Discover ADHD Assessment & Multisensory Learning Support in Campsie.
Enhancing Learning with ADHD & ADD.
Whose lives does ADHD affect?
Were you aware that ADHD ranks among the most prevalent neurodevelopmental disorders? It often receives its initial diagnosis during childhood and frequently persists into adult life. Assessment of ADHD revolves around identifying particular behavioural patterns, as opposed to conducting medical tests, resulting in a rising tally of adult diagnoses for individuals whose symptoms were previously unnoticed or disregarded in their youth.
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.
A brief overview of ADHD
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), more commonly known as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), affects someone’s ability to prioritise, process, integrate, organise, and recall information when needed. It also affects a person’s ability to notice 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.
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.
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.
In our approach, we embrace a multisensory methodology by incorporating movement, touch, sight, hearing, and speech to enhance learning and actively involve students. We customise our lessons to accommodate students’ attention spans and the requirement for breaks, and we are flexible in adapting to their evolving engagement levels, taking into consideration their shifting interests and moods.
Due to their experiences, students with ADHD may feel that they can never succeed and become disengaged or avoid challenges. We are sensitive to their emotional struggles and seek to make each session a positive experience for them.
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.
Practical strategies in the auditory, visual, and kinaesthetic (movement/touch) pathways are utilised in the multisensory approach to enhance learning.
In what ways do our MSL tutors assist students with ADHD?
They are encouraged to:
- Cultivate a patient approach .
- Make revision a regular part of each 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.
- Encourage movement during the session to avoid extended periods of sitting .
- Be consistent with expectations and guidelines .
- Maintain a positive teaching environment .
- Respond with patience and understanding when students’ attention drifts.
- Monitor progress and incentivise good work with rewards.
- Identify the appropriate time to move on to a new task .
Available ADHD Tutoring Choices.
We offer two options when it comes to ADHD tutoring, ensuring that primary, secondary, and university students and beyond are able to access the support offered by Neurosensory.
In-Person Tutoring.
In-person tutoring involves conducting sessions in a controlled learning environment, similar to a physical classroom, to minimise distractions. This setting enables students with ADHD to learn how to navigate social situations and interact with their peers through direct interaction.
Internet-based Tutoring for ADHD.
Online tutoring provides a convenient solution for students, regardless of their location, including those outside of Campsie or facing transportation difficulties. It offers flexibility in managing school and social commitments, acknowledging the busy lives we lead.
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.
Assessing ADHD & ADD in Individuals of All Ages.
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.
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.
Commonly Asked Questions.
If you have worries about your own or a loved one’s behaviour, we suggest starting with an initial consultation with your GP. They can provide a referral to a paediatrician, psychologist, or psychiatrist for an ADHD diagnosis. Alternatively, you can book a child or adult ADHD assessment with us at Neurosensory, and we can guide you towards the suitable provider for a diagnosis, if needed.
As part of a child or adult ADHD assessment, you may need to undergo:
- Interviews (with yourself, your child, and/or with other primary caregivers of your child if relevant)
- Behaviour checklists
- Evaluations of development, learning, education, and/or IQ
- Checks for language, speech, and motor skills
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 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, 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.
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.
More Senses = More Engagement for People with ADHD.
Are you more inclined towards visual learning? Auditory learning? Tactile learning? Or perhaps kinesthetic learning?
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.
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 excited to discover the benefits of multisensory learning?
The team at Neurosensory is fully dedicated to helping children and adults with ADHD thrive academically. Whether you need an assessment for a loved one or are seeking an MSL tutor for support, we are here to provide the help you need.