Specific learning difficulties and autism

Students sitting on colourful seats
Imperial College’s Disability Advisory Service recognises that some people wish to self-identify with the term Neurodiverse. This has a flexible definition, does not require an assessment and is seen to encompass a broad range of neurological conditions. 
 
The College is committed to supporting students who have been identified as having Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD) via a full assessment. There is also a full assessment process available to identify Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC). DAS promotes and develops the strengths of students while also working on addressing personal and institutional difficulties and barriers.

Specific learning difficulties, Autism, and full diagnostic assessments

What are specific learning difficulties (SpLDs)?

SpLD is a collective term used to cover a range of neurological conditions such as dyslexia, dyspraxia DCD, dyscalculia and AD(H)D as an SpLD. They affect the way information is learned and processed.

Find out more about SpLDs

What is autism?

Autism is a lifelong, developmental impairment that affects how a person communicates with and relates to other people, and how they experience the world around them. It is a spectrum condition, so although all autistic people share certain difficulties, being autistic affects different people in different ways.

Find out more about autism

Screenings

If you think you may have an SpLD or autism, the first step is to undertake a screening.

Find out more about screenings

Full diagnostic assessments

A diagnostic assessment will identify if you have an SpLD or autism. Here you can find information on diagnostic assessments and how to get referred to have one.

Find out more about diagnostic assessments

Outcomes of a full diagnostic assessment

Find out what the possible outcomes of your assessment are and what to do next.

Find out about the outcomes of your assessment