Explore ADHD Assessment & Multisensory Learning Support in Campsie.
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 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.
ADHD can be diagnosed in different variants. The hyperactive type makes it difficult for individuals to stay still, avoid fidgeting, or resist the urge to be easily distracted. The inattentive type, however, is characterised by behaviours such as daydreaming, staring into space, or experiencing lapses in concentration. This variant is often overlooked and can sometimes be mistaken for mild epileptic seizures. Parents, teachers, and healthcare professionals commonly miss the signs of inattentive ADHD. Lastly, there is a third subtype known as mixed-type ADHD, in which individuals exhibit both hyperactive and inattentive symptoms.
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.
Standard classroom settings present obstacles for students with ADHD when it comes to learning. Our findings indicate that utilising a multisensory approach offers considerable advantages in improving their written expression. Through physical engagement with ideas, students find it easier to organise and retain intricate material. This approach has been successfully employed for both high school and tertiary students.
The use of movement, employing coloured cards, speaking aloud instead of reading and writing silently, and breaking tasks into smaller parts are some tools and conceptual frameworks that have been shown to be beneficial for 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.
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.
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?
They are encouraged to:
- Cultivate a patient approach .
- Ensure revision is included in every session .
- Be open to adjusting the workload and breaking tasks into bite-sized portions .
- Employ diverse presentation techniques and engage students with games to capture attention .
- Encourage movement during the session to avoid extended periods of sitting .
- Maintain consistency with expectations and guidelines .
- Maintain a positive teaching environment .
- Respond with patience and understanding when students’ attention drifts.
- Keep track of student progress and acknowledge accomplishments with rewards .
- Identify the appropriate time to move on to a new 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.
Conventional In-Person ADHD Tutoring.
In the case of in-person tutoring, sessions take place in a controlled learning environment, akin to a physical classroom, where distractions are minimised. Additionally, the in-person interaction aids students with ADHD in developing social skills and engaging with their peers.
Remote ADHD Tutoring.
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.
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.
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.
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 stress that only medical and psychological professionals can provide a formal diagnosis.
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.
When undergoing a child or adult ADHD assessment, you might be asked to participate in:
- Interviews (with yourself, your child, and/or with other primary carers of your child if applicable)
- Behaviour checklists
- Developmental, learning, educational, and/or IQ checks
- 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.
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.
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.
The Role of Multiple Senses in Enhancing Engagement for People with ADHD.
Do you consider yourself a visual learner? An auditory learner? A tactile learner? Or maybe 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.
NDIS Support for Individuals with ADHD & ADD.
Unfortunately, a diagnosis of a child or adult ADHD alone currently does not satisfy the requirements for a successful NDIS application. However, ADHD may be considered as an additional element in formulating NDIS plans for those with 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.