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Assessor’s justification guide: Autism & ADHD (Higher Education)

Writing justifications for your DSA reports

This page is designed to support you when writing needs assessments for Brain in Hand.

It lists common challenges and explains how Brain in Hand can help.

Each section includes a ready-to-use justification written in a neutral, assessor-friendly style. You can copy and paste these justifications directly into your report and adapt the wording to suit the individual’s circumstances if needed.

These justifications were developed in collaboration with an experienced former needs assessor to ensure they align with the language and structure typically required.

ADHD need or barrier Impact on studies Justification for how Brain in Hand assists with the need or barrier
 
 
 
 
Motivation

 

Student struggling to apply themselves or get started with tasks. Procrastination. Becoming distracted. Low motivation to study. Low interest levels in a specific task such as a less interesting study module. Struggling with task initiation.

  Brain in Hand is a digital self-management and organisational tool that helps users plan their day, stay organised and build effective study routines.
 
Should NAME struggle to apply themselves, procrastinate or find it difficult to get started on study tasks, particularly when interest is low, Brain in Hand enables them to break larger tasks and assignments into smaller, achievable steps. Reminders can be set to prompt NAME to begin or continue these steps so work does not stall. Each scheduled task can include clear details and prompts to guide NAME while preparing and carrying it out. Daily timetables can be customised to include motivating activities (for example, short breaks or grabbing a coffee) to make starting feel less daunting. Progress can be tracked by ticking off completed steps, creating a sense of achievement that builds momentum. The Brain in Hand package includes coaching sessions to support with both setup and use of the application.
Overwhelm
 Feelings of anxiety and stress. Has too much to do at once. A busy schedule of work and therefore struggling to prioritise. Finds it difficult to manage conflicting priorities such as lectures, deadlines and social events. Finds it hard to deal with unexpected changes and interruptions. Overwhelm leads to the student forgetting what they need to take with them in the morning. Brain in Hand is a digital self-management and organisational tool that allows users to readily access their timetable for each day, breaking tasks and events down into smaller steps/routines to reduce overwhelm. To support with memory and organisation of tasks, reminders can be set to prompt NAME to carry out tasks which can be missed or forgotten. Further details and prompts can be added to each scheduled task and will serve as reminders for NAME of what needs to be done whilst both preparing for and undertaking each task. Should NAME become overwhelmed and struggle to progress through the day due to unexpected events or changes to routine, solution packs within the app will provide NAME with easy access to coping strategies. The check-in feature will also enable NAME to monitor mood throughout the day, with 'red' responses or use of the life ring feature enabling NAME to reach out for support when required. The Brain in Hand package includes coaching sessions to support with both setup and use of the application.
Organisation
 Attending lectures but not using the time in between effectively. Forgetting things they need to take with them to lectures. Cramming and working up until the last minute to deadlines. Struggling to prioritise. Focusing on easiest tasks first so work builds up. Not timetabling their day and therefore not making good use of time. Goes into 'wait' mode between structured time. Causes feelings of anxiety and stress, they lose hours within the day.
Brain in Hand is a digital self-management and organisational tool that helps users plan their day and make effective use of time between commitments.
 
When NAME attends lectures but finds it difficult to plan or use the time in between, tasks can build up close to deadlines and cause stress. Brain in Hand enables NAME to create a clear daily timetable showing upcoming commitments and free periods. Tasks can include step-by-step notes (for example, what to focus on during library time) so NAME knows how to use unstructured gaps productively. Reminders can prompt NAME to prepare materials, start work or manage deadlines so nothing is forgotten. The diary view helps NAME balance workload, spot available time and avoid last-minute cramming. The Brain in Hand package includes coaching sessions to support with both setup and use of the application.
Executive function
 Poor task initiation. Needs prompting to get started and complete tasks. Struggles to prioritise or structure things that need to get done like getting lunch between lectures. Doesn’t allow enough time for revision at the right time. Misses deadlines. Leaves tasks until the last minute. Over or underestimates the amount of time it takes to complete things, leading to anxiety. Struggles when deadlines are close together, leading to task paralysis.
Brain in Hand is a digital self-management and organisational tool that helps users plan their day, structure tasks and manage competing deadlines.
 
When NAME experiences difficulty with executive function — such as poor task initiation, trouble prioritising, underestimating time needed and leaving work until the last minute — this can lead to missed deadlines, task paralysis and anxiety when several demands coincide. Brain in Hand enables NAME to break larger tasks into smaller, achievable steps and create clear daily and revision timetables. Custom prompts and reminders can be set so NAME starts the right activity at the right time and keeps work on track. Each task can include specific details to guide preparation and completion. Solution packs provide quick access to strategies for overcoming procrastination and managing deadlines. The Brain in Hand package includes coaching sessions to support with both setup and use of the application.
Time blindness / time keeping
 Losing track of time. Missing lectures due to being focused on something else. Spending too much time on one task. Getting heavily involved in tasks without being conscious of the time they’re spending. Not leaving time for other tasks than the one they’re working on. Can lead to burnout as the student doesn’t realise how much time they’ve spent.
Brain in Hand is a digital self-management and organisational tool that helps users stay aware of time and balance study sessions effectively.
 
When NAME loses track of time — for example, spending too long on one task, missing lectures or failing to leave time for other priorities — important work can be delayed and stress or burnout may follow. Brain in Hand enables NAME to create a clear daily timetable with realistic time blocks for each activity, including travel time where needed. Reminders prompt NAME when to start, pause or move on, helping prevent over-focusing on a single task and keeping study time balanced. Tasks can include short notes on what to do next so NAME can quickly refocus after stopping. The Brain in Hand package includes coaching sessions to support with both setup and use of the application.
Rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD)
 Struggles receiving feedback, especially constructive feedback. Is sent off-centre by non-positive feedback. Feelings of self-doubt. Leads to withdrawal. Feels demotivated after receiving feedback. Leads to difficulties with task initiation and procrastination. Has difficulty working on group projects or in discussions if their ideas are debated, disagreed with or not taken forward. Brain in Hand is a digital self-management and organisational tool that helps users manage strong emotional reactions to feedback or perceived rejection.
 
When NAME finds constructive feedback or disagreement difficult — leading to self-doubt, withdrawal, procrastination and loss of motivation — study progress can stall. Brain in Hand’s check-in feature allows NAME to record mood and tag trigger points when feedback feels challenging. Personalised solution packs can be created so that when NAME reports feeling rejected or low, immediate coping strategies and resources are available to rebuild confidence and re-engage with tasks. The app also prompts regular mood check-ins to support early self-awareness. If NAME becomes highly distressed, the life ring provides 24/7 on-demand human support.
Procrastination / distraction
 Loss of time. Struggles to maintain concentration. Becomes distracted when not in the right environment. Can be linked to RSD and loss of focus and motivation.
Brain in Hand is a digital self-management and organisational tool that helps users stay on task and use study time effectively.
 
When NAME loses time to procrastination or becomes distracted — especially in less structured or distracting environments — tasks may remain unfinished and deadlines can be missed. Brain in Hand enables NAME to break larger goals into smaller, manageable steps and schedule them into a clear daily timetable. Reminders and prompts keep work moving by signalling when to start or return to a task if focus drifts. Customisable solution packs can offer quick ideas for managing distractions, such as strategies to reduce environmental interruptions or regain concentration after a lapse. The Brain in Hand package includes coaching sessions to support with both setup and use of the application.
Task switching / hyperfocus
 Struggles to manage a busy workload. Has difficulty when there are conflicting priorities or deadlines close together. Throws themselves into on task and finds it hard to leave it or pick another task up. Feels exhausted. Once thrown out of their flow, finds it hard to get back into it.
Brain in Hand is a digital self-management and organisational tool that helps users balance competing priorities and move between tasks effectively.
 
When NAME becomes absorbed in one piece of work and struggles to switch tasks — especially when deadlines are close together — other priorities can be missed and workload can feel overwhelming. Brain in Hand allows NAME to create a clear daily timetable with realistic time blocks for each task or subject. Prompts and reminders signal when it is time to pause or move on, helping prevent over-focusing on one activity and supporting balanced progress across tasks. Tasks can include notes about what to do when returning later, making it easier to re-enter work after an interruption or break. The Brain in Hand package includes coaching sessions to support with both setup and use of the application.
Emotional dysregulation
 Periods of low self- esteem. Can be related to RSD. Struggles to get started with tasks.
Brain in Hand is a digital self-management and organisational tool that helps users recognise and respond to changes in mood that affect study.
 
When NAME experiences periods of low self-esteem or emotional overwhelm, starting or continuing work can feel difficult and deadlines may be missed. Brain in Hand’s check-in feature enables NAME to record how they are feeling and tag trigger points as they occur. Personalised solution packs can be set up so that when NAME records feeling low or overwhelmed, immediate strategies and resources are available to re-engage with tasks. The app also prompts NAME to check in about their mood regularly, encouraging early self-awareness. If NAME feels unable to cope, they can use the life ring for 24/7 on-demand human support. The Brain in Hand package includes coaching sessions to support with both setup and use of the application.
Perfectionism
  Struggles to let work go. Continues to tweak work to the point of missing deadlines. Not submitting work on time. Preoccupied with negative or constructive feedback. Not able to accept that a piece of work is complete.  Brain in Hand is a digital self-management and organisational tool that helps users set realistic limits on tasks and submit work on time.
 
When NAME struggles to let go of work — repeatedly editing or delaying submission because it doesn’t feel perfect — deadlines can be missed and anxiety can increase. Brain in Hand enables NAME to create step-by-step checklists for each assignment so they can confirm all required elements (such as spelling, grammar or references) are complete and feel confident submitting. Reminders can prompt NAME when it is time to stop refining and move on. Personalised solution packs can provide strategies for managing perfectionism and coping with constructive feedback. The Brain in Hand package includes coaching sessions to support with both setup and use of the application.
Establishing and maintaining routines
 Student struggles to establish and maintain study routines. Sensory sensitivities and being in new environments further disrupt the student's routine. Changes in schedules or transitions between activities cause stress or disorientation. 

Brain in Hand is a digital self-management and organisational app that helps users plan their day, stay organised and build effective study routines.

Should NAME struggle to establish and maintain consistent study routines, forget steps in tasks, or find it difficult to get started, Brain in Hand enables them to structure their work into smaller, manageable steps. Reminders and prompts can be set to guide NAME to begin or continue these steps, reducing the likelihood of tasks stalling. Each scheduled task can include clear instructions and prompts to support NAME in preparing and completing it. Daily timetables can be customised to include motivating activities, such as short breaks or preferred tasks, to make starting less overwhelming. Progress can be monitored by ticking off completed steps, providing a sense of achievement that reinforces routine. Brain in Hand also includes a coaching session to support setup and effective use of the application.
Difficulties with social interaction and communication
 Student finds group work and informal discussions stressful due to difficulties initiating or maintaining conversation. Challenges navigating unpredictable social dynamics. Anxiety around social expectations or fear of making mistakes. Student withdraws or avoids participation in group work. Differences in communication style create barriers to communication. 

Brain in Hand is a digital self-management and organisational app that helps users develop strategies to manage social interaction and communication challenges.

Should NAME struggle to interpret social cues, initiate or maintain conversations, or participate in group work, Brain in Hand’s custom solution packs can provide tailored guidance and prompts to support these situations. Step-by-step instructions and reminders can be set to help NAME prepare for interactions, follow social norms, and manage conversations in both academic and informal settings. The solution pack can include scripts or suggested responses to reduce uncertainty and anxiety in social scenarios. Progress can be tracked by recording successful interactions, providing feedback and building confidence over time.
Fear of new or unfamiliar situations and environments
 Changes such as starting a new course, attending an unfamiliar classroom, or meeting new lecturers feel overwhelming. Student has a strong need for predictability and routine. Student struggles with uncertainty about expectations and social norms. Student experiences sensory overload in new spaces.

Brain in Hand is a digital self-management and organisational platform that helps users manage anxiety around new or unfamiliar situations.

Should NAME struggle to cope with changes in environment, a new course, or unfamiliar tasks, Brain in Hand’s custom solution packs can provide step-by-step guidance and prompts to prepare for these situations in advance. Reminders and detailed instructions can help NAME anticipate what will happen, plan each stage, and gradually approach new experiences with confidence. The system can include visual cues, checklists, or coping strategies to reduce uncertainty and overwhelm. Progress can be monitored by recording successful navigation of new situations, reinforcing confidence and resilience. Brain in Hand also includes a coaching sessions to support the setup and use of these personalised solutions.
Poor memory retention/ working memory
 Student struggles to hold information over short periods, making it harder to follow instructions, take notes, or remember key concepts during lectures. Student’s progress is hindered by challenges with retaining details from readings, assignments, or discussions. 

Brain in Hand is a digital self-management and organisational app that helps users plan their day, stay organised and manage challenges with memory and working memory.

Should NAME struggle to remember instructions, retain key information from lectures, or keep track of multiple tasks, Brain in Hand’s custom solution packs can provide structured prompts and reminders to support recall. Tasks can be broken into smaller, manageable steps with clear instructions, helping NAME follow processes without relying solely on memory. Daily timetables, checklists, and progress tracking enable NAME to see completed steps, reducing cognitive load and reinforcing learning. Brain in Hand also includes a coaching session to support setup and effective use of these personalised solutions.