Get ADHD Assessment & Multisensory Learning Support in Ashfield.
Optimise Learning with ADHD & ADD.
Whom does ADHD impact?
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 normal for young children to have trouble focusing and behaving at times, kids with ADHD don’t simply grow out of it – the symptoms continue as they age. Symptoms can be quite severe and have been known to cause difficulties at school, at home, and with peers.
What is ADHD?
ADD, more commonly referred to as ADHD, impacts an individual’s ability to prioritise, process, integrate, organise, and recall information when required. It also affects a person’s ability to perceive 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.
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.
Exploring 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.
Incorporating movement, utilising various coloured cards, engaging in oral expression rather than solely relying on silent reading and writing, and dividing tasks into smaller segments are among the tools and conceptual frameworks that have proven effective for supporting students with ADHD.
The foundation of our approach lies in multisensory learning, which utilises movement, touch, sight, hearing, and speech to strengthen learning and actively involves students. We tailor our lessons to suit individual attention spans and incorporate breaks while remaining flexible in extending student engagement and being sensitive to changing interests and moods.
The experiences of students with ADHD may lead them to believe that success is unattainable, causing them to disengage or shy away from challenges. We are attentive to their emotional difficulties and endeavour to create a positive and uplifting experience in every session.
Multisensory Therapy and Tutoring for ADHD & ADD
It is common for parents of children with ADHD and adults with the condition to seek tutoring to address learning gaps. However, some students have spent a considerable amount of time attending conventional tutoring services without experiencing notable progress. This is where the individual therapeutic approach of Neurosensory can provide assistance.
In the multisensory approach, practical strategies are employed in the auditory, visual, and kinaesthetic (movement/touch) pathways to optimise learning.
How do our MSL tutors support students with ADHD?
We promote the idea of:
- Be patient .
- Incorporate revision consistently in each session .
- Adapt the workload and divide learning tasks into manageable segments .
- Utilise a range of presentation styles and incorporate games to grab attention.
- Encourage movement during the session to avoid extended periods of sitting .
- Be consistent with expectations and guidelines .
- Create and maintain a positive learning atmosphere .
- 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 .
Options for ADHD Tutoring Services.
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.
In-Person Tutoring.
When opting for in-person tutoring, students attend sessions in a controlled learning environment that mimics a traditional classroom, thus reducing distractions. Moreover, the face-to-face interaction fosters social learning, allowing students with ADHD to develop skills in navigating social situations and connecting with their peers.
Remote ADHD Tutoring.
With online tutoring, students can access assistance regardless of their location, whether residing outside of Ashfield or facing transportation challenges. Moreover, online tutoring offers flexibility in managing school and social commitments, accommodating our busy lives.
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.
Comprehensive Assessments for ADHD & ADD in 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 can provide recognised screening assessments and letters of recommendation to identify people who may have ADHD. After our initial assessment, we can also refer them to appropriate health providers for diagnosis and any follow-up clinical treatment.
It is crucial to understand that only medical and psychological professionals have the authority to 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:
- Interviews (with yourself, your child, and/or with other primary carers of your child if applicable)
- Evaluative behaviour checklists
- Checks for developmental, learning, educational, and/or IQ assessments
- Assessments of language, speech, and motor abilities
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.
Although most children are not typically evaluated for ADHD until they enter school, it is worth mentioning that diagnosis can occur as early as four years old. Early diagnosis plays a crucial role in establishing the right support systems to enable children to thrive academically.
Yes, providing the tutor has experience with students who have ADHD. Tutoring can improve school performance in a number of ways, providing students with tools for academic success whilst making attention and organisational issues seem less daunting.
Individuals with ADHD thrive in learning environments that provide simple and structured instructions, utilise props and visual aids, vary the pace of lessons, and incorporate diverse activities. The multisensory approach is particularly valuable for individuals with ADHD as it harnesses movement, touch, sight, hearing, and speech to reinforce 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.
Do you consider yourself 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 prepared to delve into the potential of multisensory learning?
The team at Neurosensory is fully dedicated to helping children and adults with ADHD thrive academically. Whether you need an assessment for a loved one or are seeking an MSL tutor for support, we are here to provide the help you need.