Getting a formal assessment of autism, ADHD, dyslexia and/or dyspraxia

To be eligible for Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) for learning differences you must provide robust evidence. Find out about the two different routes below. 

Medical evidence for ADHD and autism

To get a medical assessment for an ADHD and/or an autism diagnosis, you will need to ask your GP for a referral. This is free but waiting times are generally several years long. A quicker route is to ask your GP to refer you to an alternative provider via the ‘NHS Right to Choose’ route (also free). See the ‘Right to Choose Providers’ webpage to find out more about this option and the waiting times for the different online providers.  

We suggest you fill in the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale and/or the Autism Spectrum Quotient Questionnaire beforehand and print out your answers and scores to take along as evidence to share with your GP. 

Diagnostic assessment for dyslexia, dyspraxia and ADHD* 

For Specific Learning Differences (SpLDs) like dyslexia, dyspraxia and ADHD*, you will need to have a full diagnostic assessment before applying for support through the Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA). This will need to be from a suitably-qualified educational psychologist or specialist teacher assessor with an Assessment Practising Certificate (APC). You can check that someone has an APC on the SASC website. A school statement or evidence of exam arrangements will not be enough for DSA.   

You can find an assessor on the Patoss website (free registration required). Be sure to tick the box that says, ‘Only show tutors who hold a Patoss APC.’ Or, please email inclusive@fxplus.ac.uk for a list of freelance assessors in Cornwall. 

*Please note, if you are interested in accessing medication for ADHD, you will need a medical assessment. 

Do I qualify for a refund?

Yes, if you meet the following conditions: 

  • You are enrolled on an undergraduate course at Falmouth University based at the Falmouth or Penryn campuses. 
  • The assessment was carried out by a qualified assessor and confirms that you have specific learning differences (dyslexia, dyspraxia or ADHD). 
  • You have not previously received a refund for a diagnostic assessment from Falmouth University. 
  • You have received a letter from Student Finance with details of the support and equipment they have agreed to fund. This is known as a 'DSA2 Notification of Entitlement' letter.  

How do I get my refund? 

When you get your DSA2 Notification of Entitlement letter, please email a copy of your diagnostic report and invoice to accessibility@fxplus.ac.uk so that they can process your refund. The money will be paid into your account within 4 - 6 weeks. 

(If you are in financial hardship and cannot afford to pay for a diagnostic assessment up front, please email inclusive@fxplus.ac.uk to arrange a screening appointment and chat.) 

How much will I get? 

Academic year 2025 - 2026

  • First-year* students will be entitled to a full refund, up to a maximum of £450. (*For assessments dated between 1st January 2025 and 22 May 2026.) 
  • Second years will be entitled to a partial refund of £225. 
  • Third years will be entitled to a partial refund of £225, up till 31 December 2025.