Autism (ASD) Assessment Services & Multisensory Learning Support in Croydon Park

Strategies for Learning with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Who Does Autism Affect?

According to The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, it is reported that one to two in every 100 Australians are on the autism spectrum. Autism tends to run in families, with family members often exhibiting similar traits.

Those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) typically experience difficulties in social interaction and repetitive behaviours, which can present differently depending on the individual’s age. While the assessment for Autism is centered around the presence of distinct behavioural symptoms, a significant number of people with Autism might attempt to mitigate or camouflage these behaviours to align more closely with their peers. Although Autism is commonly diagnosed during primary or even preschool, for some, the condition may not be considered until much later, during adolescence or adulthood. Furthermore, it’s noted that girls with ASD often receive their diagnosis later than boys.

ASD assessment Croydon Park

Autism tutor Croydon Park

Defining Autism

Autism, classified as a developmental disorder, affects the processing of information, particularly in social contexts. It may have a wide range of impacts on educational progress, regardless of a person’s intellectual abilities. Autism often coexists with conditions such as ADHD, dyslexia, and epilepsy, which may complicate the assessment and diagnostic process and lead to delayed identification. While the educational system may provide additional support, it may not be adequately customised to address the specific needs of individuals with autism due to the varied nature of their presentation and the presence of other issues. This is where targeted educational therapy may have a significant positive impact.

Enhancing Learning for Individuals with Autism/ASD Through a Multisensory Approach

Our experience has shown that the multisensory approach yields results for individuals with autism. This approach is gaining significant recognition and research focus worldwide, particularly in its implementation for students with autism.

There is a growing body of research into the usefulness of employing multisensory methods for people with autism, including Jaclyn Smith (“Multisensory Learning and its Effect on Students with Autism” (2019). Education Masters. Paper 367) and Amaal Mustafa (“Investigating the Effect of Multisensory Approach on Improving Emergent Literacy Skills in Children with Autism Disorder.” International Journal of Psycho-Educational Sciences Vol. 7, Issue (1), April –2018). 

The following link is an example of how multisensory education is becoming increasingly recognised and implemented for students with Autism. 

https://www.structural-learning.com/post/multisensory-learning-in-the-classroom-a-teachers-guide

Multisensory autism Croydon Park

Empowering Individuals with Autism/ASD through Multisensory Therapy/Tutoring

Mainstream education is primarily focused on meeting the needs of the majority and may not effectively engage students with autism and related conditions. At Neurosensory, our therapists and teachers employ a personalised approach that embraces the unique interests of these students, considering them as opportunities for enhanced engagement and growth. Our approach is characterised by its organic, creative, and structured nature.

  

When we demonstrate our support for their interests, we witness the development of self-esteem, confidence, and self-expression in our students.

Multisensory tutoring autism Croydon Park

Autism assessment near Croydon Park

Supporting Students with Autism: The role of our MSL Therapists and Tutors

They are encouraged to:

  • Implement a predictable routine for every lesson
  • Integrate a student’s interests into lessons and encourage creativity
  • Refrain from using sarcasm and popular expressions
  • Anticipate where subtle social cues may make it hard to understand fiction
  • Allow the students to make choices within the lesson
  • Cultivate a trusting setting where the student feels empowered to ask any question, regardless of how straightforward the answer may appear
  • Motivate the student to take a break when feeling overwhelmed-maybe engage in a 5-minute table tennis game, a quick run around the garden, or a mini basketball game

Exploring Therapy and Tutoring Options for Autism/ASD

We offer two options when it comes to helping people with autism, ensuring that primary, secondary, TAFE, and university students and beyond are able to access the support offered by Neurosensory.

Personalised In-Person Therapy/Tutoring for Autism/ASD

Creating a welcoming learning environment that is less formal than a typical school classroom is a key aspect of in-person tutoring. Our therapists recognise the value of routine for individuals with autism and are empathetic to the difficulties they encounter when trying to modify deeply ingrained yet less efficient behaviours.  

 

Within our learning spaces, we offer a multitude of engaging hands-on materials that go beyond conventional paper and pen activities. We are cognizant of the stress that schooling can impose on students with learning difficulties and disabilities. At Neurosensory, our approach is designed to remove the fear of failure and cultivate a positive mindset. We acknowledge the limitations of concentration and advocate for short breaks accompanied by movement to rejuvenate the mind. By fostering interactivity and creativity in our lessons, we facilitate improved retention of skills and information for our students.

Convenient Online Options for Therapy/Tutoring and Learning Support

At Neurosensory, we acknowledge that not everyone can access in-person tutoring and therapy due to factors like geographical distance, transportation challenges, and prior obligations. Our therapists excel in providing structured and varied sessions. We understand that the learning experience is more than just a mechanical procedure; it thrives on the foundation of personal connections.

 

We view every individual who seeks our services as a ‘whole person,’ and we integrate social awareness and language development seamlessly into our sessions. Our online ASD option ensures that students with autism and other disorders can access appropriate interventions from the comfort of their own homes.

Should you or a loved one require learning assistance due to an autism diagnosis, our dedicated autism tutors are here and eager to assist.

Adult autism assessment Croydon Park

Autism Assessments for Both Adults & Children

The diagnosis of autism can be challenging, as there is no definitive medical test to rely on. Instead, a diagnosis is made by observing behavioural symptoms. Many individuals with autism camouflage their symptoms in everyday life as they strive to meet societal norms. This is particularly common among girls and women, often resulting in delayed diagnosis and treatment.

Neurosensory can provide screening assessments and refer to psychologists, paediatricians, and psychiatrists if we consider that there could be a possible autism diagnosis. Some assessments we use as a guide include the Test of Pragmatic Language (TOPL2) and the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS). Other professionals may use assessments such as ADOS-2. There are new assessments being developed as some of the older ones miss out on diagnosing more ‘high-functioning’ people who are skilled at masking symptoms but find themselves facing many obstacles in their lives.

Please note that we do not have the capacity to offer formal diagnosis. However, if our assessment suggests a potential diagnosis, we can assist individuals in obtaining referrals to professionals who are qualified to provide formal evaluations.

Exploring Common Inquiries

If you are concerned about a loved one’s development or even yourself, your GP may be able to help with an initial consultation, or you may already be in touch with a paediatrician or psychologist. They can refer you to a team of experts who will be involved in the autism assessment. These professionals include paediatricians, speech pathologists, psychologists, and psychiatrists.

Another option is to schedule a consultation with us at Neurosensory. During the consultation, we can address the concerns you have, provide screening assessments, offer a preliminary report, and guide you towards the appropriate providers for a formal diagnosis if necessary.

During a child or adult ASD assessment, you may be asked to undergo:

  • Consultations (with yourself, your child, and/or with other primary guardians)
  • Analysis of developmental past
  • Monitoring your (or your child’s) communication with others
  • Assessment for diagnosis (including TOPL-2 and SRS)

Yes. The faster autism is detected, the easier the person’s life may be. It may also provide a greater sense of self-esteem and understanding, giving them a sense of identity that they may have previously lacked. A diagnosis may also open up an easier way for families to receive financial help and support.

Although it is feasible to identify autism in certain children as early as 18 months or even earlier, the typical age for diagnosis is around three years old. Children with a family history of autism, such as a sibling or parent, are more likely to undergo assessment at an earlier stage.

Signs of autism encompass various behaviours, such as: not responding to their name, not engaging in pretend play, avoiding eye contact, struggling to understand emotions, becoming distressed by minor changes, displaying obsessive interests, avoiding or rejecting physical contact, engaging in repetitive movements like hand flapping or body rocking, exhibiting hyperactivity and impulsivity, having a short attention span, displaying unusual sleeping and eating patterns, and showing limited or no social skills.

Remember that the signs of autism can vary from person to person, with some individuals showing multiple indicators while others may only exhibit a few.

Individuals with autism often exhibit strong abilities in learning by heart, also known as rote memory. Many individuals with ASD can retain extensive amounts of information, such as conversations from movies. The multisensory approach has been found to be highly effective as well.

The Orton-Gillingham multisensory approach helps those with: ADD/ADHD (although not a formal learning disorder), DyslexiaDysgraphiaDyscalculia, Reading remediation (students without a learning disorder), Generalised learning disorders, Maths, and ESL.

Based in Campsie, we are just around the corner from Belfield, Belmore, Ashbury, Canterbury, Croydon Park, Clemton Park, Earlwood, Ashfield and Hurlstone Park.

Fostering Encouragement and Nurturing in Autism Learning Support

Research and studies have indicated that individuals with autism frequently exhibit attributes such as strong long-term memory skills, precision and attention to detail, adherence to rules, independent thinking, intensive focus (especially when engaged in their interests), and proficiency in visual thinking. At Neurosensory, we aim to foster and cultivate these attributes through our ASD-adapted tutoring, as we recognise and value the uniqueness and special qualities they bring.

Autism assessment near Croydon Park

What Support Can be Accessed Through the NDIS for Individuals with Autism?

NDIS funding is available for some students with autism. We have supported several students in obtaining NDIS funding for Neurosensory services. Moreover, we offer assistance with the NDIS application process.

  

Should you have any further questions or require more information on this subject, please don’t hesitate to ask. I’m here to provide support and guidance!

Are You Open to Exploring the Benefits of Multisensory Learning?

At Neurosensory, we help students deal with the challenges that education and schooling may present for people with ASD, particularly when it comes to things like organisation, breaks in routine, differing expectations, and understanding what their teachers may be saying. The multisensory approach helps link abstract concepts to tangible and visual models.

This is especially important for people who struggle with processing the nuances of language as many of those with autism do. The goal of the Neurosensory team is to empower students of all ages to build learning and study habits that serve them all through life – not just at school, as they can assist with social abilities, too.

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