Neurodiversity Screening Service

This service is available to eligible students who are experiencing significant difficulties with their studies and believe this may be due to undiagnosed neurodiversity. 

A screening can identify whether these difficulties may be associated with ADHD, a specific learning difficulty (SpLD), or autism. 

The purpose of a screening is to determine whether a student requires educational support and enable access to that support while they study at Cambridge. 

A screening does not provide a diagnosis. If you are seeking a diagnosis of ADHD, SpLD, or autism, you may wish to pursue a diagnostic assessment with an external specialist. Email adrcscreening@admin.cam.ac.uk for information.

 

You may be able to use this service if you can answer "yes" to all the statements below. 

  1. I am aged 18 or over.
  2. I am a current student, intermitting student, or offer holder at the University of Cambridge.
  3. I have significant difficulties with daily learning or educational functioning and believe this may be due to undiagnosed ADHD, SpLD, or autism.
  4. I am seeking a screening to access the support listed in the 'Positive screening result' section below.
  5. Enough time remains in my course for me to make use of this support.
  6. I have not previously received a positive screening result from this service.
  7. I am not already diagnosed with ADHD, SpLD, or autism.
  8. I understand that a screening cannot provide a diagnosis of ADHD, SpLD, or autism.
  9. I do not have a diagnostic assessment for ADHD, SpLD, or autism scheduled within the next two months.

 

Screenings are not suitable for students with certain mental health or medical conditions. You will be asked about your medical history at the point of enquiry. 

This service may not be available to students approaching the end of their course.

Step 1: Read the 'Who can use this service' section above.

Step 2: Request a screening.

  • Contact your ADRC Disability Adviser if you have already registered a diagnosis/disability with the ADRC or received a positive screening result from this service. For contact details, email adrcscreening@admin.cam.ac.uk.

  • Otherwise, contact us at adrcscreening@admin.cam.ac.uk.

    In your email, please state which type(s) of screening you are seeking: 

  • Screening for ADHD 
  • Screening for specific learning difficulties (SpLD), including dyscalculia, dysgraphia, dyslexia, and dyspraxia.
  • Screening for autism.

Step 3: You will be asked to provide details of your medical history.

Step 4: If the referral is accepted, you will be asked to complete some forms, including a Screening Questionnaire.

Step 5: You will either be offered a screening or directed to alternative support.

You may be asked to complete a Screening Questionnaire comprising multiple-choice and free-text questions about the following topics.

  • Personal information, including contact and course details.
  • Background and reasons for accessing the service.
  • Health and medical history.
  • Education.
  • Speech and language development.

It also contains questions tailored to the neurodivergent condition you have requested a screening for.

The time needed to complete the questionnaire varies. For some students it takes around an hour, but this depends on how much detail you choose to provide. 

We strongly recommend starting the process as early as possible, and well in advance of any exams, assessments, or deadlines.

The service is open year-round, except on bank holidays and over Christmas and New Year.  

The average wait time for an appointment is around six weeks, but it changes with demand. Wait times are longer during Michaelmas and Lent Terms and shorter during Easter Term and the summer holiday.

ADHD and SpLD screenings are held online by video call. A limited number of in-person appointments may also be offered in Michaelmas and Lent Terms.

Autism screenings are held online by video call and in person.

Screenings are free of charge.

Screenings last approximately 1.5 hours. 

The screening for ADHD and SpLD is designed to identify any indicators of a learning difference. You will be asked about your learning history and complete a series of tests to evaluate your cognitive and learning abilities. You may be asked to share a handwriting sample.

The screening for autism is designed to identify any indicators of autism. You will be asked about your development, communication, relationships, and any challenges you are experiencing. A second appointment may occasionally be required.

You will receive the result and discuss the next steps at the appointment. 

If the screening identifies traits that are indicative of ADHD, SpLD, or autism, you will receive a positive result.

You will receive a report outlining the findings from the screening and a Student Support Document (SSD), and have access to the following support:

With your permission, the SSD will be shared with relevant College and University staff on a need-to-know basis, so your support can be arranged. 

A positive screening result is not a diagnosis. If you are seeking a diagnosis, you may wish to pursue a diagnostic assessment. Email adrcscreening@admin.cam.ac.uk for information. 

If the screening does not identify traits that are indicative of ADHD, SpLD, or autism, you will receive a negative or an inconclusive result.

You will receive a report outlining the findings from the screening.

A negative or inconclusive result does not rule out neurodivergence. You may wish to pursue a diagnostic assessment to explore this further. Email adrcscreening@admin.cam.ac.uk for information. 

If the screening result is positive and you would like to apply for exam access arrangements (EAAs), please contact your College Tutorial Office for the application deadline and instructions.

The ADRC has received the following guidance from the Examination Access and Mitigation Committee (EAMC) about the deadline for applications. 

  • The process for implementing EAAs usually requires a minimum of two weeks prior to the start of the student’s examinations.
  • If the student’s screening has taken place two weeks or less before the first exam, it may not be possible to apply adjustments for that exam period.

The scope of a screening is limited; you may wish to pursue a diagnostic assessment if you are seeking any of the following.

  • A diagnosis of ADHD, SpLD, or autism.
  • Support that exceeds the options listed under the 'Positive screening result' section above.
  • ADHD medication.
  • Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA).
  • Support provided outside the University, such as in another educational setting or a workplace.

Pursuing an assessment is optional and may not be right for everyone.

Diagnostic assessments are conducted by external specialists. Email adrcscreening@admin.cam.ac.uk for information.

Your information will be shared with relevant ADRC staff on a need-to-know basis.

With your permission, the ADRC may also share information with relevant College and University staff on a need-to-know basis, so your support can be arranged. 

Without your permission, we will not share information outside of the ADRC – including with your parent/guardian, Director of Studies, tutors, or supervisors. Limiting disclosure may limit the support that can be put in place. 

In certain exceptional circumstances - such as where we believe is an immediate and serious threat to your personal safety or to the safety of others - we may be required to share information outside of the ADRC without your consent.

See our privacy policy for further information.

If you are concerned about the implications of having a positive screening – for example, in relation to fitness to practise for pre-clinical and clinical medical students – please speak with your Director of Studies or College Tutor.

Accessing the service will not affect your student status or funding. 

Contact the Neurodiversity Screening Service at adrcscreening@admin.cam.ac.uk with any questions.