Get ADHD Assessment & Multisensory Learning Support in Ashfield.
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.
A brief overview of ADHD
ADD, more commonly referred to as ADHD, impacts an individual’s ability to prioritise, process, integrate, organise, and recall information when required. It also affects a person’s ability to perceive the passage of time.
Some people may be diagnosed with the hyperactive variant of ADHD, where it is difficult for someone to sit still, avoid fiddling, or rush off to the nearest distraction. Others may have the inattentive variant of ADHD, which is marked by such behaviours as staring into space, daydreaming, or merely lapsing in focus. This type is frequently missed and can sometimes be hard to distinguish from mild epileptic seizures. Inattentive ADHD is often missed by parents, teachers, and health professionals. There is also a third, mixed type of ADHD, which is marked by people presenting with both hyperactive and inattentive symptoms.
The treatment of ADHD often involves the use of stimulant medication, which can be highly effective. However, it is essential to recognise that medication does not offer a complete solution for all the difficulties experienced by individuals with ADHD.
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.
Some tools and conceptual frameworks which we find helpful for students with ADHD include the use of movement, different coloured cards, speaking aloud rather than just reading and writing silently, and the breakdown of tasks into smaller chunks.
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.
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
Many parents of children with ADHD and adults with it look for tutoring to bridge their learning gaps. Some of our students have attended standard tutoring services for a long time without experiencing significant progress. This is where the individual therapeutic approach of Neurosensory can help.
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?
They are encouraged to:
- Cultivate a patient approach .
- Ensure revision is included in every session .
- Adapt the workload and divide learning tasks into manageable segments .
- Vary the presentation and use games to capture attention .
- Incorporate movement throughout the session to prevent prolonged sitting .
- Uphold consistent expectations and guidelines .
- Create and maintain a positive learning atmosphere .
- Never scold students when their attention wanders .
- Track progress and reward good work .
- Know when it’s time to move on to another 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.
Conventional In-Person ADHD 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.
Online Tutoring.
With online tutoring, students can access assistance regardless of their location, whether residing outside of Ashfield or facing transportation challenges. Moreover, online tutoring offers flexibility in managing school and social commitments, accommodating our busy lives.
If you or a loved one is seeking learning assistance following an ADHD diagnosis, our dedicated ADHD tutors are available and prepared to offer their expertise.
Evaluating ADHD & ADD in Both Adults & Children.
Currently, there are no medical tests available for diagnosing ADHD. Diagnosis is based on the observation of behavioural symptoms. In children, a diagnosis requires the presence of at least six symptoms from either or both variants of ADHD, whereas older adolescents and adults must exhibit at least five symptoms. It is also necessary for the symptoms to have started before the age of 12 and persisted for a minimum of six months.
Neurosensory provides recognised screening assessments and can supply letters of recommendation to identify individuals who may be dealing with ADHD. After conducting our initial assessment, we can guide them towards appropriate healthcare providers for an official diagnosis and any necessary clinical treatment.
We want to highlight that a formal diagnosis can only be provided by medical and psychological professionals.
FAQs
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.
As part of a child or adult ADHD assessment, you may need to undergo:
- Engaging in interviews (with yourself, your child, and/or with other primary caregivers of your child if relevant)
- Evaluative behaviour checklists
- Evaluations of development, learning, education, and/or IQ
- Evaluations of language, speech, and movement
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.
Although most children are typically evaluated for ADHD when they start school, it is important to note that a diagnosis can be made as early as age four. Early diagnosis ensures that children receive the necessary support to navigate their school years with the utmost success.
Absolutely, as long as the tutor has experience working with students who have ADHD. Tutoring can have a positive impact on school performance by equipping students with strategies for academic success, while also helping to alleviate the challenges posed by attention and organisational issues.
Individuals with ADHD thrive in learning environments where instructions are clear and organised, visual aids are utilised, lessons have a varied pace and different activities are integrated. The multisensory approach is particularly effective for facilitating learning in individuals with ADHD as it engages 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.
Increasing Sensory Engagement for Individuals with ADHD.
Do you consider yourself a visual learner? An auditory learner? A tactile learner? Or maybe a kinesthetic learner?
Individuals with ADHD are known to be diverse learners, and what may be effective for one person may not necessarily work for another. Multisensory learning is crucial for engaging these learners, as it allows our tutors to integrate multiple sensory modalities to enhance skill development 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 prepared to delve into the potential 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.