Get ADHD Assessment & Multisensory Learning Support in Clemton Park.
Learning with ADHD & ADD.
Who is impacted by ADHD?
Are you aware that ADHD is widely recognised as a major neurodevelopmental disorder? It’s usually first identified in one’s younger years and can continue well into adulthood. The approach to ADHD assessment focuses on the recognition of specific behavioural patterns, not on medical tests, leading to more adults being diagnosed whose symptoms were previously overlooked or neglected 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
In the multisensory approach, practical strategies are employed in the auditory, visual, and kinaesthetic (movement/touch) pathways to optimise learning.
What support strategies do our MSL tutors provide for students with ADHD?
Our approach involves encouraging them to
- Cultivate a patient approach .
- Incorporate revision consistently in each session .
- Customise the workload and break down tasks into smaller units.
- Utilise a range of presentation styles and incorporate games to grab attention.
- Encourage movement during the session to avoid extended periods of sitting .
- Maintain consistency with expectations and guidelines .
- Cultivate a supportive and positive teaching environment .
- Refrain from reprimanding students for wandering attention .
- Track progress and reward good work .
- Recognise when it’s time to transition to another task .
ADHD Tutoring Options.
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.
Traditional Face-to-Face 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.
Virtual Tutoring Sessions.
Online tutoring allows students to access help from wherever they are, whether they live outside of Clemton Park or have difficulties with transportation. It can also allow for more flexibility around school and social commitments, as we tend to lead busy lives.
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 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.
It is crucial to understand that only medical and psychological professionals have the authority to provide a formal diagnosis.
Frequently Asked Questions.
If you are concerned about your own or a loved one’s behaviour, your GP is a good place to start for an initial consultation. They may refer you or your child 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 refer you to the appropriate provider for a diagnosis if required.
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)
- Checklists for assessing behaviour
- Checks for developmental, learning, educational, and/or IQ assessments
- 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.
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, it can be beneficial as long as the tutor has expertise in working with students who have ADHD. Tutoring can enhance school performance by equipping students with effective strategies for academic success, thereby minimising the impact of attention and organisational difficulties.
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.
Increasing Sensory Engagement for Individuals with ADHD.
Do you identify as 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.
Accessing 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 open to exploring the world 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.