Get ADHD Assessment & Multisensory Learning Support in Hurlstone Park.
Learning with ADHD & ADD.
Whose lives does ADHD affect?
Were you aware that ADHD is among the most common neurodevelopmental disorders? Typically first spotted in childhood, it has a tendency to extend into adulthood. The process of assessing ADHD is based on observing distinct behavioural traits rather than through medical examinations, which has contributed to an increased detection rate in adults who may have had their symptoms missed or ignored during their younger years.
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.
A brief overview of 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.
Some individuals might receive a diagnosis for the hyperactive version of ADHD, characterised by challenges in remaining stationary, refraining from fidgeting, or the propensity to dart towards any immediate diversion. Alternatively, there are those with the inattentive form of ADHD, noted for behaviours such as gazing vacantly, indulging in daydreams, or experiencing sudden drops in concentration. This variant is frequently overlooked and can sometimes be mistaken for mild forms of epileptic seizures. Inattentive ADHD commonly goes unnoticed by parents, educators, and healthcare workers. Additionally, there exists a combined form of ADHD, where individuals exhibit symptoms of both the hyperactive and inattentive types. The complexity in spotting these behaviours often leads to a postponement in the formal assessment of ADHD.
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.
The use of movement, employing coloured cards, speaking aloud instead of reading and writing silently, and breaking tasks into smaller parts are some tools and conceptual frameworks that have been shown to be beneficial for students with ADHD.
The foundation of our approach lies in multisensory learning, which utilises movement, touch, sight, hearing, and speech to strengthen learning and actively involves students. We tailor our lessons to suit individual attention spans and incorporate breaks while remaining flexible in extending student engagement and being sensitive to changing interests and moods.
The experiences of students with ADHD may lead them to believe that success is unattainable, causing them to disengage or shy away from challenges. We are attentive to their emotional difficulties and endeavour to create a positive and uplifting experience in every 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?
We promote the idea of:
- Be patient .
- Incorporate revision consistently in each session .
- Adapt the workload and divide learning tasks into manageable segments .
- Vary the presentation and use games to capture attention .
- Use movement throughout the session so no one is sitting for the whole time .
- Maintain consistency with expectations and guidelines .
- Establish a positive and nurturing learning environment.
- Respond with patience and understanding when students’ attention drifts.
- Keep track of student progress and acknowledge accomplishments with rewards .
- Identify the appropriate time to move on to a new task .
Options for ADHD Tutoring Services.
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.
Conventional In-Person ADHD Tutoring.
In-person tutoring involves conducting sessions in a controlled learning environment, similar to a physical classroom, to minimise distractions. This setting enables students with ADHD to learn how to navigate social situations and interact with their peers through direct interaction.
Online Tutoring.
With online tutoring, students can access assistance regardless of their location, whether residing outside of Hurlstone Park or facing transportation challenges. Moreover, online tutoring offers flexibility in managing school and social commitments, accommodating our 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.
Assessing ADHD & ADD in Individuals of All Ages.
At present, there are no medical tests specifically designed for diagnosing ADHD. Diagnosis primarily relies on the observation of behavioural symptoms. For children to receive a diagnosis, they must exhibit at least six symptoms from either or both variants of ADHD, while older adolescents and adults must display at least five symptoms. Furthermore, these symptoms must have manifested 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 important to emphasise that only medical and psychological professionals are qualified to provide a formal diagnosis.
Commonly Asked Questions.
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.
When undergoing a child or adult ADHD assessment, you might be asked to participate in:
- Interviews (with yourself, your child, and/or with other primary carers of your child if applicable)
- Evaluative behaviour checklists
- Evaluations of development, learning, education, and/or IQ
- 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.
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.
Absolutely, as long as the tutor has experience working with students who have ADHD. Tutoring can have a positive impact on school performance by equipping students with strategies for academic success, while also helping to alleviate the challenges posed by attention and organisational issues.
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.
Multi-Sensory Approaches for Increased Engagement in 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.
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 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.