Get ADHD Assessment & Multisensory Learning Support in Croydon Park.
Empower Learning with ADHD & ADD.
Who is impacted by ADHD?
Did you know that ADHD is one of the most prevalent neurodevelopmental disorders? It’s typically diagnosed during childhood and frequently persists into adulthood. Nonetheless, there is a growing number of adults who are now being diagnosed, as their symptoms were previously missed or disregarded during their childhood.
Whilst it’s normal for young children to have trouble focusing and behaving at times, kids with ADHD don’t simply grow out of it – the symptoms continue as they age. Symptoms can be quite severe and have been known to cause difficulties at school, at home, and with peers.
Defining ADHD
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), more commonly known as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), affects someone’s ability to prioritise, process, integrate, organise, and recall information when needed. It also affects a person’s ability to notice the passage of time.
Individuals may receive a diagnosis of the hyperactive form of ADHD, characterised by an inability to sit still, a tendency to fidget, or a constant inclination to seek distractions. On the other hand, some individuals may exhibit the inattentive form of ADHD, which manifests through behaviours like daydreaming, spacing out, or struggling to maintain focus. This particular form is often overlooked and can sometimes be challenging to differentiate from mild epileptic seizures. Parents, teachers, and healthcare professionals frequently miss the signs of inattentive ADHD. Additionally, there exists a third subtype called mixed type ADHD, where individuals display symptoms of both hyperactivity and inattention.
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.
The multisensory approach to learning 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.
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.
In our approach, we embrace a multisensory methodology by incorporating movement, touch, sight, hearing, and speech to enhance learning and actively involve students. We customise our lessons to accommodate students’ attention spans and the requirement for breaks, and we are flexible in adapting to their evolving engagement levels, taking into consideration their shifting 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
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.
Practical strategies in the auditory, visual, and kinaesthetic (movement/touch) pathways are utilised in the multisensory approach to enhance learning.
What support strategies do our MSL tutors provide for students with ADHD?
It is recommended that they:
- Practice patience .
- Incorporate revision consistently in each session .
- Adapt the workload and divide learning tasks into manageable segments .
- 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 .
- Be consistent with expectations and guidelines .
- Maintain a positive teaching environment .
- Respond with patience and understanding when students’ attention drifts.
- Track progress and reward good work .
- Identify the appropriate time to move on to a new task .
Available ADHD Tutoring Choices.
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.
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.
Remote ADHD Tutoring.
Online tutoring allows students to access help from wherever they are, whether they live outside of Croydon 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.
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.
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.
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.
We want to highlight that a formal diagnosis can only be provided by medical and psychological professionals.
FAQs
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.
When undergoing a child or adult ADHD assessment, you might be asked to participate in:
- Engaging in 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
- 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.
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.
Yes, providing the tutor has experience with students who have ADHD. Tutoring can improve school performance in a number of ways, providing students with tools for academic success whilst making attention and organisational issues seem less daunting.
Individuals with ADHD thrive in learning environments that provide simple and structured instructions, utilise props and visual aids, vary the pace of lessons, and incorporate diverse activities. The multisensory approach is particularly valuable for individuals with ADHD as it harnesses 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.
Are you a visual learner? An auditory learner? A tactile learner? Or perhaps a kinesthetic learner?
Students with ADHD often exhibit diverse learning styles, and what may be successful for one individual may not be as effective for another. Multisensory learning plays a vital role in engaging these learners, enabling our tutors to incorporate various sensory modalities to facilitate skill building and improve retention.
NDIS Funding Options 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?
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.