Discover ADHD Assessment & Multisensory Learning Support in Ashbury.
Empower Learning with ADHD & ADD.
Who is impacted by ADHD?
Did you know that ADHD is one of the most prevalent neurodevelopmental disorders? It’s typically diagnosed during childhood and frequently persists into adulthood. Nonetheless, there is a growing number of adults who are now being diagnosed, as their symptoms were previously missed or disregarded during their childhood.
Whilst it’s common for young children to encounter occasional difficulties in attention and behaviour, individuals with ADHD do not naturally outgrow it – the symptoms endure throughout their lives. These symptoms can be significantly debilitating and frequently result in challenges at school, in the home environment, and with social interactions among peers.
Defining 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.
Individuals may receive a diagnosis of the hyperactive form of ADHD, characterised by an inability to sit still, a tendency to fidget, or a constant inclination to seek distractions. On the other hand, some individuals may exhibit the inattentive form of ADHD, which manifests through behaviours like daydreaming, spacing out, or struggling to maintain focus. This particular form is often overlooked and can sometimes be challenging to differentiate from mild epileptic seizures. Parents, teachers, and healthcare professionals frequently miss the signs of inattentive ADHD. Additionally, there exists a third subtype called mixed type ADHD, where individuals display symptoms of both hyperactivity and inattention.
Stimulant medication is commonly prescribed to treat ADHD and can be of great assistance. However, it is important to understand that medication alone does not fully resolve all the issues faced by individuals affected by ADHD.
Embracing the multisensory learning approach for ADHD & ADD.
Students diagnosed with ADHD encounter challenges in traditional classroom settings. However, we have discovered that implementing a multisensory approach significantly benefits their written expression. By physically manipulating ideas, students find it easier to organise and retain complex information. This approach has proven successful 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.
Employing a multisensory approach, we integrate movement, touch, sight, hearing, and speech to reinforce learning and captivate students. Our lessons are customised to accommodate individual attention spans and the need for rest, and we remain adaptable in extending student engagement while being attentive to waning interests and fluctuating moods.
Students with ADHD may experience a sense of perpetual failure and disengagement from challenges due to their past encounters. We are mindful of their emotional struggles and aim to ensure that each session is a positive and empowering experience for them.
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.
The multisensory approach leverages practical strategies in the auditory, visual, and kinaesthetic (movement/touch) pathways to facilitate optimal learning.
In what ways do our MSL tutors assist students with ADHD?
It is recommended that they:
- Embrace the virtue of patience.
- Build revision into every session .
- Be flexible with the amount of work and break the learning tasks into small chunks .
- Utilise a range of presentation styles and incorporate games to grab attention.
- Include physical activity during the session to break up prolonged sitting.
- Be consistent with expectations and guidelines .
- Establish a positive and nurturing learning environment.
- Refrain from reprimanding students for wandering attention .
- Monitor progress and incentivise good work with rewards.
- Recognise when it’s time to transition to another task .
Options for ADHD Tutoring Services.
At Neurosensory, we provide two options for ADHD tutoring, allowing primary, secondary, and university students, as well as individuals beyond these levels, to avail themselves of our support services.
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.
The availability of online tutoring enables students to receive support irrespective of their location, including those living outside of Ashbury or encountering transportation limitations. Furthermore, online tutoring provides flexibility in scheduling, allowing students to balance school and social commitments amidst the demands of a busy lifestyle.
Do you or a loved one require some learning assistance as a result of an ADHD diagnosis? Our ADHD tutors are ready and waiting to help.
Evaluating ADHD & ADD in Both 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.
Neurosensory offers recognised screening assessments and can provide letters of recommendation to identify individuals who may have ADHD. Following our initial assessment, we can refer them to suitable healthcare providers for diagnosis and any necessary follow-up clinical treatment.
We want to highlight that a formal diagnosis can only be provided by medical and psychological professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions.
If you have concerns about your behaviour or that of a loved one, it is advisable to consult your GP initially. They can refer you or your child to a paediatrician, psychologist, or psychiatrist for an ADHD diagnosis. Additionally, you have the option to schedule a child or adult ADHD assessment with us at Neurosensory, and we can assist you in obtaining a diagnosis through appropriate referrals.
During a child or adult ADHD assessment, you may be asked to undergo:
- Engaging in interviews (with yourself, your child, and/or with other primary caregivers of your child if relevant)
- Behaviour checklists
- Developmental, learning, educational, and/or IQ checks
- Assessments of language, speech, and motor abilities
Indeed, many individuals discover that obtaining a formal diagnosis assists them in understanding their life and the reasons behind their behaviours. It can also empower them to develop an effective treatment plan, leading to transformative changes in various aspects of their lives.
While most children are not evaluated until they reach school age, it is indeed possible for kids as young as four to receive a diagnosis of ADHD. For many individuals, being diagnosed at a young age allows for the implementation of appropriate support, maximising their success throughout their educational journey.
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.
People with ADHD learn best when instructions are kept simple and structured when props and other visual aids are employed, when the pace of lessons is varied, and when different kinds of activities are incorporated. The multisensory approach is highly useful for helping people with ADHD to learn, as it utilises movement, touch, sight, hearing, and speech to solidify 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.
The Role of Multiple Senses in Enhancing Engagement for People with ADHD.
Are you a visual learner? An auditory learner? A tactile learner? Or perhaps a kinesthetic learner?
People with ADHD are often diverse learners, and what works perfectly for one person is unlikely to work perfectly for someone else. Multisensory learning is key for engaging these types of learners, and it provides our tutors with the ability to combine sensory modalities to aid in skill building and retention.
Accessing NDIS Funding for ADHD & ADD.
Unfortunately, having a diagnosis of ADHD alone does not meet the requirements for a successful NDIS application. However, ADHD may be considered as an additional factor in developing NDIS plans for individuals who have a diagnosis such as Autism or Intellectual Delay.
Are you ready to explore the possibilities of multisensory learning?
At Neurosensory, we are committed to aiding children and adults with ADHD in achieving academic success. Whether you require an assessment for a loved one or are looking for an MSL tutor to offer support, we are here to assist you.