Outcomes of my diagnostic assessment

On this page:
  • Specific learning difficulty (SpLD) assessment outcomes
  • Autism assessment outcomes
Once you have had your assessment, the assessor will write a report detailing their findings and results. It is important you keep this report as you can use it for reference and as proof of any support needs you may have, which employers or service providers have an obligation to address.  

Specific learning difficulty (SpLD) assessment outcomes

Your assessment report will be e-mailed to you within 15 working days. It will give full details of the diagnosis (if identified) and recommendations for support. You are strongly encouraged to make an appointment with a disability advisor to discuss the findings and recommendations. 
 
If you arrange your own assessment report, you should ensure a copy of this is given to the Disability Advisory Service.

Outcomes of my SpLD assessment

An SpLD is identified

The disability advisor will discuss all support options available, including:
 You can read more about these on our adjustments and support page.  

When AD(H)D as an SpLD is your assessment conclusion

If you have been assessed by a psychologist or PATOSS assessor at Imperial and your report states that you have ADHD as an SpLD, please note the following information:
  • if you haven't already done so, you must book and attend a feedback meeting with a disability advisor;
  • any further AD(H)D medical referrals must be made by a GP;
  • a GP cannot prescribe some medications such as Ritalin without a full medical assessment for AD(H)D. 

My report says I have 'Compensated Dyslexia'

Compensated dyslexia is where there are signs of significant discrepancies in an individual’s cognitive ability (phonological, auditory memory and auditory processing speed tasks) but where his/her literacy (reading, spelling, writing and comprehension) has been improved by hard work. Often, students will use the visual modality heavily to reduce the strain on the misfiring cognitive skills mentioned above. Also, the student may have been appropriately taught in the past using good cumulative multi-sensory literacy strategies to compensate for weaknesses. In summary, it is where a student’s literacy is stronger than one would expect but there is still evidence of underpinning cognitive weakness.

An SpLD has not been identified

If your assessor does not identify a specific learning difficulty, the report will still give you a great deal of information about your best way of learning. An advisor will discuss the report with you and can suggest ways to improve your study efficiency in the light of its conclusions. An advisor may also be able to suggest other appropriate support such as accessing the inclusive technologies in the software hub or attending other study skills sessions run by Imperial.

Autism assessment outcomes

Once the report has been completed, you will be invited to have a second, hour-long meeting with the psychologist and a disability advisor to discuss the findings in the report. The Disability Advisory Service will contact you to set up the second appointment.  
In the meeting, you will be given a draft copy of the assessment report and informed of the results. You will also be given a chance to discuss making changes in certain areas of the report before the final version is returned to you.  

Outcomes of my Autism assessment

If you meet the criteria for Autistic Spectrum Condition

During the follow-up meeting, the assessor will explain:
  • the reasons for the diagnosis and how it was arrived at;
  • the ways in which you meet the criteria for autism;
  • what recommendations to support you in your studies might be appropriate.
The advisor will discuss all support options available, including:
  • access to specialist study skills tutorials or specialist mentoring;
  • inclusive technology use and training;
  • applying for additional examination arrangements;
  • referrals for further specialist support.  

If you do not meet the criteria for Autistic Spectrum Condition

During the follow-up meeting, the assessor will explain:
  • why it was thought you might meet the criteria for a diagnosis of autism;
  • why you do not meet these criteria;
  • other possible reasons for the difficulties you are experiencing.
The advisor will discuss what your next steps are, including:
  • options arising from the findings in your assessment;
  • any further referrals which may be appropriate;
  • what further support or advice we may be able to offer.