Autism (ASD) Assessment & Multisensory Learning Support in Hurlstone Park
Learning with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Who Does Autism Affect?
The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne states that approximately one to two in every 100 Australians are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. It is common for autism to have a familial pattern, with family members often sharing similar traits.
People diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) usually encounter hurdles in two key areas – social communication and repetitive behaviours. The manifestation of these difficulties can vary significantly with age. The process of assessing Autism relies on the identification of certain behavioural signs, yet many with Autism may try to suppress or mask these signs to better assimilate with their social circles. Autism is often identified in the primary or preschool years, yet for some individuals, it may not be addressed until their teenage years or later. It’s also observed that females with ASD are more likely to be diagnosed at an older age than males.
What is Autism?
Autism, as a developmental disorder, impacts information processing, especially in social situations. It may have diverse effects on a person’s educational advancement, irrespective of their intelligence level. Often, autism is accompanied by conditions like ADHD, dyslexia, and epilepsy, making assessment and diagnosis sometimes challenging and oftentimes delayed. While the educational system may offer additional support, it may not be sufficiently tailored to the individual needs of those with autism due to the variability in presentation and associated issues. This is where targeted educational therapy may play a vital role.
Harnessing the Power of Multisensory Learning for Autism/ASD
The multisensory approach has proven to be highly successful for individuals with autism. This approach is gaining increasing attention and research interest globally, specifically in its application 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
Enhancing Learning and Development with Multisensory Therapy/Tutoring for Autism/ASD
Mainstream education is geared toward the majority of society and often doesn’t engage students with autism and related conditions. The therapists and teachers at Neurosensory use an individualised approach that doesn’t see their special interests as a hindrance to learning but as a catalyst for their and our engagement and growth. Our approach is organic, creative, and structured.
By demonstrating our appreciation for their interests, we observe an increase in the self-esteem, confidence, and self-expression of our students.
Empowering Students with Autism: The Approach of our MSL Therapists and Tutors
Our approach involves encouraging them to:
- Set a structured framework for each session
- Merge the student’s hobbies into the learning experience and inspire innovation
- Steer clear of sarcasm and everyday idioms
- Predict situations where subtle social signals may hinder comprehension of narratives
- Allow the students to make choices within the lesson
- Create an environment of trust so that the student can ask any question, no matter how obvious the answer may seem
- Urge the student to take a break if they feel overwhelmed-maybe participate in a 5-minute table tennis game, a short run around the garden, or a mini basketball game
Choosing the Right Therapy and Tutoring Options for Autism/ASD
At Neurosensory, we provide two options to assist individuals with autism, ensuring that support is accessible to primary, secondary, TAFE, university students, and beyond.
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.
Our learning rooms are equipped with a diverse array of hands-on materials that transcend traditional paper and pen learning methods. We understand the challenges that students with learning difficulties and disabilities face in a school environment. At Neurosensory, our approach aims to eradicate the notion of failure and instil a can-do attitude. We recognise the importance of accommodating concentration limits and incorporating short breaks with movement to invigorate the mind. Through interactive and creative lessons, our approach promotes better retention of skills and information among our students.
The Advantages of Online 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.
At our services, we adopt a holistic approach, treating each individual as a ‘whole person’ and seamlessly incorporating social awareness and language development into the sessions. Our online ASD option guarantees that students with autism and other disorders can still receive suitable interventions from the convenience of their home.
Should you or a loved one require learning assistance due to an autism diagnosis, our dedicated autism tutors are here and eager to assist.
Evaluating Autism in Children and Adults
Diagnosing autism can be challenging, as there is no single medical test. Instead, it is diagnosed through the observation of behavioural symptoms. Many people with autism mask their symptoms in everyday life as they try to fit in with the expectations of society. Girls and women in particular often miss early diagnosis and treatment as a result of their skill in masking.
At Neurosensory, we offer screening assessments and facilitate referrals to psychologists, paediatricians, and psychiatrists if there is a possibility of an autism diagnosis. Some of the assessments we utilise as guidance include the Test of Pragmatic Language (TOPL2) and the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS). Additionally, other professionals may employ assessments such as ADOS-2. It is worth noting that new assessments are being developed to address the limitations of older ones, as they may not effectively diagnose individuals who are ‘highly functioning’ but face significant challenges due to masking symptoms.
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.
Common Questions and Answers
If you have concerns about the development of a loved one or yourself, it is advisable to consult your GP for an initial assessment or seek guidance from a paediatrician or psychologist. They can refer you to a team of experts who focus on autism assessment, including paediatricians, speech pathologists, psychologists, and psychiatrists.
Alternatively, you can book a consultation with us at Neurosensory. We can discuss the issues that are causing concern, offer screening and a preliminary report, and refer you to the appropriate providers for diagnosis if required.
As part of an ASD assessment for a child or adult, you may be required to undergo:
- Consultations (with yourself, your child, and/or with other primary guardians)
- Assessment of developmental timeline
- Monitoring your (or your child’s) communication with others
- Assessment for diagnosis (including TOPL-2 and SRS)
Indeed, the earlier autism is detected, the smoother the individual’s life journey may become. It may also contribute to a stronger sense of self-esteem and self-awareness, granting them an identity they may have previously lacked. Additionally, a diagnosis may facilitate access to financial assistance and support services for families.
While it is possible to detect autism in some children as early as 18 months or even earlier, the average age for diagnosis is typically around three years old. Children with a family history of autism, such as a sibling or parent, are often assessed at a younger age.
Some signs of autism include: not responding to their name, not playing ‘pretend’ games, avoiding eye contact, difficulty understanding emotions, getting upset by minor changes, obsessive interests, avoiding or resisting physical contact, flapping the hands or rocking the body, hyperactivity, impulsivity, short attention span, unusual sleeping and eating habits, and low to 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), Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia, 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.
Encouragement and Nurturing through Autism Learning Support
Studies and research have shown that people with autism often display attributes like strong long-memory skills, precise and detail-oriented, strong adherence to the rules, independent thinking, intensive focus (when their interests are involved), and they may be better at thinking in a visual way. We seek to encourage and nurture these attributes through ASD-adapted tutoring, as they’re what makes you special and unique.
How Can the NDIS Support Individuals with Autism?
Certain students with autism may qualify for NDIS funding. We have had numerous students who have successfully funded Neurosensory services through their NDIS plans. Additionally, we can provide 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 assist students in navigating the challenges that education and schooling may pose for individuals with ASD, especially in areas such as organisation, disruptions to routine, varying expectations, and comprehending teacher instructions. Our multisensory approach facilitates the connection of abstract concepts to tangible and visual models.
This holds particular significance for individuals who face challenges in understanding the nuances of language, as is often the case with individuals on the autism spectrum. The objective of the Neurosensory team is to empower students of all ages to develop learning and study habits that extend beyond the school environment, as these habits can also support social skills.