What’s the difference between a diagnostic assessment and an assessment of needs?
A diagnostic assessment provides evidence of a specific learning difficulty (SpLD), and is the document the student needs to submit to the funding body as evidence of disability. It usually takes the form of an Educational Psychologist’s Report, and includes the diagnosis of dyslexia or another SpLD. Students are responsible for the cost of obtaining this evidence. An Assessment of Needs is not intended to provide a diagnosis, as it relies on the medical evidence already obtained. It takes place at an Assessment Centre such as CLASS, and takes the form of an informal discussion with a DSA Needs Assessor, to identify strategies to help students compensate for the effects of their disability in higher education.
A diagnostic assessment provides evidence of a specific learning difficulty (SpLD). This is the document you need to send to your funding body as medical evidence. It usually takes the form of an Educational Psychologist’s Report, and includes the diagnosis of dyslexia or another SpLD. Students are responsible for the cost of obtaining this evidence.
