Page 70 - Part-A

Understanding Specific Learning Difficulties

The importance of updating assessments post age 16

The needs of young people with SpLDs change over time. The different demands
likely to be placed on the individual at work or in further education after the age of 16
mean that an update of their assessment is advisable. This will assist in reviewing the
support that will be needed to help them.

A parent, carer or young person over 16 years of age can request an assessment.
Diagnostic assessments conducted from the age of 16 are appropriate for the
purposes of Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) eligibility.

If an assessment was conducted before the age of 16, a top-up assessment is
required to provide an update of the student’s skills in reading, writing and spelling.

An individual with dyslexia who has handwriting that is hard or impossible to read is
able to use a laptop in exams, so that the examiner can concentrate on the content
rather than trying to decipher the handwriting. These are called access arrangements.

A post age 16 diagnosis for those who suspect they have dyslexia, or for those who
have already been assessed, is important for enabling further access arrangements
or support at university. A diagnostic assessment can be carried out by a specialist
teacher and submitted to Student Finance England in order to obtain Disabled
Students’ Allowance for higher education.

An allowance may then be made to the student to pay for books and photocopying, as
well as specialised software for use on laptops and tablets. Specialist tuition will also
be made available.

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