ADHD Assessment & Multisensory Learning Support in Canterbury.
Optimise Learning with ADHD & ADD.
Whom does ADHD impact?
Did you realise that ADHD is among the most frequently diagnosed neurodevelopmental disorders? Generally, its diagnosis occurs in childhood and often carries on into adult life. The assessment process for ADHD is centred around pinpointing distinct behavioural patterns instead of relying on medical diagnostics, which has seen an uptick in adult diagnoses for those whose symptoms went unnoticed or were disregarded during their childhood.
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.
What is 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 individuals might receive a diagnosis for the hyperactive version of ADHD, characterised by challenges in remaining stationary, refraining from fidgeting, or the propensity to dart towards any immediate diversion. Alternatively, there are those with the inattentive form of ADHD, noted for behaviours such as gazing vacantly, indulging in daydreams, or experiencing sudden drops in concentration. This variant is frequently overlooked and can sometimes be mistaken for mild forms of epileptic seizures. Inattentive ADHD commonly goes unnoticed by parents, educators, and healthcare workers. Additionally, there exists a combined form of ADHD, where individuals exhibit symptoms of both the hyperactive and inattentive types. The complexity in spotting these behaviours often leads to a postponement in the formal assessment of ADHD.
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.
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.
Some tools and conceptual frameworks which we find helpful for students with ADHD include the use of movement, different coloured cards, speaking aloud rather than just reading and writing silently, and the breakdown of tasks into smaller chunks.
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.
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 leverages practical strategies in the auditory, visual, and kinaesthetic (movement/touch) pathways to facilitate optimal learning.
In what ways do our MSL tutors assist students with ADHD?
Our approach involves encouraging them to
- Practice patience .
- 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 .
- Include physical activity during the session to break up prolonged sitting.
- Uphold consistent expectations and guidelines .
- Cultivate a supportive and positive teaching environment .
- Refrain from reprimanding students for wandering attention .
- Track progress and reward good work .
- Acknowledge when it’s time to shift focus to a different task.
Options for ADHD Tutoring Services.
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 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 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.
Assessing ADHD & ADD in Individuals of All Ages.
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 stress that only medical and psychological professionals can 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:
- Interviews (with yourself, your child, and/or with other primary caregivers of your child if relevant)
- behavioural assessment questionnaires
- 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.
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.
Certainly, provided that the tutor has prior experience working with students who have ADHD. Tutoring can have a significant positive effect on school performance by providing students with the necessary tools for academic success, while also reducing the perceived difficulty of attention and organisational challenges.
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.
More Senses = More Engagement for People with ADHD.
Are you a visual learner? An auditory learner? A tactile learner? Or perhaps 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.
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 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.