online assessment

[Refu]

Hi everyone,

Can anyone advise me? Is it possible to take an assessment for learning difficulties online?

[49Twister]

I don’t know anything about this but I wouldn’t have thought that it was possible or that it would be regarded as being accepted 100%. It just doesn’t seem right, but that’s only my opinion. Why not go through the regular system of being assessed by an educational psychologist ? That would be my advice.

[Refu in reply to 49Twister]

Thanks for this. I don't really know what's involved with an assessment so any advice would be gratefully received. I am trying to help a refugee who does not have English as a first language, and is also shielding. It seems possible that they will be entitled to PIP - not only because of serious health issues - but on top of this - there may well be learning difficulties - but I'm not sure to what extent, nor how to go about getting an assessment in these circumstances. I'm doing what I can to try to support the application for PIP and have offered to find out what I can at this stage...

[49Twister in reply to Refu]

If there registered with a GP, the GP could make a referral, but with Covid on top of everything else nothing is easy. Someone else may be able to suggest something.

[PaulRig]

I agree with 49Twister answer, I wouldn't have any assessment done on line unless if not doing so is going to stop you from getting a physical or financial support. All assessments are best carried out in person with the suitably qualified assessor .

[Sarah_Mencap]

Hello Refu

it is great to have you here. You are absolutely doing the right thing to try to find the best support for this person.

It is a tricky time to find support at the moment - but you really would need a face to face meeting with a professional to get an accurate diagnosis. Here is a bit more about diagnosis on the Mencap website - mencap.org.uk/advice-and-su...

You also mention learning difficulties -these are actually different from learning difficulties:

> learning disabilities are life long and affect people's intellectual ability. This means that people need support with everyday activities – for example household tasks, socialising or managing money.

> learning difficulties (such as dyslexia, ADHD or dyspraxia) usually show themselves during childhood and can cause a person to find some ways of learning hard.

People often confuse the two. Here is a bit more detail on the website about the difference -

mencap.org.uk/advice-and-su...

It might to have a chat about someone about this. Give Mencap's Learning Disability Helpline a call on 0808 808 1111 (or email [e-mail]) and one of the trained advisors will be able to help.

Best wishes

Sarah