How does the screening process work?

A Dyslexia Tutor carries out preliminary screening for dyslexia/specific learning difficulty.  Please bring a hand-written (uncorrected) sample of your writing to your first appointment.   A form will be given to you to write on when you make the appointment.

Funding the screening

The full cost of screening is £43 per hour; most screenings take 2 hours.  This is not covered by Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSAs) but if you are studying at least 50% of full-time financial help is available.  All students are charged £100 towards the cost of the initial screening and Educational Psychologist assessment for specific learning difficulties and £50 for screening only (i.e. if you are found not to have a specific learning difficulty).  The charge is made to your student account following the conclusion of the assessment process.  A member of the team will give you a financial aid form and discuss this with you when you first come to see us.   If you think that you cannot afford the charge, then you should complete a full Access to Learning Fund/Hardship Fund application so that we can assess and advise on your overall financial situation.  The Finance Team are available for drop-ins to discuss this. 

Please keep the appointment.  We charge £43 if you miss an appointment without 48 hours’ notice  and this charge will not be covered by any financial help from the University.  

Assessment by an Educational Psychologist

If the Dyslexia Tutor decides that you need an assessment of your learning difficulties, an appointment with an Educational Psychologist  will be arranged for you.  You need a report written by an Educational Psychologists or specialist teacher identifying dyslexia/specific learning difficulty to apply for DSAs and to access support including individual examination arrangements.  The full cost of this assessment is normally £350 but may be more if additional tests e.g.of maths, are required but financial help is available in most cases.  Please keep the appointment or advise at least 2 days prior to the appointment if you are unable to attend.  There is a charge of £100 if you break an appointment with the Educational Psychologist without appropriate notice and this will not be covered by any financial help from the University. 

What if I don't have dyslexia after all?

The Dyslexia Tutor or Educational Psychologist may decide that your difficulties do not appear to be of a dyslexic nature.  This is not to say that you are not experiencing problems. Other help is available at UEA: 

• Learning Enhancement Tutors - provide support to any student who needs to develop their skills to study effectively at degree level including those whose first language is not English.  Appointments can be made at reception in the Dean of Students' Office (592761).

• Educational Counsellor - helps any student in the University who is experiencing difficulties or anxiety relating to their academic work.  Contact the receptionist in the Counselling Service (592651) for an appointment.