ADHD Assessment & Multisensory Learning Support in Belfield.
Learning with ADHD & ADD.
Whose lives does ADHD affect?
Did you realise that ADHD is among the most frequently diagnosed neurodevelopmental disorders? Generally, its diagnosis occurs in childhood and often carries on into adult life. The assessment process for ADHD is centred around pinpointing distinct behavioural patterns instead of relying on medical diagnostics, which has seen an uptick in adult diagnoses for those whose symptoms went unnoticed or were disregarded during their childhood.
Whilst it’s common for young children to encounter occasional difficulties in attention and behaviour, individuals with ADHD do not naturally outgrow it – the symptoms endure throughout their lives. These symptoms can be significantly debilitating and frequently result in challenges at school, in the home environment, and with social interactions among peers.
Understanding ADHD
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), commonly known as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), hampers an individual’s capability to prioritise, process, integrate, organise, and retrieve information when necessary. Additionally, it affects an individual’s perception of the passage of time.
Certain people might be diagnosed with ADHD’s hyperactive variant, where staying still, avoiding minor distractions, or not rushing after the nearest distraction poses a challenge. Others might have the inattentive variant of ADHD, which involves behaviours such as staring blankly, daydreaming, or just losing focus. This type often goes undetected and could be confused with mild epileptic fits. Inattentive ADHD tends to be overlooked by guardians, teachers, and medical professionals. There’s also a third, combined type of ADHD, characterised by individuals displaying both hyperactive and inattentive symptoms. The identification of these behaviours can be challenging, leading to delays in formal ADHD assessments and diagnoses.
The treatment of ADHD often involves the use of stimulant medication, which can be highly effective. However, it is essential to recognise that medication does not offer a complete solution for all the difficulties experienced by individuals with ADHD.
The multisensory approach to learning for ADHD & ADD.
Students with ADHD find it difficult to learn in a standard classroom environment. We have found that the multisensory approach helps students with their written expression as the physical manipulation of ideas makes it easier to organise and retain complex material. We have used this approach for high school and tertiary students.
Some tools and conceptual frameworks which we find helpful for students with ADHD include the use of movement, different coloured cards, speaking aloud rather than just reading and writing silently, and the breakdown of tasks into smaller chunks.
In our approach, we embrace a multisensory methodology by incorporating movement, touch, sight, hearing, and speech to enhance learning and actively involve students. We customise our lessons to accommodate students’ attention spans and the requirement for breaks, and we are flexible in adapting to their evolving engagement levels, taking into consideration their shifting interests and moods.
As a result of their experiences, students with ADHD may develop feelings of perpetual failure and disengage from challenges. We recognise their emotional struggles and strive to create a positive and supportive experience in each session.
Multisensory Therapy and Tutoring for ADHD & ADD
For many parents of children with ADHD and adults coping with the condition, tutoring is sought to address learning gaps. However, some students have spent considerable time attending regular tutoring services without witnessing significant advancements. This is where the individualised therapeutic approach of Neurosensory comes into play.
Practical strategies in the auditory, visual, and kinaesthetic (movement/touch) pathways are utilised in the multisensory approach to enhance learning.
How do our MSL tutors support students with ADHD?
It is recommended that they:
- Practice patience .
- Make revision a regular part of each session.
- Customise the workload and break down tasks into smaller units.
- Employ diverse presentation techniques and engage students with games to capture attention .
- Include physical activity during the session to break up prolonged sitting.
- Ensure expectations and guidelines remain consistent.
- Cultivate a supportive and positive teaching environment .
- Never scold students when their attention wanders .
- Monitor student progress and offer rewards for achievements .
- Identify the appropriate time to move on to a new task .
Exploring Tutoring Options for ADHD.
Neurosensory offers two options for ADHD tutoring, aiming to make our support accessible to primary, secondary, and university students, as well as individuals at advanced educational stages.
Conventional In-Person ADHD Tutoring.
In the case of in-person tutoring, sessions take place in a controlled learning environment, akin to a physical classroom, where distractions are minimised. Additionally, the in-person interaction aids students with ADHD in developing social skills and engaging with their peers.
Online Tutoring.
The availability of online tutoring enables students to receive support irrespective of their location, including those living outside of Belfield or encountering transportation limitations. Furthermore, online tutoring provides flexibility in scheduling, allowing students to balance school and social commitments amidst the demands of a busy lifestyle.
Are you or someone you know in need of learning assistance due to an ADHD diagnosis? Our team of ADHD tutors is prepared and eager to provide support.
ADHD & ADD Assessments For Both Adults & Children.
There are currently no medical tests for diagnosing ADHD. Instead, it is diagnosed through the observation of behavioural symptoms. To be diagnosed, children must present with at least six symptoms from either (or both) variants of ADHD, whilst older adolescents and adults must present with at least five. Symptoms must have appeared before age 12 and have continued for at least six months.
At Neurosensory, we have the capability to conduct recognised screening assessments and provide letters of recommendation to identify individuals who may be experiencing ADHD symptoms. Once our initial assessment is complete, we can facilitate referrals to relevant healthcare professionals for an official diagnosis and subsequent clinical treatment, if required.
We stress that only medical and psychological professionals can provide a formal diagnosis.
Frequently Asked Questions.
If you have concerns about your own or a loved one’s behaviour, scheduling an initial consultation with your GP is recommended. They can refer you or your child to a paediatrician, psychologist, or psychiatrist for an ADHD diagnosis. Alternatively, you have the option to book a child or adult ADHD assessment with us at Neurosensory, and we can assist in referring you to the appropriate provider for a diagnosis, if necessary.
When undergoing a child or adult ADHD assessment, you might be asked to participate in:
- Conducting interviews (with yourself, your child, and/or with other primary carers of your child if applicable)
- Evaluative behaviour checklists
- Developmental, learning, educational, and/or IQ checks
- Checks for language, speech, and motor skills
Indeed, many individuals discover that obtaining a formal diagnosis assists them in understanding their life and the reasons behind their behaviours. It can also empower them to develop an effective treatment plan, leading to transformative changes in various aspects of their lives.
While most children are not evaluated until they reach school age, it is indeed possible for kids as young as four to receive a diagnosis of ADHD. For many individuals, being diagnosed at a young age allows for the implementation of appropriate support, maximising their success throughout their educational journey.
Absolutely, as long as the tutor has experience working with students who have ADHD. Tutoring can have a positive impact on school performance by equipping students with strategies for academic success, while also helping to alleviate the challenges posed by attention and organisational issues.
People with ADHD learn best when instructions are kept simple and structured when props and other visual aids are employed, when the pace of lessons is varied, and when different kinds of activities are incorporated. The multisensory approach is highly useful for helping people with ADHD to learn, as it utilises movement, touch, sight, hearing, and speech to solidify the skills being taught.
The Orton-Gillingham multisensory approach helps those with: Autism/ASD, 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.
Multi-Sensory Approaches for Increased Engagement in Individuals with ADHD.
Do you identify as a visual learner? An auditory learner? A tactile learner? Or maybe a kinesthetic learner?
People with ADHD have varied learning needs, and what may work well for one person may not be as effective for someone else. Multisensory learning is essential in engaging these learners, as it allows our tutors to integrate different sensory modalities to enhance skill acquisition and improve retention.
Accessing NDIS Funding for ADHD & ADD.
It is important to note that a diagnosis of ADHD alone does not fulfil the requirements for a successful NDIS application. However, ADHD can be considered as an additional aspect when developing NDIS plans for individuals with a diagnosis such as Autism or Intellectual Delay.
Are you excited to discover the benefits of multisensory learning?
At Neurosensory, our team is dedicated to helping children and adults with ADHD excel academically. Whether you are seeking an assessment for a loved one or looking for an MSL tutor to provide support, we are here to offer our assistance.