Discover ADHD Assessment & Multisensory Learning Support in Canterbury.
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.
A brief overview of ADHD
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), commonly known as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), hampers an individual’s capability to prioritise, process, integrate, organise, and retrieve information when necessary. Additionally, it affects an individual’s perception of 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.
Stimulant medication is commonly prescribed to treat ADHD and can be of great assistance. However, it is important to understand that medication alone does not fully resolve all the issues faced by individuals affected by ADHD.
Embracing the multisensory learning approach for ADHD & ADD.
Students with ADHD find it difficult to learn in a standard classroom environment. We have found that the multisensory approach helps students with their written expression as the physical manipulation of ideas makes it easier to organise and retain complex material. We have used this approach for 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.
Our approach is multisensory as we employ movement, touch, sight, hearing and speech to reinforce learning and engage students. We tailor our lessons to account for a student’s attention span and need for rest, and we are ready to move with students and extend their engagement while being sensitive to flagging 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
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.
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?
We promote the idea of:
- Embrace the virtue of patience.
- Ensure revision is included in every session .
- Customise the workload and break down tasks into smaller units.
- Explore different ways of presenting information and use games to captivate attention .
- Use movement throughout the session so no one is sitting for the whole time .
- Uphold consistent expectations and guidelines .
- Establish a positive and nurturing learning environment.
- Refrain from reprimanding students for wandering attention .
- Monitor student progress and offer rewards for achievements .
- Identify the appropriate time to move on to a new task .
Exploring Tutoring Options for ADHD.
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.
Conventional In-Person ADHD 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.
Remote ADHD Tutoring.
Online tutoring provides a convenient solution for students, regardless of their location, including those outside of Canterbury or facing transportation difficulties. It offers flexibility in managing school and social commitments, acknowledging the busy lives we lead.
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.
ADHD & ADD Assessments For Both 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.
Commonly Asked Questions.
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.
In the process of a child or adult ADHD assessment, you might be requested to undergo:
- Interviews (with yourself, your child, and/or with other primary carers of your child if applicable)
- Behaviour checklists
- 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.
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.
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.
For individuals with ADHD, optimal learning occurs when instructions are straightforward and structured, visual aids are incorporated, lessons are paced diversely, and a variety of activities are included. The multisensory approach proves highly beneficial in facilitating learning for individuals with ADHD by incorporating 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.
Multi-Sensory Approaches for Increased Engagement in 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.
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?
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.