Identifying your profile.

Through our screening and assessment routes, our aim is to assist you in discovering your uniqueness-

your strengths, weaknesses and learning profile by making you aware of your own metacognition (learning how you learn best).

What is a Specific Learning Difference (SpLD)?

A Specific Learning Difference (SpLD) is more commonly known and referred to as a ‘Specific Learning Difficulty’ within education and legislative frameworks. It is the umbrella term that encompasses dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, ADHD and, to an extent, Autism Spectrum Disorder.

SpLD South offer screening, educational and diagnostic assessments covering a range of SpLDs and sectors.

SpLD screening.

A screening investigates and highlights any indicators of a SpLD but does not formally identify or diagnose it.

A screening considers the full range of SpLDs, including Visual Stress. If you’ve never had an assessment, a screening is a good starting point before deciding on whether a full diagnostic assessment would be beneficial.

A screening takes approx. 1 hour and a short report is produced summarising the possible indicators & recommendations. This may be useful for initiating intervention at school and support strategies.

SpLD diagnostic assessment.

A diagnostic assessment explores an individual’s learning profile in more depth to establish strengths and challenges that are presented in the learning or work environment. It concludes with a formal identification and diagnosis of SpLD, if appropriate.

A formal identification of a SpLD is often required to access funded support, e.g. DSA. It can also provide answers or closure to individuals who have questions about their past or current literacy or learning difficulties.

A diagnostic assessment can last between 2.5 to 5 hours, depending on what is being investigated, background history / information and how the individual is feeling. On average, an assessment for dyslexia / dyspraxia takes 3 hours.

The assessment uses a range of standardised tests, observation and discussion and we always work at the individual’s pace, taking as many breaks as required. Preliminary feedback is given after the assessment and a detailed report summarises the cognitive profile, conclusion and recommendations.

Access Arrangements & JCQ Form 8.

We carry out standardised testing for Access Arrangements and complete Form 8s for schools, colleges and individuals in line with JCQ guidelines.

For more information, please contact SpLD South.