Dr Hester Howells is an Educational
Psychologist based in Norfolk.
Dr Howells offers independent assessments diagnosing the educational aspects
of Neuro-diversity (specific learning difficulties)
for both children and adults.
The assessment typically assesses one or more areas:
cognition and learning, communication and interaction,social, emotional and mental health
or sensory and physical skills. Individualised
evidence-based recommendations are made for needs identified in any of these areas.
For more information
give us a call on 01362 681 869.

Young man aged 18 studying at uni and finding that he was struggling to cope with the demands of his course. He had difficulty organising his time and tended to put work off until the last minute; he had failed one assignment.

He had been in trouble at school for inattentiveness, impulsivity, fidgeting and speaking out of turn and as result he had a poor educational experience, underachieving at GCSE and A level. His self-confidence had been adversely affected by this.

He has difficulty switching off and focussing, finds it very hard to concentrate for lengthy periods, needs to be active and burn off energy, tends to procrastinate, had difficulty finishing projects and with paying attention to fine details.

He was referred to me by learning support staff at uni for a full assessment after his academic advisor had spoken to the student about his difficulties with studying. The academic advisor said his written work did not reflect his oral contributions in seminars or his understanding of his subject (BA in International Relations)

I assessed the student, undertaking full testing. I also undertook an observation of his verbal and non-verbal behaviours in the assessment. I took a detailed background history of his difficulties with attention and concentration and a discussion of how these impact on his studies. He also completed an ADHD screening instrument which is based on the DSM IV.

Results showed he had mild dyslexia and adhd, with specific weaknesses in his working memory and phonological skills. His handwriting speed was significantly slow and he had some problems with spelling and reading comprehension. I made recommendations in the assessment report to as par as possible remove the barriers caused by ADHD and to provide X with resources for further information and help.

As a result of the assessment report he was offered mentoring support at uni, help with organisation, study skills and time management, had full DSA and in exams a separate room to minimise distractions. He passed his degree and is now working full time.

01362 681 869