Screening and Assessment for a Specific Learning Difference including Autism
What are Specific Learning Differences(SpLDs)?
Specific learning differences, sometimes referred to as ‘Specific learning difficulties’ or ‘SpLD’ is an umbrella term that is used to describe the different strengths and challenges that people experience when they are learning or processing information. You will often hear dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, Autism, AD(H)D and other neurodiversity referred to as SpLDs.
At Arden, we use the term ‘Learning Difference’ rather than ‘Learning Difficulty’ because the use of ‘difficulty’ focuses on the individual rather than the barriers an individual experiences in a non-inclusive environment. ‘Learning difference’ recognises the value of diversity of thought and the strengths that this can bring.
If you’d like to find out more about SpLDs, you are welcome to talk to us in the Inclusion Services team and we are happy to provide information, signposting and access to screening if appropriate.
What do I do if I think that I may have an SpLD or autism and have not been assessed before?
If you think that you may have an SpLD or be autistic, please email inclusion@arden.ac.uk to arrange a screening. Please add ‘SCREENING’ in the subject heading of your email.
We will then invite you to fill in an initial screening questionnaire and arrange a follow-up appointment to find out more about the barriers you face. We will advise whether a full diagnostic assessment with an Educational Psychologist is recommended and will explain the options for arranging this.