Think you're dyslexic?
Think you might be dyslexic, or have another specific learning difficulty (such as dyspraxia or ADHD)?
If you think you might be dyslexic or have another specific learning difficulty such as dyspraxia or ADHD, you may find it helpful to look at the Brain HE website for more background information (once you are on the website, click on 'Types of Neurodiversity'). It may also be useful to visit the British Dyslexia Association website, where there is a checklist of possible indicators of dyslexia (on the website, click on 'About Dyslexia / Adults and Employment').
Information for applicants:
If you have been advised to have a screening test, formal assessment or update for dyslexia or another specific learning difficulty, we would advise you to make your own arrangements for this before you enrol at NTU. If you have had an assessment previously, you may wish to get in touch with your original psychologist and ask if they will provide you with an update or further assessment. If you require guidance regarding the assessment required by Student Finance for an application for DSAs, please look at the SASC website. Please contact the Dyslexia Support Team for additional guidance on 0115 848 4120 or email.
Information for current students:
Some ideas for self-help
You may think that you are dyslexic for a number of reasons. Perhaps you have had difficulties with spelling, composing assignments or reading academic texts. This doesn't necessarily mean you are dyslexic. There are a number of support resources that we recommend you use to support your learning in the first instance:
- Manage your time by using a study schedule with notes of deadlines. Organise and sub-divide tasks, give yourself mini-deadlines. Make sure you understand each assignment and be confident about asking for help early on.
- Check out the Learning Development resources on NOW (once you have logged onto NOW, click on Resources / Learning Development / Study Skills Guides). There are 30 guides available, including 11 which provide guidance on academic writing skills.
- Make good use of the IT resources in the University to assist with planning and checking your work. These are available on all resource room PCs and staff at Library Information desks can provide information on how to access these applications:
- Texthelp is text-to-speech software, which may be useful for checking your work.
- Inspiration and MindGenius are mind-mapping applications that can help you plan your ideas. Both Inspiration and MindGenius can convert these mind maps into easy-to-follow essay plans.
- Check out the study support pages for really useful information on types of support available to you at NTU including academic writing support and maths support.
- You may also find it helpful to consult The Study Skills Handbook by Stella Cottrell (Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan, 2008)
- There are some good support resources developed by the University of Sheffield, which are available to dyslexic students in higher education.
- The following study skills website offers free study tips, downloads and advice.
- The Dyslexia Team advise you to discuss any initial feedback from assessments with your tutor.
If you continue to experience problems, in spite of trying these ideas, you may wish to print and complete by hand the attached 'Registration Form & Questionnaire 
for students who think they are dyslexic or have another specific learning difficulty'. The form is also available to collect from Student Services Centre enquiry desks:
- Student Services Centre, Central Court, Newton Arkwright Building, City site
- Student Services Centre, George Eliot Building, Clifton campus
- Student Services Centre, Bramley Building, Brackenhurst campus.
Please contact the Dyslexia Support Team if you have any additional questions or concerns about this or attend the Dyslexia Team drop in:
Drop in Sessions
- Mondays 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm Consulting Room 1, Bramley building (Brackenhurst)
- Tuesdays 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm Consulting Room 9, Student Services Centre, Central Court, Newton Arkwright (City site)
- Wednesdays 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm Student Centre (Clifton campus)
- Thursdays 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm Student Centre (Clifton campus)
You do not need to book these sessions. The Dyslexia Support Team drop in runs weekly during term time.
Once you have returned the Registration Form & Questionnaire, the Dyslexia Support Team will advise you on the next steps. We will normally aim to get back to you within 10 working days.
Contact details for the Dyslexia Support Team
Telephone: 0115 848 4120 / 2399
Email us
Useful websites:
