Dyslexia Assessment and Support for Multisensory Learning in Campsie
Difficulties in Reading and Writing Learning
Whom does dyslexia impact?
Statistics suggest that dyslexia affects approximately 1 in 10 individuals and tends to be hereditary. If you have dyslexia, it’s probable that you have a family member who shares the same condition or encounters challenges with reading and spelling.
Dyslexia is typically identified during primary school as difficulties with reading and writing become evident. However, some individuals may not receive a diagnosis until later, including adulthood. Studies have revealed a higher prevalence of dyslexia in boys compared to girls.
Evaluations frequently entail eliminating other potential factors like vision and hearing problems prior to proceeding with a formal dyslexia assessment.
What does dyslexia refer to?
According to information from the US National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke,
Dyslexia is a type of learning disability that specifically affects a person’s reading skills due to brain-based factors. Despite normal intelligence, individuals with dyslexia often read at levels significantly lower than expected. Symptoms can vary, but difficulties with phonological processing (sound manipulation), spelling, and rapid visual-verbal response are commonly experienced.
When dyslexia develops in adulthood, it is commonly associated with brain injury or dementia, distinguishing it from cases where dyslexia was not detected or assessed during childhood and adolescence. Some families may have a hereditary predisposition to dyslexia, and recent studies have identified several genes that may play a role in its development.
https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Dyslexia-Information-Page
In the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), dyslexia is recognised as an alternative name for Specific Learning Disorder in Reading by the American Psychiatric Association.
How Does the Multisensory Approach Enhance Learning for Individuals With Dyslexia?
According to the NINDS, the primary emphasis in treating dyslexia should be on addressing the specific learning challenges faced by individuals. Neurosensory’s multisensory approach is endorsed by esteemed organisations like the International Dyslexia Association, the World Health Organization, and leading experts and researchers around the world.
It is based on the pioneering work of Samuel Orton and Anna Gillingham in effective remediation for dyslexia. The NINDS emphasises that the approach needs to be individually tailored to meet the specific learning difficulties of the person with dyslexia. The approach is also known as the Orton-Gillingham approach.
Multisensory Techniques for Effective Dyslexia Tutoring
As discussed above, traditional teaching methods are often insufficient for addressing the needs of students with dyslexia. Multisensory therapy, by contrast, capitalises on the integration of visual, auditory, and kinesthetic modalities to enhance learning outcomes.
Our multisensory approach is carefully crafted to be structured, diagnostic, cumulative, engaging, and creative. By providing one-on-one or small group sessions, we can maintain a high level of attention and engagement while effectively addressing the specific needs of each student.
How do our practitioners and therapists specialising in MSL approaches offer guidance and assistance to students with dyslexia?
We:
- Use an MSL/ Orton-Gillingham approach to ensure that students have a firm grasp of the connection between speech sounds, reading and spelling
- Recognise the importance of oral language for literacy
- Promote efficient handwriting but understand that technology can be a tremendous help
- Develop reading and writing from basic words to complex multisyllable words including syllable division and word building eg ba/by , in/de/pen/dent, direct-directly, direction
- Understand that older students need to develop essay writing techniques to cope with their academic demands, while giving attention to basic spelling and writing conventions
- Ask students to read aloud while tracing the words with their index finger
- Give students immediate and constructive feedback
- Are sensitive to a student becoming tired because our approach engages students continually
Dyslexia Therapy and Tutoring Choices
At Neurosensory, we provide two options for dyslexia tutoring, ensuring that students at the primary, secondary, and university levels, as well as beyond, can access the support they need.
Traditional In-Person Dyslexia Therapy/Tutoring
With in-person tutoring, students will meet with their tutor in a controlled learning environment that provides fewer distractions. Sessions can be held one-on-one or in small groups, depending on the needs and comfort levels of the student.
Digital Dyslexia Therapy/Tutoring
The option of online tutoring enables dyslexic students to receive assistance regardless of their geographical location, granting them the flexibility to manage their schedule and commitments. Furthermore, tutors can take advantage of the visual cues provided by seeing the student’s face as they navigate the reading material.
Do you or a loved one require some learning assistance as a result of a dyslexia diagnosis? Our dyslexia tutors are ready and waiting to help.
Assessing Dyslexia in Adults and Children
At Neurosensory, we utilise a comprehensive set of psychometric tests tailored to the individual’s age during dyslexia assessment. Full written assessments can be obtained upon request. Additionally, we offer streamlined screening for educational and vocational placement for those who do not require a complete report.
Through our screening and assessment, we may identify additional matters that warrant consultation with healthcare professionals, such as paediatricians, psychologists, speech and language pathologists, and occupational therapists .
Before seeking a dyslexia diagnosis, it’s recommended that you arrange a hearing and vision check to rule out any other problems that could be affecting reading and spelling comprehension.
FAQs about Dyslexia
Yes, providing the tutor has experience and knowledge of research-based dyslexia interventions. This is why we prefer to use the term ‘educational therapy’ rather than ‘tutoring’ Not just any old tutoring service will work if dyslexia or other specific learning disabilities are present. Some of our students had been attending tutoring for years with little improvement before enrolling in our targeted therapeutic service. We offer personal attention and the opportunity to address the student’s specific learning needs. We aim to help them gain a better understanding of themselves as learners so they can move forwards.
A significant number of parents reach out to us for dyslexia screening or a comprehensive assessment. Your child’s primary school teacher might express concerns even before you notice any symptoms. We also receive referrals from psychologists, GP’s, paediatricians, or speech pathologists. At Neurosensory, you can schedule dyslexia assessments for children and adults, and if further evaluation is necessary, we can guide you to the right professional.
When forming a diagnosis, the following areas are typically taken into consideration:
- Assess the individual’s background through a comprehensive history (including medical, developmental, educational, and family aspects)
- Explore the individual’s learning strengths and weaknesses
- Take into account the observations and feedback from the child’s teacher, as well as the test scores provided by the school
Typically, a minimum of 6 months of targeted instruction in reading skills is necessary before diagnosing dyslexia in children. However, there is no specific time frame recommended for adults.
Diagnosis of dyslexia in primary aged children usually occurs within the first two years of school, as this is the period when they begin learning to read. However, there are cases where children are diagnosed before they develop reading skills. Moreover, some individuals may not receive a diagnosis until adolescence or adulthood, as they may have successfully masked their symptoms during their earlier years.
Certain warning signs of dyslexia may include delayed speech, trouble pronouncing certain words, challenges in learning the alphabet, difficulty in writing their own name, frequent errors while reading, slow and expressionless reading, avoidance of reading tasks, struggles in comprehending written material, and a limited vocabulary.
Keep in mind that some people have many signs of dyslexia, whereas others only have a few.
The Orton-Gillingham multisensory approach helps those with: ADD/ADHD (although not a formal learning disorder) Autism/ASD, 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.
Achieve growth with a dyslexia tutor
When tutoring dyslexic children, it is important to be patient as they often develop an aversion to learning due to a sense of inadequacy. Our approach involves incorporating games into the learning process, making it enjoyable and assisting in the retraining of the child’s brain to overcome these challenges.
Conversely, dyslexic adults are typically highly motivated to learn, improve, and actively participate in the process of ‘re-training’ their brains.
The development of reading, writing, and maths skills in individuals with dyslexia is influenced by factors such as the type and severity of dyslexia, as well as the level of practice they engage in.
NDIS Funding for Dyslexia
Dyslexia and other specific learning disorders are typically not covered by NDIS funding unless there are additional conditions like Autism or Intellectual Delay present. This can result in limited access to affordable remediation for individuals with dyslexia. While some support may be provided through mainstream educational institutions and general programs, these options may not offer the necessary level of targeting, flexibility, and duration required to effectively address the unique needs of individuals with dyslexia.
If you require assistance with your NDIS or other funding applications, Neurosensory is here to help.
The Australian Dyslexia Foundation, a charitable organisation with fully deductible tax and gift status, strives to assist individuals who are financially unable to access necessary dyslexia remediation. While funding is presently limited, updates regarding the foundation’s ability to provide help will be communicated.
Are you ready to explore the possibilities of multisensory learning?
If you’re in need of dyslexia remediation, you’ve come to the right place. At Neurosensory, we are deeply committed to helping individuals of all ages overcome the learning obstacles presented by dyslexia. Our experienced MSL therapists and tutors will create a personalised program tailored to your specific needs, ensuring that you can achieve your academic goals and receive the necessary support for the future.