SASD-30 Student Academic & Study Difficulty Screener

"I am a TOP Educational Psychology Consultant providing structured assessment and intervention for academic and study difficulties. TOP does not substitute for clinical psychological, psychiatric, medical, or other specialized services."

If a student presents signs of serious psychological distress, self-harm, suicidal thinking, abuse, severe behavioral disturbance, etc., the consultant should activate the institution's safeguarding/referral procedure and refer to an appropriately qualified mental-health professional or service.

The National Mental Health Programme itself describes school life-skills/counselling and suicide-prevention services as part of its outreach, and Tele-MANAS provides a nationwide 24/7 mental-health access route. (See National Mental Health Programme)

Psychology professionals building independent careers:

Also, qualifications matter. RCI's current framework distinguishes several professional categories, and registration requirements apply to specified rehabilitation/clinical roles; your TOP training should therefore specify exactly what a particular qualification permits the consultant to do. (See Rehabilitation Council of India)

Purpose of SASD-30

SASD-30 is a student academic and study difficulty screener designed to identify areas that may be interfering with effective learning and academic performance. It is intended to support professional discussion, intervention planning, and follow-up. It is not, by itself, a diagnostic instrument for mental disorders or other clinical conditions.

SASD-30 scores should be interpreted together with the student's history, interview, observations, and educational context. A high score does not establish a diagnosis, and a low total score does not rule out a significant concern.

Score range	Terminology	TOP response
0–20	Low Indication of Academic/Study Difficulty	Routine support
21–42	Mild Academic/Study Difficulty	Skill coaching
43–64	Moderate Academic/Study Difficulty	Targeted intervention
65–90	High Level of Academic/Study Difficulty	Further assessment + targeted support

SASD-30

Student Academic & Study Difficulty Screener

Dr. Sujendra Prakash Ph.D.

Teach One Person (TOP)

Student Name:

Date:

Grade / Class:

Age / Gender:

School / College:

Administered By:

INSTRUCTIONS FOR STUDENT: Please read each question carefully. Rate how frequently you experience each study difficulty or concern using the rating scale below:

0 = NEVER 1 = SOMETIMES 2 = OFTEN 3 = ALMOST ALWAYS

SUBSCALE 1: COGNITIVE PROCESSING & ACADEMIC SKILLS

#	ITEM STATEMENT	0 NEVER	1 SOMETIME	2 OFTEN	3 ALWAYS
1	Do you find yourself reading much slower than your classmates or taking a long time to finish reading tasks?
2	Do you find it difficult or frustrating to put your thoughts into written words?
3	Do you struggle with numbers, basic calculations, or solving math problems?
4	Do you find it hard to follow along or understand the teacher during classroom lectures?
5	Do you feel that your memory problems happen mainly when trying to remember textbook material?
6	Do you have to read or review the exact same material over and over again just to get a basic grasp of it?
7	Even when you understand a topic initially, do you struggle to remember it later?

SUBSCALE 2: EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING & ATTENTIONAL CONTROL

#	ITEM STATEMENT	0	1	2	3
8	Do you delay starting your study sessions or homework until the last minute (procrastination)?
9	Do you struggle to organize your daily study schedule, notes, or assignment deadlines?
10	When you try to study independently, does your mind frequently wander off task?
11	Do you find it difficult to maintain focus and avoid distractions during class?
12	Do smartphones, social media, TV, or gaming interrupt your study time?
13	Do you struggle to take responsibility for completing your regular academic duties on time?

SUBSCALE 3: ACADEMIC AFFECT & TEST PERFORMANCE

#	ITEM STATEMENT	0	1	2	3
14	Do you feel a strong dislike or hatred toward studying in general?
15	Do you feel an intense dislike toward specific academic subjects (e.g., Mathematics or Science)?
16	Are you afraid or hesitant to raise your hand and ask questions in class when you don't understand?
17	Do you experience strong physical nervousness or anxiety before or during examinations?
18	Do you feel confused, freeze up, or experience mental blocks while writing exams?
19	Do you feel a strong dread or reluctance about going to school or college?

SUBSCALE 4: SOMATIC & ENERGY FACTORS

#	ITEM STATEMENT	0	1	2	3
20	Do you feel tired, groggy, or unrefreshed early in the morning on school days?
21	Do you frequently lack the energy or motivation to engage in your studies during the day?
22	Do you have trouble falling asleep at night when you go to bed?
23	Does reading or studying quickly cause you physical exhaustion or eye strain?
24	Do past failures in tests, examinations, or academic subjects continue to affect your confidence or approach to studying?

SUBSCALE 5: PSYCHOSOCIAL & ENVIRONMENTAL CONTEXT

#	ITEM STATEMENT	0	1	2	3
25	Does it upset or demotivate you when parents or relatives compare you with others?
26	Do you feel that teachers, parents, or peers are constantly criticizing you?
27	Do you find yourself getting easily angry or irritated at home over small things?
28	Do you feel teased, bullied, or misunderstood by your friends or classmates?
29	Do you feel reluctant or distressed about returning home after school?
30	Do you feel that the people around you fail to understand the struggles you face?