A confidential service offering practical support to enhance your learning experience
Our team provides support for students with specific learning differences (SpLDs). Our specialist Neurodiversity Tutors offer practical and study skills support to help you overcome the challenges of studying, enhance your learning and have a positive university experience.
What is a Specific Learning Difference?
The term learning difference refers to a range of neurodiverse conditions such as dyslexia, dyspraxia and dyscalculia.
The term neurodiverse means that learning differences can sometimes overlap or share similar characteristics and, that these are part of normal variation in the population. We appreciate that no one person is the same, whether or not we have a specific learning difference, we each have our own individual learning styles and preferences and we work with you to understand your unique strengths, challenges and needs.
If you think that you may have a specific learning difference but haven't yet received a formal identification and are interested in attending a screening with us, please see the how to access us section below.
How we can help
Our experienced team provides the following support:
- Support and advise about the transition to university
- Screening for markers of a specific learning difference (SpLD) and if appropriate, referral for diagnostic assessment
- Individual specialist study skills and compensatory strategy support
- Recommendations for reasonable adjustments
- Information about university processes
- Information about additional funding for home students
- Information about additional funding for international students
- Signposting, support with referrals to and liaison with internal and external services
- Workshops and self-help resources, for more information visit our Moodle page
If you are eligible for Disabled Students Allowance (DSA), you must apply for this in order to receive specialist study skills support. There may be instances where it is not felt that our service can offer you the most appropriate support. In these cases, we will talk to you about alternative services that would better meet your needs. Please note, we do not provide subject specific, English language, numeracy skills or proof-reading support.
How to access us
If you have a formal identification of a specific learning difference or ADHD or, are interested in attending a screening, please complete our Initial Contact Form. This can be accessed via the link below:
Please note: In exceptional circumstances we may provide letters of support for Extenuating Circumstances to students who are engaged in regular support with our team only.
Students without a formal identification
To be eligible for support, you must have had a full diagnostic assessment and received a confirmed identification of an SpLD or ADHD. If you believe you may have a specific learning difference (SpLD) but have not previously received a diagnosis or identification, you can attend a screening with us. If this identifies possible markers of an SpLD, we can refer you for a full diagnostic assessment. Diagnostic assessments are free for home students but, charged at a fee for international students. For more information, contact us.
If ADHD is your only concern, we recommend that you contact your GP to request a referral for medical assessment.
Please note: Due to COVID-19 diagnostic assessments are currently suspended. In place of this, the team is offer evaluation of needs (EON). If this identifies markers of an SpLD, you will be able to register with the neurodiversity team. EON's can also be used to apply for Disabled Students Allowance (DSA).
Meet the team
James Saward – Neurodiversity and Disability Services Manager
Emma Allsopp – Neurodiversity Tutor
Frances Anagnostou – Neurodiversity Tutor
Neil Goldwasser – Neurodiversity Tutor
Julia Pairman – Neurodiversity Tutor
Administration team: Yati Abd Razak & Daniel Shannon-Hughes
Applying for Disabled Students' Allowance
Disabled Students’ Allowance ( DSA ) is support to cover the study-related costs you have because of a mental health problem, long term illness or any other disability.
This can be on its own or in addition to any student finance you get.
The type of support and how much you get depends on your individual needs - not your household income.
You do not need to pay back DSA.
To find out if you are eligible, visit www.gov.uk/disabled-students-allowances-dsas/eligibility
Please note, if you are eligible for an NHS Bursary you should complete your application via your Bursary Online Support System (BOSS) account.
We understand that students may be worried about current world circumstances. Regularly updated information and guidance regarding COVID-19 and your studies can be found here. We also have lots of resources available to support you to stay connected, take care of yourselves and manage your studies remotely available through Togetherall, on our Moodle page and Instagram @cityunistressless.
