For Academics and Teachers

Students with a Specific Learning Disability (SpLD) report value in acquisition of their diagnosis. Their SpLD assessment is regarded as useful in empowering students in their own self-awareness as well as useful in advocating for academic supports. Many students with SpLDs commence their tertiary education without a diagnosis. They have also transitioned through primary and secondary school in contexts often with limited awareness and inappropriate supports for this disability group. As a result students with SpLDs often require additional support when first entering tertiary education and in developing a level of comfort with their diagnosis and academic adjustments. 

Once students with SpLDs are familiar with their diagnosis they typically develop a range of empowering study skills that both address their academic weaknesses and build on their strengths. As each student with an SpLD will present with their own unique learning profile, it is important that disability advisors and academics get to know the student including their strengths, weaknesses and processing preferences.