Specific Learning Difficulty and Dyslexia screening and assessment

We may be able to give an educational diagnosis of a Specific Learning Difficulty (SpLD – such as dyslexia, dyspraxia or ADD/ADHD).

Primary page content

Important information

An educational diagnosis of ADHD will not result in medication. It will only result in adjustments and support on your course. If you wish to obtain a medical diagnosis, please speak to your GP to request a referral
We can only arrange assessments for students enrolled at Goldsmiths. If have not yet enrolled contact the Disability and Inclusion Service for advice
If you have 'prior evidence' or a diagnostic assessment, read our guidance

Process for screening and assessment

Step 1 - Screening questionnaire

Complete the screening questionnaire.

Please note:

Screening will not give a diagnosis – it will give indicators only
Deadlines for final year students are:

Undergraduates – 22 March 2024
Postgraduates – 28 June 2024

If you would rather have a meeting to go through the screening with an adviser, please book an appointment.

Step 2 - Referral for assessment

If the screening shows you have many indicators of an SpLD you will be sent options about diagnostic assessors – this will be confirmed by email.

You should receive an appointment within four weeks of paying the £90 student contribution.

Step 3 - Full diagnostic assessment

This will take about three to four hours to complete with a qualified diagnostic assessor. This can be in-person or remotely on Teams

Usually, the Diagnostic Assessment Report is sent from the assessor within two weeks of the assessment.

Step 4 - Universal Reasonable Adjustments

If a confirmed diagnosis of Specific Learning Difficulty is provided in the report you will be automatically given a set of Universal Reasonable Adjustments.

This should take place within two weeks of the receipt of the Diagnostic Assessment Report.

Step 5 - Accessing funded support

This takes a minimum of four weeks from an appointment with a Disability Adviser and applying for Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) with your evidence.

Guidance for students who have had an assessment elsewhere

‘Prior evidence’ refers to any existing information indicating that you have a Specific Learning Difficulty. It could be a childhood report, or statement of support carried out at school/college to permit arrangements such as extra time in exams.

Providing prior evidence may speed up the screening and assessment process, which enables support to be put in place as quickly as possible.

The evidence can be emailed to disability (@gold.ac.uk). Read our Data Protection and Confidentiality Statement to understand how we will use what you send us.

We will accept a Diagnostic Assessment from a psychologist or suitably qualified specialist teacher. Please note that the author must hold a current SpLD Assessment Practicing Certificate or be HCPC registered at the time of the assessment and follow SASC guidelines.

The can be emailed to disability (@gold.ac.uk). Read our Data Protection and Confidentiality Statement to understand how we will use what you send us.