Explore ADHD Assessment & Multisensory Learning Support in Earlwood.
Learning with ADHD & ADD.
Whose lives does ADHD affect?
Were you aware that ADHD is one of the most prevalent neurodevelopmental disorders? It is commonly first diagnosed in childhood and frequently persists into adulthood. However, there is an increasing number of adults being diagnosed, as their symptoms were previously missed or not given sufficient attention 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.
Defining ADHD
ADD, also known as ADHD, influences a person’s ability to prioritise, process, integrate, organise, and remember information when needed. Moreover, it affects an individual’s awareness of 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.
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.
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
It is common for parents of children with ADHD and adults with the condition to seek tutoring to address learning gaps. However, some students have spent a considerable amount of time attending conventional tutoring services without experiencing notable progress. This is where the individual therapeutic approach of Neurosensory can provide assistance.
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?
They are encouraged to:
- Be patient .
- Incorporate revision consistently in each 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 .
- Incorporate movement throughout the session to prevent prolonged sitting .
- Maintain consistency with expectations and guidelines .
- Establish a positive and nurturing learning environment.
- Provide understanding and support when students’ attention wanders .
- Keep track of student progress and acknowledge accomplishments with rewards .
- Know when it’s time to move on to another task .
ADHD Tutoring Options.
When it comes to ADHD tutoring, we provide two options to cater to the needs of primary, secondary, and university students, as well as individuals at higher education levels. Our goal is to ensure that everyone can benefit from the support offered by Neurosensory.
In-Person 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.
Internet-based Tutoring for ADHD.
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.
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.
Evaluating ADHD & ADD in Both 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.
We want to highlight that a formal diagnosis can only be provided by medical and psychological professionals.
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.
As part of a child or adult ADHD assessment, you may need to undergo:
- Engaging in 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
- 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.
People with ADHD learn best when instructions are kept simple and structured when props and other visual aids are employed, when the pace of lessons is varied, and when different kinds of activities are incorporated. The multisensory approach is highly useful for helping people with ADHD to learn, as it utilises movement, touch, sight, hearing, and speech to solidify 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 consider yourself 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.
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 prepared to delve into the potential of multisensory learning?
At Neurosensory, we are committed to aiding children and adults with ADHD in achieving academic success. Whether you require an assessment for a loved one or are looking for an MSL tutor to offer support, we are here to assist you.