Dyslexia Assessment and Support for Multisensory Learning in Ashfield
Challenges in Learning Reading and Writing
Whom can dyslexia affect?
Approximately 1 in 10 individuals are estimated to have dyslexia, with a tendency to run in families. If you have dyslexia, it’s probable that you have a family member who also experiences it or struggles 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.
The process often begins with excluding other underlying issues, such as sight and hearing impairments, before advancing to a detailed dyslexia assessment.
What is dyslexia?
According to information from the US National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke,
Dyslexia, a brain-based learning disability, hampers a person’s reading ability. Despite normal intelligence, individuals with dyslexia typically read significantly below expected levels. The disorder’s characteristics vary, but difficulties with phonological processing (sound manipulation), spelling, and rapid visual-verbal response are commonly observed.
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
Dyslexia is recognised as an alternative name for Specific Learning Disorder in Reading by the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).
How Does the Multisensory Approach Enhance Learning for Individuals With Dyslexia?
The NINDS emphasises that the primary focus of dyslexia treatment should target the specific learning difficulties of individuals. Neurosensory’s multisensory approach is supported by the International Dyslexia Association, the World Health Organization, and esteemed practitioners and researchers globally.
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.
Enhancing Multisensory Tutoring Skills for Dyslexia
As stated earlier, conventional teaching approaches may not yield desired results for students with dyslexia. Multisensory therapy, however, focuses on incorporating visual, auditory, and kinesthetic elements into the learning process.
Our multisensory approach is characterised by its structured, diagnostic, cumulative, engaging, and creative nature. Whether through one-on-one or small group sessions, we strive to maintain high levels of attention and engagement, ensuring that the individual needs of each student are effectively addressed.
What methods do our MSL therapists and practitioners employ to assist 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.
Conventional 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.
Remote 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.
Are you or someone close to you in need of learning assistance due to a dyslexia diagnosis? Our team of dyslexia tutors is standing by, ready to provide the help you need.
Assessments for Dyslexia in Adults and Children
Neurosensory employs a recognised battery of psychometric tests appropriate to the age of the person coming in for dyslexia assessment. Full written assessments are available on request. We can also provide streamlined screening for educational and vocational placement if a full report is not required.
In the course of our screening and assessment, we may discover other conditions that require referral to healthcare professionals, such as paediatricians, psychologists, speech and language pathologists, and occupational therapists.
Prior to pursuing a dyslexia diagnosis, it is advisable to schedule a hearing and vision check to eliminate any other potential issues that may impact reading and spelling comprehension.
Answers to Common Questions
Yes, it is possible, but it depends on the tutor’s experience and familiarity with research-based dyslexia interventions. That is why we use the term ‘educational therapy’ instead of ‘tutoring.’ Not all tutoring services are suitable for individuals with dyslexia or other specific learning disabilities. Some of our students had been receiving tutoring for a long time without significant improvement until they joined our specialised therapeutic program. We provide individualised attention and tailor the approach to address each student’s unique learning needs. Our goal is to help them develop a better understanding of themselves as learners and make meaningful progress.
Many of our parents contact our services for dyslexia screening or a formal assessment. Your child’s primary school teacher may raise their concerns with you before you’ve noticed any symptoms. Other people have been referred to our services by psychologists, GP’s, paediatricians or speech pathologists. You can book child or adult dyslexia assessments with us at Neurosensory, and we can refer you to an appropriate provider if additional assessment is required.
The following areas are usually considered in forming a diagnosis:
- Assess the individual’s background through a comprehensive history (including medical, developmental, educational, and family aspects)
- 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
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.
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.
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.
Remember that the signs of dyslexia can vary from person to person, with some individuals showing multiple signs and others displaying only 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.
Experience progress with a dyslexia tutor
Providing tutoring for dyslexic children requires a great deal of patience, as they often experience avoidance behaviours due to feelings of failure. Our approach involves incorporating learning activities through games, creating an enjoyable experience that helps to retrain the child’s brain and overcome these barriers.
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.
Can Dyslexia Qualify for NDIS Funding?
It’s important to note that dyslexia and other specific learning disorders are generally not eligible for NDIS funding unless accompanied by conditions such as Autism or Intellectual Delay. This limitation often leaves individuals with dyslexia facing challenges in accessing affordable remediation. While some assistance may be available through mainstream educational institutions and general programs, these resources often lack the required focus, flexibility, and duration to adequately meet the individual needs of people with dyslexia.
Neurosensory offers support in navigating the application process for NDIS or other funding options.
The Australian Dyslexia Foundation is a charitable organisation that aims to support individuals who are unable to afford necessary dyslexia remediation. It has fully deductible tax and gift status, and although funding is currently limited, updates will be provided on its ability to assist.
Are you eager to discover the potential of multisensory learning?
If you’re seeking dyslexia remediation, you’ve found the right resource. At Neurosensory, we are dedicated to assisting both children and adults in overcoming the learning challenges associated with dyslexia. Our team of MSL therapists and tutors will customise a program to meet your specific needs, ensuring that you can achieve your academic goals and receive the support you need moving forward.