University Student Assessments

University Student Assessments – Students often diagnosed with specific learning difficulties in their younger years will continue to require educational assistance throughout their degree.

Dyslexia is not a problem with intelligence rather it is a neurobiological disability that is characterised by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition and spelling and decoding abilities.

Are you a student at university with a specific learning disorder?

Dyslexia is a specific learning difference that is neurobiological in origin. It is characterised by challenges with accurate and/or fluent single word decoding and word recognition. Difficulties with spelling may also be evident. These challenges typically result from a deficit in the phonological and/or orthographic component of language. These challenges are often unexpected in relation to other strengths, talents and abilities. The ADA do not relate dyslexia to IQ since reading and IQ are not correlated.
Dyslexia can remain a challenge throughout life despite mastery of language and literacy concepts; even with the provision of effective evidence-based classroom instruction. Secondary issues may include challenges in reading comprehension and reduced reading experience and these can impede growth of vocabulary and background knowledge. Dyslexia, if left unidentified and or unassisted, can cause social and emotional troubles.

Australian Dyslexia Association’s (ADA) definition:

https://dyslexiaassociation.org.au/dyslexia-in-australia/.

People with dyslexia have a typical IQ and can be academically gifted. It is just that their brains process language differently than those without the disability

Dr Rahul Ganguly Charles Sturt University School of Education.

University student

University Students are often diagnosed with a specific learning difficulty such as dyslexia in their younger years. Dyslexia is an ongoing specific learning difficulty and the student will generally continue to require educational assistance throughout their degree (s).

What to do if you were diagnosed with a specific learning disorder as a child and seek support at university for your current studies.

  • Seek support services available through the university.
  • Make use of assistive technology to support education.
  • Request permission to record all lectures/tutorials/workshops using your phone or tablet for later access.
  • Request additional time to complete assignments and exams.
  • Use Pen readers
  • Use Grammar and Spelling software
  • Provision of a text reader and/or someone to scribe in exams.

If you have been previously diagnosed with a specific learning disorder such as dyslexia, then an updated assessment can assist in providing current information for the university in order to allow accommodations and learning support throughout your degree.  A comprehensive educational assessment by a psychologist who specialises in this field can provide insight into current cognitive and academic abilities, including an updated dyslexic profile (if deemed warranted) and provide recommendations to support a university education.

In Summary

University students may require an updated comprehensive (psycho-educational) assessment to meet the criteria, and provide recommendations, for accommodations whilst studying for their degree.

What assessment tools are used?

A psycho-educational assessment will use the iPad Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale – Fourth Edition (WAIS-IV) and the Wechsler Individual Achievement Test – Third Edition (WIAT-III) to provide a detailed and comprehensive assessment and written report to support an application for learning accommodations at university (as warranted).

Useful Websites

If you or your child’s school have concerns about your child’s academic progress and/or learning difficulties, Purple Giraffe Psychology would be honoured to help you in investigating your concerns.

Should you wish to know more about how to support your child in the classroom with their ongoing education, please contact Purple Giraffe Psychology via the form or information located on the contact page.

Contact Purple Giraffe Psychology