forms. Assessors may charge a cancellation fee if you do not attend your appointment without notice.
- Hannah Courtney Bennett – Chartered Psychologist. Hannah is a chartered BPS member and HCPC-registered practitioner. Able to assess Specific Learning Differences, ADHD and autism.
- Drew Greenwell – Specialist Specific Learning Differences (SpLD) Assessor. Drew is PATOSS member and Fellow of the Dyslexia Guild. Able to assess Specific Learning Differences.
- Helen Bartimote – Chartered Psychologist. Helen is a chartered BPS member and associate fellow and HCPC-registered practitioner. Able to assess Specific Learning Differences, ADHD and autism.
Cost of an assessment
A Specific Learning Difference assessment costs £330, regardless of the assessor you choose.
Some UK undergraduate students may be eligible for funding to cover this cost based on their circumstances and household income.
Eligibility for assessment funding
Important: if you believe that your financial circumstances or household income mean you should have your assessment costs covered by the university, please let us know.
We will check your eligibility and confirm whether the University will be able to cover the costs. Once this is completed, we will get in touch to arrange an assessment with one of the above assessors, who will then charge the University directly. We will select an assessor based on their availability to see you as soon as possible.
If you are not eligible to have the costs of your assessment covered – or you choose to arrange your own assessment with one of our approved assessors or alternative provider – we will not reimburse the cost.
We are unable to pay for assessments if you are:
- a Masters or PhD student
- an international student
- a UK student who does not meet our automatic-funding criteria.
If you’re not eligible for automatic funding
We will tell you if you are not eligible for an automatic payment to cover the cost of a SpLD assessment.
It takes approximately one week for us to make a decision. The decision is based on the same process that we follow for the Hardship Fund.
You will then need to make the payment yourself, by liaising with the approved assessors directly using their personal booking pages listed above.
If you still think you need financial help to pay for your assessment, or there were financial challenges we were not aware of, please visit the Hardship Fund for details on how to apply.
Further help and advice
If you need advice or support, get in touch through My Sussex.
You can also:
- come to a Disability Advisor drop-in, every Wednesday (11am-1pm) and Thursday (2pm-4pm) in the Student Centre, during term-time
- visit the Student Centre welcome desk, 8.30am-5pm, Monday-Friday
- call 01273 075700, 9am-4.30pm, Monday-Friday.