Comprehensive Assessment for Autism (ASD) & Multisensory Learning Support in Ashbury
Exploring Learning Approaches for Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Who is Impacted by Autism (ASD)?
As per The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, an estimated one to two in every 100 Australians are on the autism spectrum. Autism frequently exhibits a familial association, with family members often displaying similar traits.
Individuals on the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often struggle with two principal areas – social engagement and repetitive patterns of behaviour, with these issues manifesting in various ways as they age. Assessing Autism involves detecting specific behavioural indicators, yet many who have Autism choose to downplay or mask these indicators to better integrate with their peer groups. While it’s common for Autism to be diagnosed in early childhood or during the preschool period, for others, the possibility isn’t explored until they reach adolescence or adulthood. Additionally, it’s more likely for girls with ASD to be diagnosed later than boys.
What Exactly is Autism?
Autism is a developmental disorder that affects the processing of information particularly around social situations. It may affect people’s educational progress in many different ways regardless of how intelligent someone with ASD may be. It often comes together with ADHD, dyslexia, epilepsy, and so can be difficult to isolate in assessment and diagnosis while frequently being missed for many years. The educational system may provide extra help, but because of how varied people with autism present and because of the various other issues they may have, it is often not sufficiently fine-tuned for the individuals concerned. This is where targeted educational therapy may make a big difference.
Harnessing the Power of Multisensory Learning for Autism/ASD
The multisensory approach has proven to be highly successful for individuals with autism. This approach is gaining increasing attention and research interest globally, specifically in its application for students with autism.
There is a growing body of research into the usefulness of employing multisensory methods for people with autism, including Jaclyn Smith (“Multisensory Learning and its Effect on Students with Autism” (2019). Education Masters. Paper 367) and Amaal Mustafa (“Investigating the Effect of Multisensory Approach on Improving Emergent Literacy Skills in Children with Autism Disorder.” International Journal of Psycho-Educational Sciences Vol. 7, Issue (1), April –2018).
The following link is an example of how multisensory education is becoming increasingly recognised and implemented for students with Autism.
https://www.structural-learning.com/post/multisensory-learning-in-the-classroom-a-teachers-guide
Empowering Individuals with Autism/ASD through Multisensory Therapy/Tutoring
Mainstream education is primarily directed towards the majority, which may not adequately engage students with autism and related conditions. However, at Neurosensory, our therapists and teachers adopt an individualised approach that appreciates the unique strengths and interests of each student. We view their special interests not as hindrances, but as catalysts for engagement and growth. Our approach encompasses organic, creative, and structured elements to create a dynamic and effective learning environment.
Through acknowledging the significance of their interests, we witness the growth of self-esteem, confidence, and self-expression in our students.
Empowering Students with Autism: The Approach of our MSL Therapists and Tutors
We encourage them to:
- Establish a routine for each lesson
- Incorporate the student’s passions into the curriculum and foster imagination
- Steer clear of sarcasm and everyday idioms
- Predict situations where subtle social signals may hinder comprehension of narratives
- Offer the students alternatives within the learning experience
- Foster a safe and trusting environment for the student to ask any question, regardless of its apparent simplicity
- Inspire the student to take a break when facing overwhelm-perhaps engaging in a 5-minute table tennis game, a brief run around the garden, or a mini basketball game
Choosing the Right Therapy and Tutoring Options for Autism/ASD
Neurosensory offers two options to support individuals with autism, allowing primary, secondary, TAFE, university students, and others to access our services.
The Benefits of In-Person Therapy/Tutoring and Learning Support
In-person tutoring involves the creation of a welcoming learning environment that is more relaxed than a school classroom. Our therapists understand the importance of routine for those with autism and also how hard it is for them to change ingrained but less effective habits.
Within our learning spaces, we offer a multitude of engaging hands-on materials that go beyond conventional paper and pen activities. We are cognizant of the stress that schooling can impose on students with learning difficulties and disabilities. At Neurosensory, our approach is designed to remove the fear of failure and cultivate a positive mindset. We acknowledge the limitations of concentration and advocate for short breaks accompanied by movement to rejuvenate the mind. By fostering interactivity and creativity in our lessons, we facilitate improved retention of skills and information for our students.
The Advantages of Online Therapy/Tutoring and Learning Support
At Neurosensory, we acknowledge that not everyone can access in-person tutoring and therapy due to factors like geographical distance, transportation challenges, and prior obligations. Our therapists excel in providing structured and varied sessions. We understand that the learning experience is more than just a mechanical procedure; it thrives on the foundation of personal connections.
We treat everyone who comes to our services as a ‘whole person’, building social awareness and language development seamlessly into the sessions. Our online ASD option ensures that students with autism and other disorders can still access appropriate interventions from the comfort of their home.
If you or a loved one require some learning assistance as a result of an autism diagnosis, our autism tutors are ready and waiting to help.
Evaluating Autism in Children and Adults
Diagnosing autism can be challenging, as there is no single medical test. Instead, it is diagnosed through the observation of behavioural symptoms. Many people with autism mask their symptoms in everyday life as they try to fit in with the expectations of society. Girls and women in particular often miss early diagnosis and treatment as a result of their skill in masking.
At Neurosensory, we offer screening assessments and have the ability to refer individuals to psychologists, paediatricians, and psychiatrists if there is a potential autism diagnosis. Some of the assessments we utilise as a guide include the Test of Pragmatic Language (TOPL2) and the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS). Other professionals may administer assessments such as ADOS-2. Recognising the limitations of certain assessments in diagnosing individuals who are ‘highly functioning’ but face significant challenges due to masking symptoms, new assessments are currently being developed.
It is important to note that while we cannot provide formal diagnoses, we are able to refer individuals to professionals who have the expertise to do so if our assessment indicates a possible diagnosis.
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
If you have concerns about the development of a loved one or yourself, it may be beneficial to consult with your GP for an initial assessment. Alternatively, you may already be in contact with a paediatrician or psychologist who can provide guidance. These professionals can then refer you to a team of experts who focus on autism assessment, including paediatricians, speech pathologists, psychologists, and psychiatrists.
You also have the option to book a consultation with us at Neurosensory. In the consultation, we can discuss the concerns that you have, administer screening assessments, provide a preliminary report, and refer you to the appropriate professionals for a formal diagnosis if deemed necessary.
During an ASD assessment for a child or adult, you may be requested to undergo:
- Conversations (with yourself, your child, and/or with other main caregivers)
- Examination of developmental background
- Watching your (or your child’s) social interactions
- Diagnostic evaluations (including TOPL-2 and SRS)
Without a doubt, the sooner autism is identified, the better it may be for the individual’s overall well-being. It may significantly boost their self-esteem and understanding, granting them a sense of identity they may have been lacking. Additionally, a diagnosis may be able to streamline the process of obtaining financial assistance and support for families.
While it is possible to detect autism in some children as early as 18 months or even earlier, the average age for diagnosis is typically around three years old. Children with a family history of autism, such as a sibling or parent, are often assessed at a younger age.
There are several signs of autism to be aware of, including: not responding to their name, not engaging in pretend play, avoiding eye contact, difficulty understanding emotions, becoming upset by minor changes, developing obsessive interests, avoiding or resisting physical contact, engaging in repetitive behaviours like hand flapping or body rocking, displaying hyperactivity and impulsivity, having a short attention span, exhibiting unusual sleeping and eating habits, and demonstrating limited or no social skills.
Keep in mind that some people have many signs of autism, whereas others only have a few.
People with autism are often good at learning by heart, which is also known as rote memory. In fact, many people with ASD can remember large chunks of information, like conversations from a movie. The multisensory approach has also proven to be highly successful.
The Orton-Gillingham multisensory approach helps those with: ADD/ADHD (although not a formal learning disorder), 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.
Encouragement and Nurturing through Autism Learning Support
Extensive studies and research have highlighted that individuals with autism frequently exhibit characteristics such as strong long-term memory skills, meticulousness, adherence to rules, independent thinking, heightened focus (especially when engaged in their interests), and a propensity for visual thinking. At Neurosensory, our ASD-adapted tutoring endeavours to foster and celebrate these attributes, recognising them as integral components of your uniqueness and individuality.
What Support Can be Accessed Through the NDIS for Individuals with Autism?
Certain students with autism may qualify for NDIS funding. We have had numerous students who have successfully funded Neurosensory services through their NDIS plans. Additionally, we can provide assistance with the NDIS application process.
If there’s anything else you’d like to inquire about concerning this topic, feel free to reach out. I’m here to offer assistance and address any concerns you may have!
Are You Excited to Delve into the World of Multisensory Learning?
At Neurosensory, we provide support to students in overcoming the challenges they may face in education and schooling as individuals with ASD, particularly in areas such as organisation, disruptions to routine, different expectations, and understanding teacher communication. Our multisensory approach enhances the connection between abstract concepts and tangible, visual models.
This is especially important for people who struggle with processing the nuances of language as many of those with autism do. The goal of the Neurosensory team is to empower students of all ages to build learning and study habits that serve them all through life – not just at school, as they can assist with social abilities, too.