Dyslexia Assessment and Multisensory Learning Support in Belfield
Reading and Writing Learning Challenges
Whom can dyslexia affect?
It’s estimated that around one in 10 people have dyslexia. It tends to run in families – if you have dyslexia, it’s likely that you have a family member who also has it or who has other reading and spelling problems.
Dyslexia is typically diagnosed in primary school when problems with reading and writing first become apparent. However, many people are diagnosed later on – some not even until adulthood. Research has shown that it’s more common in boys than girls.
The process often begins with excluding other underlying issues, such as sight and hearing impairments, before advancing to a detailed dyslexia assessment.
How is dyslexia characterised?
According to the US National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke,
Dyslexia is a brain-based type of learning disability that specifically impairs a person’s ability to read. These individuals typically read at levels significantly lower than expected despite having normal intelligence. Although the disorder varies from person to person, common characteristics among people with dyslexia are difficulty with phonological processing (the manipulation of sounds), spelling, and/or rapid visual-verbal responding.
In cases of adult-onset dyslexia, it often arises due to brain injury or in the context of dementia, contrasting with individuals who were not assessed or diagnosed with dyslexia during childhood and adolescence. Dyslexia can be inherited within certain families, and recent studies have revealed specific genes that may predispose individuals to dyslexia.
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 Benefit 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 founded on the groundbreaking research of Samuel Orton and Anna Gillingham, who developed effective interventions for dyslexia. The NINDS highlights the importance of individualising the approach to address the specific learning challenges of individuals with dyslexia. This approach is commonly referred to as the Orton-Gillingham approach.
Multisensory Tutoring for Dyslexia
As previously mentioned, traditional teaching methods often fall short of effectively supporting students with dyslexia. Multisensory therapy, on the other hand, is rooted in the integration of visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning experiences.
Our multisensory approach is structured, diagnostic, cumulative, engaging, and creative. One-on-one or small group sessions help ensure that maximum attention and engagement are maintained and that the needs of each student are addressed effectively.
In what ways do our MSL therapists and practitioners contribute to the support and progress of students facing dyslexia challenges?
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
Available Options for Dyslexia Therapy and Tutoring
We offer two options when it comes to dyslexia tutoring, ensuring that primary, secondary, and university students and beyond are able to access the support offered by Neurosensory.
Face-to-Face Dyslexia Therapy/Tutoring
Our in-person tutoring option allows students to engage with their tutor in a controlled learning environment, minimising distractions and maximising focus. Whether they prefer one-on-one sessions or small group settings, we accommodate their needs and comfort levels.
Digital Dyslexia Therapy/Tutoring
Online tutoring offers dyslexic students the flexibility to access assistance from anywhere, allowing them to work around their other commitments. Additionally, it provides tutors with the advantage of being able to see the student’s face as they engage with the reading material.
Are you or a loved one in need of learning support following a dyslexia diagnosis? Our team of dyslexia tutors is prepared and eager to provide assistance.
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 .
It is recommended to arrange a hearing and vision check before seeking a dyslexia diagnosis to rule out any other factors that may be impacting reading and spelling comprehension.
Commonly Asked Questions
Certainly, provided that the tutor has the necessary experience and knowledge of evidence-based dyslexia interventions. This is why we prefer the term ‘educational therapy’ over ‘tutoring.’ Generic tutoring services may not be effective for individuals with dyslexia or other specific learning disabilities. Many of our students had been attending tutoring for an extended period with limited improvement until they enrolled in our targeted therapeutic program. We offer personalised attention and the opportunity to address the specific learning needs of each student. Our aim is to help them gain a deeper understanding of themselves as learners and make meaningful progress.
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.
The following areas are usually considered in forming a diagnosis:
- Gather a comprehensive history (including medical, developmental, educational, and family background)
- Explore the individual’s learning strengths and weaknesses
- Consider the insights and assessments provided by the child’s teacher, as well as the school’s test scores
At least 6 months of targeted instruction is usually required for diagnosing dyslexia in children, specifically for assessing their reading skills. However, no specific time period is recommended for adults.
The typical timeframe for diagnosing dyslexia in primary aged children is within the first two years of school when they commence learning to read. However, there are cases where children are diagnosed prior to acquiring reading skills. Additionally, some individuals may not receive a diagnosis until adolescence or adulthood, as they may have adeptly masked their symptoms during their upbringing.
Some warning signs of dyslexia include: delayed speech, difficulty pronouncing some words, difficulty learning the alphabet, difficulty writing their name, lots of errors when reading, reading slowly and without expression, avoidance of reading, struggling to understand what they’ve read, and a reduced vocabulary.
It’s important to note that while some individuals may exhibit numerous signs of dyslexia, others may only display 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.
Dyslexic adults, on the other hand, are often highly motivated to learn, improve, and actively engage in the process of ‘re-training’ their brains.
The improvement of an individual’s reading, writing and maths skills will depend on the type of dyslexia they have, its severity, and the amount of practice they put in.
NDIS Funding for Dyslexia
Dyslexia and other specific learning disorders are generally not eligible for NDIS funding unless other conditions such as Autism or Intellectual Delay are present. Unfortunately, this leaves many people with it stretched or unable to access affordable remediation. Limited help is available through mainstream educational institutions such as schools and tertiary providers, and the occasional general program may be in place. However, available programs often lack sufficient targeting, flexibility and duration to address the individual needs of people with dyslexia.
If you require assistance with your NDIS or other funding applications, Neurosensory is here to help.
The Australian Dyslexia Foundation aims to help people who cannot afford necessary remediation for dyslexia and related conditions. It is a charity with fully deductible tax and gift status, and while funds for it are presently limited, we will update you when it is in a position to help.
Are you prepared to delve into the world 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.