Get ADHD Assessment & Multisensory Learning Support in Earlwood.
Enhancing Learning with ADHD & ADD.
Who does ADHD affect?
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 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.
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 may be identified with ADHD’s hyperactive strain, finding it tough to stay put, stop tinkering, or leap at the closest diversion. Others could have the inattentive strain of ADHD, distinguished by such actions as blank stares, drifting into daydreams, or abrupt attention lapses. This form is often overlooked and can be confused with mild epileptic episodes. Inattentive ADHD frequently escapes the notice of parents, educators, and medical practitioners. There’s also a combined variant of ADHD, indicated by individuals showing signs of both hyperactivity and inattention. Owing to the challenges in recognising these symptoms, there’s usually a delay in obtaining a formal ADHD assessment and diagnosis.
ADHD is commonly treated with stimulant medication which can be very helpful, yet medication does not solve all the issues for affected individuals.
The multisensory approach to learning 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.
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
Numerous parents of children with ADHD and adults living with the condition seek tutoring to address their learning gaps. However, some students have attended conventional tutoring services for an extended period without substantial improvement. This is where the individual therapeutic approach of Neurosensory can make a difference.
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:
- Cultivate a patient approach .
- Build revision into every session .
- Customise the workload and break down tasks into smaller units.
- Vary the presentation and use 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 .
- Never scold students when their attention wanders .
- Track progress and reward good work .
- Identify the appropriate time to move on to a new task .
Available ADHD Tutoring Choices.
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.
When opting for in-person tutoring, students attend sessions in a controlled learning environment that mimics a traditional classroom, thus reducing distractions. Moreover, the face-to-face interaction fosters social learning, allowing students with ADHD to develop skills in navigating social situations and connecting with their peers.
Virtual Tutoring Sessions.
The availability of online tutoring enables students to receive support irrespective of their location, including those living outside of Earlwood 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.
Are you or someone you know in need of learning assistance due to an ADHD diagnosis? Our team of ADHD tutors is prepared and eager to provide support.
Evaluating ADHD & ADD in Both Adults & Children.
Currently, there are no medical tests available for diagnosing ADHD. Diagnosis is based on the observation of behavioural symptoms. In children, a diagnosis requires the presence of at least six symptoms from either or both variants of ADHD, whereas older adolescents and adults must exhibit at least five symptoms. It is also necessary for the symptoms to have started 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.
We stress that only medical and psychological professionals can provide a formal diagnosis.
Answers to Common Queries.
If you have concerns about your behaviour or that of a loved one, it is advisable to consult your GP initially. They can refer you or your child to a paediatrician, psychologist, or psychiatrist for an ADHD diagnosis. Additionally, you have the option to schedule a child or adult ADHD assessment with us at Neurosensory, and we can assist you in obtaining a diagnosis through appropriate referrals.
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
- Assessments for development, learning, education, and/or IQ
- Checks for language, speech, and motor skills
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.
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.
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.
The Role of Multiple Senses in Enhancing Engagement for People with ADHD.
Do you identify as a visual learner? An auditory learner? A tactile learner? Or maybe 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.
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 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.