Autism (ASD) Assessment & Multisensory Learning Support in Ashfield
Strategies for Learning with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Who Does Autism Affect?
According to The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, it is reported that one to two in every 100 Australians are on the autism spectrum. Autism tends to run in families, with family members often exhibiting similar traits.
People diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) usually encounter hurdles in two key areas – social communication and repetitive behaviours. The manifestation of these difficulties can vary significantly with age. The process of assessing Autism relies on the identification of certain behavioural signs, yet many with Autism may try to suppress or mask these signs to better assimilate with their social circles. Autism is often identified in the primary or preschool years, yet for some individuals, it may not be addressed until their teenage years or later. It’s also observed that females with ASD are more likely to be diagnosed at an older age than males.
Understanding Autism
Autism is a developmental disorder that influences information processing, particularly in social contexts. It may have various effects on educational progress, regardless of a person’s level of intelligence. Autism often co-occurs with conditions like ADHD, dyslexia, and epilepsy, which may complicate assessment and diagnosis and lead to delays. Although the educational system may provide additional assistance, it may not be finely tuned to address the specific needs of individuals with autism due to the wide range of presentations and associated challenges. This is where targeted educational therapy may have a significant impact.
Exploring the Multisensory Learning Method for Autism/ASD
The usefulness of the multisensory approach for individuals with autism is undeniable. It has garnered considerable research attention and interest across the globe, especially in its utilisation 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
Multisensory Therapy/Tutoring for People with Autism/ASD
Mainstream education often fails to effectively engage students with autism and related conditions, as it is primarily designed for the majority. At Neurosensory, our therapists and teachers take an individualised approach that recognises the value of their special interests in fostering engagement and facilitating growth. Our approach combines organic, creative, and structured elements to provide a holistic learning experience.
When we demonstrate our support for their interests, we witness the development of self-esteem, confidence, and self-expression in our students.
How do our MSL Therapists and Tutors Support Students with Autism?
We encourage them to:
- Establish a routine for each lesson
- Integrate a student’s interests into lessons and encourage creativity
- Refrain from using sarcasm and popular expressions
- Predict situations where subtle social signals may hinder comprehension of narratives
- Offer the students alternatives within the learning experience
- Cultivate a trusting setting where the student feels empowered to ask any question, regardless of how straightforward the answer may appear
- Motivate the student to take a break when feeling overwhelmed-maybe engage in a 5-minute table tennis game, a quick 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 encompasses the establishment of a warm and inviting learning environment that offers a greater level of relaxation compared to a traditional school classroom. Our therapists acknowledge the significance of routine for individuals with autism, as well as the challenges they face in breaking deeply ingrained but less effective habits.
Our learning rooms are equipped with a diverse array of hands-on materials that transcend traditional paper and pen learning methods. We understand the challenges that students with learning difficulties and disabilities face in a school environment. At Neurosensory, our approach aims to eradicate the notion of failure and instil a can-do attitude. We recognise the importance of accommodating concentration limits and incorporating short breaks with movement to invigorate the mind. Through interactive and creative lessons, our approach promotes better retention of skills and information among our students.
Online Therapy/Tutoring and Learning Support
We are aware that attending in-person tutoring and therapy may not be feasible for everyone due to factors such as geographical limitations, lack of transportation, and other commitments. However, our skilled therapists are adept at delivering sessions that offer both structure and variety. We value the understanding that learning is not solely a mechanical process but relies on the development of personal relationships.
Every person who utilises our services is treated as a ‘whole person,’ and we seamlessly incorporate social awareness and language development into our sessions. Through our online ASD option, students with autism and other disorders can receive appropriate interventions from the comfort of their homes.
Should you or a loved one require learning assistance due to an autism diagnosis, our dedicated autism tutors are here and eager to assist.
Assessing Autism Spectrum Disorder in Children and Adults
Autism diagnosis can be a complex process, as there is no single medical test available for conclusive determination. Instead, diagnosis is based on the observation of behavioural symptoms. Many individuals with autism intentionally conceal their symptoms as they attempt to conform to societal expectations. This tendency is especially prevalent among girls and women, often leading to later diagnosis and intervention.
Neurosensory can provide screening assessments and refer to psychologists, paediatricians, and psychiatrists if we consider that there could be a possible autism diagnosis. Some assessments we use as a guide include the Test of Pragmatic Language (TOPL2) and the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS). Other professionals may use assessments such as ADOS-2. There are new assessments being developed as some of the older ones miss out on diagnosing more ‘high-functioning’ people who are skilled at masking symptoms but find themselves facing many obstacles in their lives.
Please note that we do not have the capacity to offer formal diagnosis. However, if our assessment suggests a potential diagnosis, we can assist individuals in obtaining referrals to professionals who are qualified to provide formal evaluations.
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
If you are concerned about a loved one’s development or even yourself, your GP may be able to help with an initial consultation, or you may already be in touch with a paediatrician or psychologist. They can refer you to a team of experts who will be involved in the autism assessment. These professionals include paediatricians, speech pathologists, psychologists, and psychiatrists.
Another option is to schedule a consultation with us at Neurosensory. During the consultation, we can address the concerns you have, provide screening assessments, offer a preliminary report, and guide you towards the appropriate providers for a formal diagnosis if necessary.
During a child or adult ASD assessment, you may be asked to undergo:
- Interviews (with yourself, your child, and/or with other primary carers)
- Examination of developmental background
- Noticing your (or your child’s) engagement with others
- Diagnostic evaluations (including TOPL-2 and SRS)
Absolutely. Detecting autism at an early stage paves the way for a more manageable life for the individual in many cases. Furthermore, it may enhance their self-esteem and self-awareness, providing them with a newfound sense of identity. A diagnosis may also facilitate easier access to financial assistance and support for families.
Despite the fact that autism can be detected in some children at 18 months of age or even earlier, the average age for diagnosis is usually around three years old. Children who have a family history of autism, such as a sibling or parent, are often assessed at a younger age compared to others.
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.
Individuals with autism often excel in learning through rote memory, allowing them to memorise substantial amounts of information, including dialogues from movies. The implementation of a multisensory approach has shown remarkable effectiveness in supporting individuals with ASD.
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.
Enhancing Encouragement and Nurturing in Autism Learning Support
Research and studies have indicated that individuals with autism frequently exhibit attributes such as strong long-term memory skills, precision and attention to detail, adherence to rules, independent thinking, intensive focus (especially when engaged in their interests), and proficiency in visual thinking. At Neurosensory, we aim to foster and cultivate these attributes through our ASD-adapted tutoring, as we recognise and value the uniqueness and special qualities they bring.
What Support Can be Accessed Through the NDIS for Individuals with Autism?
NDIS funding is available for some students with autism. We have supported several students in obtaining NDIS funding for Neurosensory services. Moreover, we offer assistance with the NDIS application process.
If you have any additional inquiries regarding this matter, feel free to let me know. I’m at your disposal and ready to assist!
Are You Prepared to Discover the Power of Multisensory Learning?
At Neurosensory, we help students deal with the challenges that education and schooling may present for people with ASD, particularly when it comes to things like organisation, breaks in routine, differing expectations, and understanding what their teachers may be saying. The multisensory approach helps link abstract concepts to tangible and 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.