What are psychological assessments?

Who might need an assessment?

Assessments can be extremely useful for all sorts of people.

Anyone who has a prior (childhood) diagnosis of a specific learning difficulty (SpLD) and applies for College or University will be told that an updatedassessment is required by a recognised assessor like our Psychologists. This is needed to enable the student to access help, support, tuition, extra time in exams and specialist software in their studies.

Other students who have never been assessed before may speak to friends at College or University who have a diagnosis of SpLD and realise the symptoms/difficulties refer to them also.

For some, they find that once at University, they ‘hit a cliff’ in terms of the demands on their reading and writing (etc) skills and for the first time, may start falling behind.

They might hear about dyslexia from talks by the College/University and when the symptoms or typical difficulties are described, they think ‘that’s me’ and start to wonder if they might be affected.

Some students who have sailed through school with relatively few problems find some aspects of studying at University or College more challenging or difficult. They may find it hard to keep up with note taking in lectures, to stay on top of reading, to remember or take in information. Or, they may struggle with completing exams in the time allowed.

Some individuals have focus, concentration and attention problems. Some find maths difficult. Some find it just takes them a lot longer to complete work compared to their peers. These students often ‘self-refer’ themselves for an assessment and are immensely relived to receive a diagnosis which can set them on the path to addressing their specific needs.

Some ‘mature’ students – often in their 20’s, 30s and 40s and beyond – may have struggled at school, being labelled ‘lazy’ or ‘thick’ by teachers. They consequently suffer lack of confidence and self-esteem. They may have had to re- take exams and work extra hard in comparison to their peers. They may have experienced failures in their previous education and may have trouble passing assignments or exams and have to re-submit work. Academic staff from College or University often refer them to us, where assessment reveals they are very often SpLD, not ‘thick’ or ‘lazy’ at all.

For some, parents and teachers may have pushed for the student to be assessed when they were at school but lack of funding support means it just didn’t happen. Universities and Colleges are obliged to identify and make provision for students with SpLD.

For those in employment, there are different scenarios. They may experience difficulty in the workplace – perhaps with aspects of literacy, time management or organisational skills – and seek assessment so that appropriate workplace adjustments can be made. They may have an earlier diagnosis but want an updated assessment or their employer might request one.

Some employers may suspect an employee has SpLD and will refer them to be assessed so that they can support them more effectively at work. Funding is available via the government to pay for workplace adjustments.

For those about to take professional exams/qualifications, (e.g. police, armed forces or nursing) some might struggle with reading questions or completing exams within the time allowed. They may be told they need a full assessment by Registered Psychologist and will enquire with us. Very often they will meet the criteria, allowing extra time to be put in place and, for some, the use of a PC too.

Under the Equality Act (2010) it is against the law for an employer to discriminate against you because of a disability. Specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia are included as disabilities in the workplace and the law protects you in many areas of employment from recruitment procedures to promotion.

All employers have a duty to make ‘Reasonable Adjustments’ to prevent you from being disadvantaged at work.

Psychology4education assessment reports fully comply with the requirements of the law and up to date guidelines.