Neurodiversity assessments
At Loughborough University, we call a neurodiversity assessment for dyslexia a Full Neurodiversity Diagnostic Assessment (FNDA). Other terms you may find used interchangeably are an Educational Psychologist report, or Diagnostic Assessment Report. The FNDA is an educationally focused assessment which aims to help you better understand yourself and the way in which your neurodivergence impacts your learning.
The FNDA assessment can only formally diagnose dyslexia, it can only report on characteristics of dyspraxia or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The FNDA can only determine whether there is sufficient evidence to suggest that an individual has attention and concentration issues characteristic of ADHD, and this is solely for the purposes of addressing educational needs. To obtain a dyspraxia, ASC or ADHD diagnosis you will need to see your GP/medical Practitioner. Please refer to the ADHD tab below for details of the ADHD Screening Workshops.
Assessments typically take several hours to complete and involve doing a range of different tasks, after which a comprehensive report will be created for you. This will describe activities which you may find challenging, for example reading at speed, as well as areas of strength, for example creative thinking.
The specialist guidance and recommendations in the report will allow you to access academic support, and for this to be tailored to your needs and for areas of strength to be developed further.
How can the University support you?
We have produced this video guide to explain in more detail how the assessment pathway can work for students at Loughborough University.
Please find a quiet and comfortable space to watch this video. The video will give you information and guidance on exploring your situation and the type of diagnostic assessment that would be the best fit for you.
Please do not book an FNDA if you only want to have an assessment for ADHD. To pursue an ADHD diagnosis please contact your GP. If your GP refers you for a full medical ADHD diagnostic assessment, and you want to apply for DSA to access funding for specialist support please get your medical professional e.g. GP to complete sections 2,3 and 4 of the Disability Students’ Allowance Disability Evidence Form.
After you have watched the video in full, please choose from the options below which best suits your situation:
A Full Neurodiversity Diagnostic Assessment (FNDA) arranged privately
Please complete the Neurodiversity screening - private assessments. There are a series of short questions with yes or no answers. You should allow 5-20 minutes to complete it carefully. At the end you will be shown a percentage score of your answers and appropriate advice how to proceed.
If you wish to have an FNDA, below are some organisations and individuals who conduct FNDAs in the local area. Please note the University is not responsible for the process or outcome of a private assessment and we do not intend to make specific recommendations for any organisation or individual. This assessment is arranged between you and the assessor you choose, costs will vary but you should expect to pay between £350 and £600.
If you are in financial hardship due to unforeseen circumstances since starting your course you may be eligible to apply to the University Hardship Fund. But please note that you cannot specifically apply to the Hardship Fund to fund a private FNDA assessment.
Please be aware that you should have had a routine eye test within the last two years before attending an FNDA.
| Name | Phone number | Email address |
|---|---|---|
| Jayne Gillies | 07779 238999 | j.gill1732@hotmail.co.uk |
| Tina Horsman | 07913 974241 | tina@tinahorsman.com |
| Preeti Mackan | 07811 199941 | preeti@dyslexialifeline.co.uk |
| Jane O’Leary | 07985 034032 | jolassessments@gmail.com |
| June Page | 07396 934652 | junez.page@googlemail.com |
Organisations providing national assessor details:
The Professional Association of Teachers of Students with Specific Learning Difficulties (Patoss)
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Attending an ADHD Screening Workshop is the first stage to investigate whether the characteristics of ADHD being experienced warrant a further assessment/diagnosis. By the end of the workshop participants will be able to decide if they need to pursue a diagnostic assessment and then the most suitable assessment/diagnostic route. In addition to this the workshop will offer some quick win strategies to support participants. Please email studentinclusion@lboro.ac.uk to book onto an ADHD Screening Workshop.
If you are in financial hardship due to unforeseen circumstances since starting your course you may be eligible to apply to the University Hardship Fund. But please note that you cannot specifically apply to the Hardship Fund to fund a private ADHD assessment.
Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC)
How do I get a diagnosis?
The first step in the diagnostic process is to see your GP or specialist nurse and ask for a referral for an ASC assessment.
These links may help you understand the diagnostic process more.
- Visit the National Autistic Society for more information on getting a diagnostic assessment.
- Right To Choose ASD - Psychiatry-UK. This route can reduce the waiting time for an assessment by choosing a different assessor.
Working diagnosis
Once you have been referred for an ASC assessment you now have a working diagnoisis, which means you may be eligible for support at University, such as 1-1 mentoring or assistive technology, through Disabled Students Allowance (DSA).
Please see this University webpage on DSA. More information on how to apply can be found on the government website here.
Please also inform Student Inclusion if you are placed on a waiting list for diagnosis. We can then look at any academic support you might find helpful, which may include changes to your adjustments.
Additional resources
Here are some resources that may support you through thinking about signs of Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) and whether to get an assessment.
- Signs of autism in adults - NHS
- Before diagnosis - The National Autistic Society breaks down every step of the diagnostic process, including deciding on whether to get an assessment and how to request one.
Additional Resources
Here are some additional resources:
Frequently Asked Questions
I am an applicant, how can I arrange support ready for my arrival?
You can find more information on disability and dyslexia support on our webpages.
Should I wait until I start University before having an assessment?
We strongly encourage you to have the appropriate assessment done before your studies begin and upload the report into the Disability and Health Portal. This will allow us more time to prepare the support you need and to make sure this is available to you at the very start of your studies.
I have a Form 8 / Access Statement. Is this the same as a neurodiversity assessment report?
No, they are different documents and are not accepted as diagnostic evidence at University. You can read more about this in the University evidence policy here
What should I do once I have had my assessment?
If you are an applicant please complete the Disability and Health Portal and upload your diagnostic paperwork in line with the University evidence policy here
If you are a current student please email your diagnostic paperwork in line with the University evidence policy to studentinclusion@lboro.ac.uk
An Advisor will review your submission and advise on the next steps to access support.
I cannot afford an assessment, what should I do?
If you would like to enquire whether any subsidised assessments are currently available, or if you have any wider hardship concerns and would like advice about financial support, please visit our accessing support page.
Last Updated: 14th April 2025