ADHD Assessment & Multisensory Learning Support in Belmore.
Enhancing Learning with ADHD & ADD.
Who is impacted by ADHD?
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 usual for young children to face occasional struggles with concentration and behaviour, those with ADHD do not simply grow out of it – the symptoms persist as they mature. These symptoms can be quite severe and are known to cause difficulties in academic settings, within the family, and when interacting with peers.
Understanding 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.
Certain people might be diagnosed with ADHD’s hyperactive variant, where staying still, avoiding minor distractions, or not rushing after the nearest distraction poses a challenge. Others might have the inattentive variant of ADHD, which involves behaviours such as staring blankly, daydreaming, or just losing focus. This type often goes undetected and could be confused with mild epileptic fits. Inattentive ADHD tends to be overlooked by guardians, teachers, and medical professionals. There’s also a third, combined type of ADHD, characterised by individuals displaying both hyperactive and inattentive symptoms. The identification of these behaviours can be challenging, leading to delays in formal ADHD assessments and diagnoses.
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.
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.
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
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.
The multisensory approach uses practical strategies in the auditory, visual, and kinaesthetic (movement/touch) pathways to maximise learning.
What support strategies do our MSL tutors provide for students with ADHD?
Our approach involves encouraging them to
- Practice patience .
- Make revision a regular part of each session.
- Be open to adjusting the workload and breaking tasks into bite-sized portions .
- Vary the presentation and use games to capture attention .
- Include physical activity during the session to break up prolonged sitting.
- Maintain consistency with expectations and guidelines .
- Cultivate a supportive and positive teaching 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.
Exploring Tutoring Options for ADHD.
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.
Tutoring Sessions in a Physical Setting.
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.
Internet-based Tutoring for ADHD.
Online tutoring provides a convenient solution for students, regardless of their location, including those outside of Belmore or facing transportation difficulties. It offers flexibility in managing school and social commitments, acknowledging the busy lives we lead.
Are you or someone close to you in need of learning support due to an ADHD diagnosis? Our team of ADHD tutors is here to assist you.
ADHD & ADD Assessments For 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 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 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:
- Interviews (with yourself, your child, and/or with other primary carers of your child if applicable)
- Checklists for assessing behaviour
- Assessments for development, learning, education, and/or IQ
- Evaluations of language, speech, and movement
Absolutely. A formal diagnosis often provides individuals with a deeper understanding of their life and the underlying factors influencing their behaviours. Furthermore, it allows them to establish an effective treatment plan that can bring about significant positive changes in multiple aspects 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, providing the tutor has experience with students who have ADHD. Tutoring can improve school performance in a number of ways, providing students with tools for academic success whilst making attention and organisational issues seem less daunting.
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.
Multi-Sensory Approaches for Increased Engagement in Individuals with ADHD.
Are you a visual learner? An auditory learner? A tactile learner? Or perhaps 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.
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, 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.