Dyslexia and other difficulties

Specific learning difficulties like dyslexia and dyspraxia, and difficulties arising from Asperger Syndrome, are more common among university students than might be thought. Many students will already have been assessed before coming to university. Others 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.

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

Start by booking 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.

Assessments can be arranged at the University for dyslexia, dyspraxia, and other difficulties like dyscalculia and AD(H)D. 

More information on assessments, including how to book

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.

More information on special provisions and other support. 

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.

Asperger Syndrome

If you have been diagnosed with, or think you may have Asperger Syndrome, contact the Disability Advisory Service for more advice. Click here for more information.

For more information...

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

There is more information on Asperger Syndrome here.

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.

Study Skills for Dyslexic Students - a really useful set of pages from the University of Sheffield.