Explore ADHD Assessment & Multisensory Learning Support in Croydon Park.
Empower Learning with ADHD & ADD.
Whose lives does ADHD affect?
Are you aware that ADHD is widely recognised as a major neurodevelopmental disorder? It’s usually first identified in one’s younger years and can continue well into adulthood. The approach to ADHD assessment focuses on the recognition of specific behavioural patterns, not on medical tests, leading to more adults being diagnosed whose symptoms were previously overlooked or neglected as children.
Whilst it’s typical for young children to experience occasional challenges with focus and behaviour, children with ADHD do not simply outgrow it – the symptoms persist as they get older. The symptoms can be considered severe and often lead to difficulties in school, at home, and in social interactions with peers.
A brief overview of 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.
Some may be identified with ADHD’s hyperactive strain, finding it tough to stay put, stop tinkering, or leap at the closest diversion. Others could have the inattentive strain of ADHD, distinguished by such actions as blank stares, drifting into daydreams, or abrupt attention lapses. This form is often overlooked and can be confused with mild epileptic episodes. Inattentive ADHD frequently escapes the notice of parents, educators, and medical practitioners. There’s also a combined variant of ADHD, indicated by individuals showing signs of both hyperactivity and inattention. Owing to the challenges in recognising these symptoms, there’s usually a delay in obtaining a formal ADHD assessment and diagnosis.
ADHD is frequently managed using a stimulant medication, which can provide significant benefits. However, it is important to acknowledge that medication alone does not address all the challenges faced by individuals affected by ADHD.
Embracing the multisensory learning approach for ADHD & ADD.
Standard classroom settings present obstacles for students with ADHD when it comes to learning. Our findings indicate that utilising a multisensory approach offers considerable advantages in improving their written expression. Through physical engagement with ideas, students find it easier to organise and retain intricate material. This approach has been successfully employed for both high school and tertiary students.
Utilising movement, employing different coloured cards, verbalising thoughts instead of solely reading and writing silently, and breaking down tasks into smaller portions are some tools and conceptual frameworks that we have found beneficial for students with ADHD.
Our approach is multisensory as we employ movement, touch, sight, hearing and speech to reinforce learning and engage students. We tailor our lessons to account for a student’s attention span and need for rest, and we are ready to move with students and extend their engagement while being sensitive to flagging interests and moods.
Students with ADHD may experience a sense of perpetual failure and disengagement from challenges due to their past encounters. We are mindful of their emotional struggles and aim to ensure that each session is a positive and empowering experience for them.
Multisensory Therapy and Tutoring for ADHD & ADD
Numerous parents of children with ADHD and adults living with the condition seek tutoring to address their learning gaps. However, some students have attended conventional tutoring services for an extended period without substantial improvement. This is where the individual therapeutic approach of Neurosensory can make a difference.
The multisensory approach leverages practical strategies in the auditory, visual, and kinaesthetic (movement/touch) pathways to facilitate optimal learning.
What support strategies do our MSL tutors provide for students with ADHD?
We promote the idea of:
- Cultivate a patient approach .
- Incorporate revision consistently in each session .
- Be flexible with the amount of work and break the learning tasks into small chunks .
- Explore different ways of presenting information and use games to captivate attention .
- Include physical activity during the session to break up prolonged sitting.
- Maintain consistency with expectations and guidelines .
- Establish a positive and nurturing learning environment.
- Refrain from reprimanding students for wandering attention .
- Monitor progress and incentivise good work with rewards.
- Know when it’s time to move on to another task .
Exploring Tutoring Options for ADHD.
At Neurosensory, we provide two options for ADHD tutoring, allowing primary, secondary, and university students, as well as individuals beyond these levels, to avail themselves of our support services.
Traditional Face-to-Face 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.
Remote ADHD Tutoring.
The availability of online tutoring enables students to receive support irrespective of their location, including those living outside of Croydon Park 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.
If you or a loved one is seeking learning assistance following an ADHD diagnosis, our dedicated ADHD tutors are available and prepared to offer their expertise.
Assessing ADHD & ADD in Individuals of All Ages.
At present, there are no medical tests specifically designed for diagnosing ADHD. Diagnosis primarily relies on the observation of behavioural symptoms. For children to receive a diagnosis, they must exhibit at least six symptoms from either or both variants of ADHD, while older adolescents and adults must display at least five symptoms. Furthermore, these symptoms must have manifested before the age of 12 and persisted for a minimum of six months.
Neurosensory offers recognised screening assessments and can provide letters of recommendation to identify individuals who may have ADHD. Following our initial assessment, we can refer them to suitable healthcare providers for diagnosis and any necessary follow-up clinical treatment.
We want to highlight that a formal diagnosis can only be provided by medical and psychological professionals.
Commonly Asked Questions.
If you have concerns about your behaviour or that of a loved one, it is advisable to consult your GP initially. They can refer you or your child to a paediatrician, psychologist, or psychiatrist for an ADHD diagnosis. Additionally, you have the option to schedule a child or adult ADHD assessment with us at Neurosensory, and we can assist you in obtaining a diagnosis through appropriate referrals.
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)
- Checklists for assessing behaviour
- Checks for developmental, learning, educational, and/or IQ assessments
- Language, speech, and movement checks
Certainly. A formal diagnosis frequently offers individuals valuable insights into their lives and the reasons behind their behaviours. Moreover, it equips them with the ability to devise an effective treatment plan, which can have transformative impacts across various areas 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.
Yes, it can be beneficial as long as the tutor has expertise in working with students who have ADHD. Tutoring can enhance school performance by equipping students with effective strategies for academic success, thereby minimising the impact of attention and organisational difficulties.
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.
More Senses = More Engagement for People with ADHD.
Are you more inclined towards visual learning? Auditory learning? Tactile learning? Or perhaps kinesthetic learning?
Students with ADHD often exhibit diverse learning styles, and what may be successful for one individual may not be as effective for another. Multisensory learning plays a vital role in engaging these learners, enabling our tutors to incorporate various sensory modalities to facilitate skill building and improve retention.
NDIS Funding Options for ADHD & ADD.
Unfortunately, having a diagnosis of ADHD alone does not meet the requirements for a successful NDIS application. However, ADHD may be considered as an additional factor in developing NDIS plans for individuals who have a diagnosis such as Autism or Intellectual Delay.
Are you open to exploring the world of multisensory learning?
At Neurosensory, we are committed to aiding children and adults with ADHD in achieving academic success. Whether you require an assessment for a loved one or are looking for an MSL tutor to offer support, we are here to assist you.