Neurodiversity assessments
This type of assessment can formally assess for neurodiversity such as Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Autistic Spectrum Conditions (ASC) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
At Loughborough University, we call a neurodiversity assessment for Dyslexia, Dyspraxia and ADHD a Full Neurodiversity Diagnostic Assessment (FNDA), so you will hear this term used. Other terms you may find used interchangeably are an Educational Psychologist report, or Specialist Teacher Assessor's report. The assessment aims to help you better understand yourself and the way in which you learn.
Assessments typical take several hours to complete and involve doing a range of different tasks, after which a comprehensive report will be created for you. This will describe activities which you may find challenging, for example reading at speed, as well as areas of strength, for example creative thinking.
The specialist guidance and recommendations in the report will allow you to access academic support, and for this to be tailored to your needs and for areas of strength to be developed further.
How can the University support you?
We have produced this video guide to explain in more detail how the assessment pathway can work for students at Loughborough University.
Please find a quiet and comfortable space to watch this video. The video will give you information and guidance on exploring your situation and the type of diagnostic assessment that would be the best fit for you.
After you have watched the video in full, please chose from the options below which best suit your situation:
A Full Neurodiversity Diagnostic Assessment (FNDA) arranged privately
Please the complete the Neurodiversity screening - private assessments. There are a series of short questions with yes or no answers. You should allow 5-20 minutes to complete it carefully. At the end you will be shown a percentage score of your answers and appropriate advice how to proceed.
If you wish to have an FNDA, below are some organisations and individuals who conduct FNDAs in the local area. Please note the University is not responsible for the process or outcome of a private assessment and we do not intend to make specific recommendations for any organisation or individual. This assessment is arranged between you and the assessor you choose, costs will vary but you should expect to pay between £350 and £600.
If you are in financial hardship due to unforeseen circumstances since starting your course you may be eligible to apply to the University Hardship Fund. You will need to prove you are in financial hardship over the academic year, and costs of an FNDA can be included within your wider Hardship application.
Please be aware that you should have had a routine eye test within the last two years before attending an FNDA.
| Name | Phone number | Email address |
|---|---|---|
| Karen Ellis | 07835 864068 | karenellis9@gmail.com |
| Jayne Gillies | 07779 238999 | j.gill1732@hotmail.co.uk |
| Tina Horsman | 07913 974241 | assessments@tinahorsman.com |
| Preeti Mackan | 07811 199941 | p.mackan7@gmail.com |
| Jane O’Leary | 07985 034032 | jolassessments@gmail.com |
| June Page | 01509 262398 | junez.page@googlemail.com |
Organisations providing national assessor details:
The Professional Association of Teachers of Students with Specific Learning Difficulties (Patoss)
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Attending an ADHD Screening Workshop is the first stage to investigate whether the characteristics of ADHD being experienced warrant a further assessment/diagnosis. By the end of the workshop participants will be able to decide if they need to pursue a diagnostic assessment and then the most suitable assessment/diagnostic route. In addition to this the workshop will offer some quick win strategies to support participants. Please email studentinclusion@lboro.ac.uk to book onto an ADHD Screening Workshop.
Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC)
Please email studentinclusion@lboro.ac.uk to organise a meeting to explore your situation with a specialist ASC Advisor.
In the meantime you might find it helpful to view our Autistic Spectrum Conditions webpage here for information about what support you could access from the University
Additional Resources
Here are some additional resources:
Frequently Asked Questions
I am an applicant, how can I arrange support ready for my arrival?
You can find more information on disability and dyslexia support on our webpages.
Should I wait until I start University before having an assessment?
We strongly encourage you to have the appropriate assessment done before your studies begin and upload the report into the Disability and Health Portal. This will allow us more time to prepare the support you need and to make sure this is available to you at the very start of your studies.
I have a Form 8 / Access Statement. Is this the same as a neurodiversity assessment report?
No, they are different documents and are not accepted as diagnostic evidence at University. You can read more about this in the University evidence policy here
What should I do once I have had my assessment?
If you are an applicant please complete the Disability and Health Portal and upload your diagnostic paperwork in line with the University evidence policy here
If you are a current student please email your diagnostic paperwork in line with the University evidence policy to studentinclusion@lboro.ac.uk
An Advisor will review your submission and advise on the next steps to access support.
I cannot afford an assessment, what should I do?
Please contact us studentinclusion@lboro.ac.uk or call 01509 222770 to enquire whether any subsidised assessments are currently available. Alternatively, for wider hardship concerns, Student Advice and Support are available to support students who need financial support for various reasons at University.
Last Updated: 14th February 2023