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Talk to other parents whose children are preparing for university on our Higher Education forum.

Talk to other parents whose children are preparing for university on our Higher Education forum.

Higher education

Uni with good Supoort for dyslexics

15 replies

Notsureabouthis · 07/02/2019 08:31

Previously posted in FE in error...

Hi
My son is hoping to do (Ancient) History - he’s sitting A levels in 2020 so not sure of grades yet. Likely Bs/Cs but may squeeze an A somewhere!

He’s dyslexic and can struggle with organisation/focus (although the latter is improving (especially now he’s doing subjects he likes!) He got extra time in GCSEs and will get it again at A level.

Anyway a supportive attitude to SfL will be important for him.

Anyone got any experiences in this?

Thanks.

OP posts:

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Somethingsmellsnice · 07/02/2019 09:37

Sorry I just put a lengthy reply in further as I have a post uni, at uni and 6th former!

DOLLYDAYDREAMER · 09/02/2019 20:00

Dd is at Leicester - doing History but they do variousi Ancient / History / Archeology courses - she had similar grades - is now in 3rd year and has really done well - has had lots of support from department / tutors and also some help for dyslexia - not too many exams and was allowed to do in seperate space to help with distraction

SarahAndQuack · 10/02/2019 21:11

IME a huge amount depends on the attitudes of individual tutors/the specific faculty, so could he email some likely places and see how their responses make him feel?

All universities I know of arrange support for dyslexics with statements, and it is usual to provide adjustments such as extra time, a computer, a special room (whether that's to himself or shared with others who have special arrangements). Some places make allowances for SPAG when marking. So merely seeing that these things happen isn't good enough.

BasiliskStare · 11/02/2019 03:00

@Notsureabouthis

So possibly running before can walk , The very first thing I would say is as and when it comes to it, tick the disability box on the UCAS form when he applies to university. I think you can then specify what that is ( DS is dyslexic, though to be fair he is organised ) Once he has a place , as well as the usual finance forms , there is another set of forms for those with disabilities and these need to be completed for the likes of e.g. extra time in exams , being able to use a computer etc. ( i.e. even if you are not claiming any money for the disability - it just seems to be how it works. )

Other than that I would simply let him go to see the universities he likes and there will be people around who he can ask about his dyslexia. Ds always got positive answers which was - we have lots of students in similar boat ( my words not theirs) not a problem.

You may need to do an additional assessment post 16 yo for university. DS did.

Other than that
I can only speak about DS's university which was great with his SpLD. Separate room for the many who were same as him for exams.

In truth Ds applied to the universities he wanted to go to. Once he knew there is a way of dealing with it with all the universities then it became a non issue other than more forms to fill out. BUT BUT BUT That is one experience. It may be once he has a short list people will be more able to help re specific universities from experience or indeed your Ds can phone ( in my - vicarious - experience from DS , admissions departments are extremely helpful and friendly - so when he is drawing up his list he may phone or email them about it )

Not sure if that has helped a jot. But I would say - that of all the things Ds ended up worrying about at university - dyslexia was at the bottom of the list. If that helps.

BasiliskStare · 11/02/2019 03:11

Sorry , I meant to say - if he is worried, what DS did is just choose the universities he would have wanted to go to anyway , but probably a good idea to go to an open day where you get the chance to speak about it if you want to & get a good feel for the department , general university rather than just off the brochure as it were . Which is probably a good idea , dyslexic or not. But there may be those who can advise once he has drawn up a list.

Very best wishes to him

Right I shall shut up now

Serin · 11/02/2019 18:58

Bangor is meant to be very good for people with dyslexia. I have no idea what the history department is like but it has a huge psychology department that has produced a lot of research into dyslexia. It's also quite small and an easy "city" to live in.

Daisymay2 · 11/02/2019 19:15

DS did History at Nottingham and he is highly disorganised. Most of the Learning Support team are very good.
We were very, very impressed with the learning support at Lancaster when we went for a look round and it was a hard call between the two.
Was very unimpressed with Exeter- someone on the learning support stand as post offer day actually said something like "why do you need support- you must be bright or we wouldn't have offered you a place"
I don't know how it is for Ancient History but he was offered 4 x AAA and 1 offer of AAB, but this a while ago as he has graduated.

Fifthtimelucky · 13/02/2019 22:38

We had the complete opposite from Exeter. Noticed a leaflet on dyslexia on the stand which I picked up and helpful student immediately asked my daughter if she was dyslexic and started explaining everything they could help with.

It's working very well so far. My daughter wasn't diagnosed until she was 16 so she didn't need another assessment, as the original one covered HE.

Notsureabouthis · 16/02/2019 09:42

Super helpful. Thank you! I really do appreciate the time taken to answer 😊

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anniehm · 18/02/2019 18:43

Another vote for Leicester, excellent support, really helpful. Dd is very happy (and may well know the other poster!)

mags2024 · 22/02/2019 16:57

My son was diagnosed with Dyslexia at about 8 years old and by the time university loomed he had had numerous assessments but little help apart from what we paid for. After a gap year he applied to Southampton University to read Biology and the help he received there from day one was phenomenal. A laptop, soft wear and a named person to go to for help. A lady on his course had visual problems and so her notes were typed for her and my son was offered a copy. This ment he could concentrate on listening not note taking. He then went on to read Medicine at Swansea and was offered the same comprehensive help. How much he used l have no way of knowing. He started university in 2008 and finished in 2015 so l only hope these supportive departments have survived austerity!

Notsureabouthis · 22/02/2019 21:58

Thanks Mags. Well done your son! Brilliant to hear of all that support.

My son too, struggles with listening and note taking. He gets power points for one of his A levels which really helps. Hopefully uni can offer something similar or even if he can get a recording of lectures (he loves to listen...)

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Fifthtimelucky · 23/02/2019 08:07

All my daughter's lectures are recorded. She finds it difficult to listen and take notes too so this really helps her.

Pluginwall · 23/02/2019 08:15

You may need to do an additional assessment post 16 yo for university
The rules on this have just changed provided your pre 16 years report was written by an assessor with an APC and meets SASC criteria. Check first.

I would have a chat with Student Services at the unis that your DS likes. Most unis provided much better support than would be received in school.

Notsureabouthis · 23/02/2019 14:55

This is great- thanks so much!!!

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