Discover ADHD Assessment & Multisensory Learning Support in Belfield.
Empower Learning with ADHD & ADD.
Who is impacted by ADHD?
Did you know that ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders? It’s usually first diagnosed in childhood and often lasts into adulthood, however, there is an increasing number of adults being diagnosed whose symptoms were missed or overlooked as children.
Whilst it’s normal for young children to have trouble focusing and behaving at times, kids with ADHD don’t simply grow out of it – the symptoms continue as they age. Symptoms can be quite severe and have been known to cause difficulties at school, at home, and with peers.
Defining 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.
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.
ADHD is frequently managed using a stimulant medication, which can provide significant benefits. However, it is important to acknowledge that medication alone does not address all the challenges faced by individuals affected by ADHD.
Embracing the multisensory learning approach for ADHD & ADD.
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.
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.
The experiences of students with ADHD may lead them to believe that success is unattainable, causing them to disengage or shy away from challenges. We are attentive to their emotional difficulties and endeavour to create a positive and uplifting experience in every session.
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.
How do our MSL tutors support students with ADHD?
It is recommended that they:
- Embrace the virtue of patience.
- Build revision into every 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 .
- Maintain consistency with expectations and guidelines .
- Establish a positive and nurturing learning environment.
- Provide understanding and support when students’ attention wanders .
- Monitor student progress and offer rewards for achievements .
- 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.
In-Person 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.
Remote ADHD Tutoring.
Online tutoring provides a convenient solution for students, regardless of their location, including those outside of Belfield 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.
The diagnosis of ADHD currently does not involve any medical tests. Instead, it is primarily based on the observation of behavioural symptoms. For children to be diagnosed, they must demonstrate a minimum of six symptoms from either or both variants of ADHD, while older adolescents and adults must present with at least five symptoms. Additionally, these symptoms must have emerged 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.
It is crucial to understand that only medical and psychological professionals have the authority to provide a formal diagnosis.
Answers to Common Queries.
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.
During a child or adult ADHD assessment, you may be asked to undergo:
- Conducting interviews (with yourself, your child, and/or with other primary carers of your child if applicable)
- Checklists for assessing behaviour
- Evaluations of development, learning, education, and/or IQ
- Language, speech, and movement checks
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.
Most children won’t be evaluated until their school age, but it is possible for kids as young as four to be diagnosed with ADHD. For many, being diagnosed as young as possible ensures that they have the right support in place to get them through school as successfully as possible.
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.
More Senses = More Engagement for People with ADHD.
Do you consider yourself a visual learner? An auditory learner? A tactile learner? Or maybe a kinesthetic learner?
Students with ADHD often exhibit diverse learning styles, and what may be successful for one individual may not be as effective for another. Multisensory learning plays a vital role in engaging these learners, enabling our tutors to incorporate various sensory modalities to facilitate skill building and improve retention.
Accessing 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 prepared to delve into the potential of multisensory learning?
At Neurosensory, our team is dedicated to helping children and adults with ADHD excel academically. Whether you are seeking an assessment for a loved one or looking for an MSL tutor to provide support, we are here to offer our assistance.