Get ADHD Assessment & Multisensory Learning Support in Clemton Park.
Optimise Learning with ADHD & ADD.
Whom does ADHD impact?
Were you aware that ADHD is among the most common neurodevelopmental disorders? It is typically identified during childhood and often continues into adulthood. Nevertheless, there is a rising number of adults who are receiving diagnoses for symptoms that were previously overlooked or not recognised during their childhood.
Whilst it’s common for young children to encounter occasional difficulties in attention and behaviour, individuals with ADHD do not naturally outgrow it – the symptoms endure throughout their lives. These symptoms can be significantly debilitating and frequently result in challenges at school, in the home environment, and with social interactions among peers.
Defining 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 commonly treated with stimulant medication which can be very helpful, yet medication does not solve all the issues for affected individuals.
Exploring the multisensory approach to learning for ADHD & ADD.
Students diagnosed with ADHD encounter challenges in traditional classroom settings. However, we have discovered that implementing a multisensory approach significantly benefits their written expression. By physically manipulating ideas, students find it easier to organise and retain complex information. This approach has proven successful 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.
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.
How do our MSL tutors support students with ADHD?
Our approach involves encouraging them to
- Embrace the virtue of patience.
- Build revision into every session .
- Be flexible with the amount of work and break the learning tasks into small chunks .
- 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 .
- Establish a positive and nurturing learning environment.
- Provide understanding and support when students’ attention wanders .
- Monitor progress and incentivise good work with rewards.
- Acknowledge when it’s time to shift focus to a different task.
Exploring Tutoring Options for ADHD.
Neurosensory offers two options for ADHD tutoring, aiming to make our support accessible to primary, secondary, and university students, as well as individuals at advanced educational stages.
Tutoring Sessions in a Physical Setting.
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.
The availability of online tutoring enables students to receive support irrespective of their location, including those living outside of Clemton Park or encountering transportation limitations. Furthermore, online tutoring provides flexibility in scheduling, allowing students to balance school and social commitments amidst the demands of a busy lifestyle.
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.
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 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.
Frequently 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.
In the process of a child or adult ADHD assessment, you might be requested to undergo:
- Conducting 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
- Language, speech, and movement checks
Yes. Many people find that having a formal diagnosis helps them to make sense of their life and why they do things in a particular way. It can also enable them to find an effective treatment plan, which can be life-changing in many respects.
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.
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 have varied learning needs, and what may work well for one person may not be as effective for someone else. Multisensory learning is essential in engaging these learners, as it allows our tutors to integrate different sensory modalities to enhance skill acquisition and improve retention.
Accessing NDIS Funding for 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 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.