Paying for a diagnostic assessment Diagnostic assessments for specific learning difficulties (SpLD)
This information is for students who live in the UK. If you live outside of the UK see International students - disability support.
To help you get the support you need for studying, if you have a specific learning difficulty (SpLD), you’ll need a diagnostic assessment. The Open University can help towards the costs for students who are eligible.
For eligible students, funding is available to pay for an SpLD diagnostic assessment for such things as dyslexia, dyscalculia and dyspraxia. Funding is also available for diagnosis of visual stress (also referred to as Irlen Syndrome, Meares-Irlen Syndrome or Scotopic Sensitivity).
What funding you can apply for is dependent on where you live within the UK.
Funding not available for medical diagnoses of ADHD and autism
As diagnoses for ADHD and autism are available through the National Health Service (NHS) our funding does not cover the cost for these.
If you experience a delay in getting a diagnosis for ADHD and autism through the NHS, you may still be able to apply for Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) once you have a referral from your doctor onto the NHS waiting list. For further advice contact disability support.
Sending us your diagnostic assessment report
Once you have your diagnostic assessment you can use it to request specialist support. Complete the Disability Support Form and send us your diagnostic assessment report with it. For more information and options for completing the Disability Support Form see Telling the OU about your disability.
