Screening for Specific Learning Difficulties
We offer you the ability to be screened for Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD)
You might have struggled with your studies at school or college. These difficulties don't necessarily reflect intelligence but could be due to an underlying Specific Learning Difficulty (SpLD).
We want you to achieve and succeed in your learning and offer all students the chance to be screened for SpLDs.
What are Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD)?
According to the SpLD Assessment Standards Committee (SASC), Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD) refer to a range of learning difficulties that affect the way information is processed, understood and learned.
These include conditions such as:
- Dyslexia
- Dyspraxia
- Dyscalculia
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)*
*educational indicators and characteristics (not clinical diagnosis)
These conditions affect how you learn information at school, college or university. SASC therefore emphasises the importance of comprehensive and appropriate assessments to identify these difficulties and provide the necessary support for individuals with neurodiverse profiles.
Therefore, as a university, we offer every student the opportunity to access our SpLD screening process. This then allows us to ascertain any potential support requirements and reasonable adjustments you may need.
How am I screened for SpLDs?
As a service, we maintain the University’s core values in creating an inclusive environment for all students. We aim to ensure that students with diverse needs can thrive, stay on track and succeed in their academic journey. You will therefore have the opportunity to be screened at enrolment.
We encourage you to complete our screening process at the start of your course to ensure we can support you appropriately and help you achieve your full potential. However, we do make the process available to all students during their studies.
For further information, please email us at disabilities@bradford.ac.uk.
Important information
Case-by-case considerations
Please be advised that each student referral is considered on a case-by-case basis. This will be determined by the Disability Service team. Some students will also be assessed by different means. Not all student will receive a formal diagnosis.
Please understand the assessment process and outcomes may take up to 16 weeks, especially during busy periods.
Please get in touch to discuss this further by emailing us at disabilities@bradford.ac.uk.
ADHD
The University cannot provide a clinical diagnosis of ADHD. This must be done through a GP referral. However, we can refer you to external suppliers for an assessment of educational indicators/characteristics of ADHD. This can help you access Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA). Note that an educational diagnosis won’t allow you to get ADHD medication; for that, you need a clinical diagnosis via your GP.
The University’s screening process is thorough and usually identifies Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD). If ADHD is suspected but not detected through our screening, a GP referral letter is required for further support and adjustments. The team will then determine the next steps.
How to access our service
Prospective students
If you are thinking of coming or have recently applied to the University of Bradford, don’t wait until you have arrived to make contact with us. We can arrange for you to talk to a member of our team about what support is on offer here at the University. To contact us please complete the request support form*.
Current students
If you identify as being disabled, or with any of the conditions we've listed, please get in touch to discuss how we can support you with your studies.
If you have not already registered with our service, please complete the request support form*. Our team will then be in touch to discuss how we can help you to access appropriate support. You can find out more on our SharePoint site (university login required).
*Please note, you will need to complete this form separately for counselling and mental health and/or the Student Life team.