At 21, I set out on my university journey to become a primary teacher, but I quickly recognised that I was struggling with my coursework—reading journal articles and meeting deadlines proved to be challenging. As I navigated my first year at the University of Stirling, I discovered that I wasn’t alone in my struggles; many others faced similar challenges. This article explores my diagnosis experience and the vital support I received at the University of Stirling, highlighting how understanding Dyslexia reshaped my outlook on life and empowered me to pursue my passions with newfound confidence.
What is Dyslexia?
According to the National Dyslexia Charity, British Dyslexia Association (BDA), “Dyslexia is a specific learning difficulty which primarily affects reading and writing skills”. Although, it has been identified over the years that it impacts more than just these abilities. BDA further highlights that “Dyslexic people may have difficulty processing and remembering information they see and hear”. To explore more about the wide-ranging impact of dyslexia, you can visit the British Dyslexia Association’s website for further information and resources.
Getting a dyslexia diagnosis
When I started my Primary Teaching degree in September 2020, I suspected I had dyslexia and reached out to my personal tutor, who referred me to The Accessibility and Inclusion Service at the University of Stirling. The diagnosis process was quick; I filled out a Registration Form to schedule a 2-hour QuickScan Dyslexia Screening test, which I took on October 21. After the screening, I completed a pre-assessment form for the Educational Psychologist Assessment Report, which highlighted my processing speed as an area of difficulty alongside other abilities such as reading and organisation. Although I scored within the expected range for some tests, it became clear that I was using strategies to aid my performance.
Support given by the University
My Educational Psychologist Assessment Report provided recommendations for support, including extra time during exams, extended book loan periods due to my reading and cognitive processing speed, software for converting text to audio and mind mapping, and access to apply for Disabled Student Allowance funding.
After receiving my report, my funding was quickly processed, and I was assigned a Study Skills Support Worker. It’s crucial to find a support worker who understands your needs, so be honest with the University if you’re not receiving helpful support.
After switching my degree from Primary Teaching to Marketing, I found a wonderful support worker who has been a ray of sunshine during my last three years. I look forward to our weekly check-ins, and her encouragement has helped me realise my potential. With her motivation and the University’s support, I feel confident as I approach the final stretch of my degree. Surprisingly, I’m even excited to write my 12,000-word dissertation, a task that felt daunting back in 2020 when I struggled to write 500 words.
Challenging myself
As I approach my final year at university at 25, I signed up to write for Brig Newspaper. In the past month, I’ve confidently written four articles, something I doubted I could do before my diagnosis due to my lack of confidence in my writing abilities. This experience has reshaped my outlook on life, allowing me to confront challenges creatively instead of avoiding them. The support I have received has helped me recognise that everyone’s mind works differently. While specific learning difficulties are complex, it’s reassuring to know that the University offers support without judgment.
Resources
Alongside Dyslexia, BDA highlights that “Neurodiversity encompasses all specific learning difficulties” such as Anxiety, ADHD and ASD. To find out resources for support and further information on how Dyslexia overlaps alongside neurodevelopmental disorders, click here.
Discover more of Brig’s recommendations for neurodivergent people here.
Lastly, if you are a Stirling University Student and in need of support for any of the information discussed, please contact Student Learning Services as they will be able to answer any questions you may have.
Featured Image Credit: Chloe Edwards
I am a 4th Year Marketing Student, on a journey to pursue a career in Marketing, PR or Social Media, particularly in the Food & Beverage (F&B) industry. My creative background includes collaborations with brands such as Boots UK, Hobbycraft and JF Renshaw through creating Hyper-realistic Cakes.
