ADHD Assessment & Multisensory Learning Support in Ashbury.
Learning with ADHD & ADD.
Whose lives does ADHD affect?
Were you aware that ADHD is among the most common neurodevelopmental disorders? Typically first spotted in childhood, it has a tendency to extend into adulthood. The process of assessing ADHD is based on observing distinct behavioural traits rather than through medical examinations, which has contributed to an increased detection rate in adults who may have had their symptoms missed or ignored during their younger years.
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.
What is 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 individuals could be diagnosed with the hyperactive form of ADHD, where it’s hard for them to remain seated, cease fidgeting, or avoid sprinting to the nearest distraction. Others may suffer from the inattentive form of ADHD, marked by such behaviours as blank staring, daydreaming, or simply fading in concentration. This variant is often undetected, and it can be difficult to distinguish from mild epileptic seizures. Inattentive ADHD is frequently missed by family members, educators, and healthcare professionals. There is also a mixed type of ADHD, characterised by people showing both hyperactive and inattentive symptoms. The difficulty in detecting these behaviours frequently results in a delay in the formal ADHD assessment and diagnosis process.
ADHD is commonly treated with stimulant medication which can be very helpful, yet medication does not solve all the issues for affected individuals.
Unleashing the power of the multisensory approach for ADHD & ADD learning.
Learning in a conventional classroom environment poses difficulties for students with ADHD. Our research has shown that employing a multisensory approach greatly enhances their written expression. By engaging in hands-on manipulation of ideas, students can more effectively organise and retain complex material. We have successfully implemented this approach for 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.
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.
As a result of their experiences, students with ADHD may develop feelings of perpetual failure and disengage from challenges. We recognise their emotional struggles and strive to create a positive and supportive experience in each session.
Multisensory Therapy and Tutoring for ADHD & ADD
For many parents of children with ADHD and adults coping with the condition, tutoring is sought to address learning gaps. However, some students have spent considerable time attending regular tutoring services without witnessing significant advancements. This is where the individualised therapeutic approach of Neurosensory comes into play.
In the multisensory approach, practical strategies are employed in the auditory, visual, and kinaesthetic (movement/touch) pathways to optimise learning.
What support strategies do our MSL tutors provide for students with ADHD?
It is recommended that they:
- Cultivate a patient approach .
- Incorporate revision consistently in each session .
- Customise the workload and break down tasks into smaller units.
- Explore different ways of presenting information and use games to captivate attention .
- Encourage movement during the session to avoid extended periods of sitting .
- Uphold consistent expectations and guidelines .
- Establish a positive and nurturing learning environment.
- Respond with patience and understanding when students’ attention drifts.
- Keep track of student progress and acknowledge accomplishments with rewards .
- Acknowledge when it’s time to shift focus to a different task.
Available ADHD Tutoring Choices.
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.
Traditional Face-to-Face Tutoring.
In-person tutoring involves meeting in a controlled learning environment, similar to the physical classroom, which can provide less distraction. In-person interaction can also help students with ADHD learn how to navigate social situations and interact with their peers.
Internet-based Tutoring for ADHD.
Online tutoring provides a convenient solution for students, regardless of their location, including those outside of Ashbury or facing transportation difficulties. It offers flexibility in managing school and social commitments, acknowledging the busy lives we lead.
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.
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.
At Neurosensory, we have the capability to conduct recognised screening assessments and provide letters of recommendation to identify individuals who may be experiencing ADHD symptoms. Once our initial assessment is complete, we can facilitate referrals to relevant healthcare professionals for an official diagnosis and subsequent clinical treatment, if required.
We want to highlight that a formal diagnosis can only be provided by medical and psychological professionals.
FAQs
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:
- Conducting interviews (with yourself, your child, and/or with other primary carers of your child if applicable)
- Behaviour checklists
- Developmental, learning, educational, and/or IQ checks
- Evaluations of language, speech, and movement
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, 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.
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.
Multi-Sensory Approaches for Increased Engagement in Individuals 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.
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 open to exploring the world of multisensory learning?
The team at Neurosensory is committed to assisting children and adults with ADHD in achieving academic success. Whether you are seeking an assessment for a loved one or already have a diagnosis and are seeking MSL tutoring support, we are here to provide help.