Specific learning difficulties (SpLDs) are neurological conditions. They can cause inefficiencies in areas such as processing (thinking) speed, auditory short term/working memory and visual/auditory perception. As a result, there may be impacts on academic and life skills. However, some students have compensated by harnessing inherent strengths. Academic and career goals can be reached, and this may be made easier by being taught strategies and techniques, and by using inclusive technology.
SpLDs include the following:
Examples of specific learning difficulties
What should I do next?
I have an SpLD
If you have a diagnosed SpLD, you will need to submit your evidence and make an appointment with a disability advisor.
I think I have an SpLD
If you are having difficulties with your studies and think it may be due to an undiagnosed SpLD, our service may be able to help you.
- you must first undergo a screening with the Dyslexia/SpLD team;
- if the results indicate the possibility of an SpLD, you are referred for a full diagnostic assessment with a qualified assessor. Diagnostic assessments cost £95 and once you pay, we allocate you an assessment date;
- the diagnostic assessment can take up to 2.5 hours. Once complete, the assessor writes a full report of their findings (this can take around 20 working days);
- we receive a copy of the report and send it to you along with a suggested reasonable adjustments document (SRAD) - this highlights what support we recommend you receive. We also send both documents to your departmental disability officer.
Screenings and assessments are not carried out for individual SpLDs. Dyslexia, characteristics of dyspraxia DCD and characteristics of AD(H)D will be assessed together in most cases.
To start this journey, please follow the instructions on our appointments page under the section Dyslexia/SpLD team: Screening appointments.
Further information
Scientists with Dyslexia/SpLD
Sara Rankin
Dyslexic/ Dyspraxic (Identifies as Neurodiverse)
Pharmacologist
- Professor in the Faculty of Medicine at Imperial College since 1995
- Research interest in discovering and inventing drugs that help the body to regenerate after injury
- 2017 awarded the Imperial College Medal for outstanding and exceptional service to Imperial for innovative research and public engagement activities
- Supports Dyslexic students in her teaching role and staff as a Dyslexia Champion
- Project member – Teaching Excellence Fund – Making the curriculum more accessible for students with Specific Learning Difficulties
Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock
Dyslexic
Space Scientist and TV presenter
- Imperial alumni - Undergraduate degree in Physics and a PhD from the Department of Mechanical Engineering
- Managing Director of Science Innovation - public engagement and educational group
- Worked on the James Web Space Telescope, the Gemini Observatory and the European satellite ADM-Aeolus
Peter Lovatt
Dyslexic
Dance Psychologist
- Professor at Hertfordshire University
- Set up the Psychological Dance Lab
- The link between dancing and neurodegeneration
- How dancing changes the way people think and solve problems
- How the way we move is linked to our hormonal and genetic makeup
Jack Horner
Dyslexic
Palaeontologist
- Discovered the nesting ground of a North American hadrosaur, which he named Maiasaura ("good mother lizard")
- Advisor for Jurassic Park movies
