Dyslexia, dyspraxia and other difficulties

Specific learning difficulties like dyslexia and dyspraxia are more common among university students than might be thought. Many students will already have been assessed before coming to university. Many more will only begin to suspect that they might have a problem when they have difficulty with the more complex and extensive studies they are expected to undertake at university. For some students with well developed learning strategies, difficulties may not arise until they are attempting postgraduate study.

Assessments can be arranged at the University for dyslexia, dyspraxia, and other difficulties like dyscalculia and AD(H)D. We also advise students on a range of strategies that they may use to help them in their studies.

If you think you may have dyslexia or dyspraxia...

...book an individual confidential advice session with a Study Adviser for an initial chat. We can talk to you about study strategies, explain the special provisions available to students with dyslexia or dyspraxia, and give you the information you might need to help you decide whether to have an assessment.

If you have already been assessed elsewhere...

...make sure you get any special provisions that you may be entitled to by submitting a copy of your psychologist's or teacher's report (not your Access report) to the Disability Advisory Service as soon as possible. Don't wait until just before exams to do this - it can take some time to get provisions put in place, especially at busy periods.

Do also come and have a chat with a Study Adviser - even if you have good strategies that have been effective through school and college, you are likely to need to develop them for university study.

What kind of support can you expect from the University?

Students with dyslexia, dyspraxia and other difficulties are given special provisions to put them back on a 'level playing field' with other students when it comes to assessments and study.

These may include:

• extra time in exams
• stickers which notify markers to overlook spelling and grammatical errors

This is not the same as getting 'special treatment'! You will probably still need to work harder than your fellow students to achieve similar results. However, special provisions do help markers to know which aspects of your work may be especially difficult for you, so that they can make a proper evaluation of your achievement in assessments.

Like all students, you will also have the support of the Study Advice team, who are always happy to advise on effective study strategies.

The Disability Advisory Service can give you more information about support, special provisions and assistive technology.

For advice on more specific course or department-related issues, you can speak to the Disability Representative in your Department or School. The Disability Advisory Service has a list of current representatives.

You will also probably be entitled to claim Disabled Students' Allowance, which may fund equipment for study, or even a support tutor or mentor for specialised one-to-one support.

For more information...

See our more detailed pages on dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia and AD(H)D.

Adult Dyslexia Access is a really useful site with targeted advice for students in higher education.

BRAINinHE is a comprehensive resource on dyslexia and other specific learning difficulties at university. Includes detailed definitions and suggested strategies.

British Dyslexia Association has general information and advice on dyslexia.