Autism (ASD) Assessment Services & Multisensory Learning Support in Campsie
Enhancing Learning for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Who is Impacted by Autism (ASD)?
The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne states that approximately one to two in every 100 Australians are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. It is common for autism to have a familial pattern, with family members often sharing 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.
Defining 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.
Enhancing Learning for Individuals with Autism/ASD Through a Multisensory Approach
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
Multisensory Therapy/Tutoring for People with Autism/ASD
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 promote the following encouragement for them to:
- Implement a predictable routine for every lesson
- Blend the student’s interests into the lessons and promote imaginative thinking
- Refrain from using sarcasm and popular expressions
- Foresee scenarios where subtle social hints may complicate the understanding of fictional stories
- Offer the students alternatives within the learning experience
- Establish a supportive atmosphere where the student feels comfortable asking any question, irrespective of its perceived obviousness
- Urge the student to take a break if they feel overwhelmed-maybe participate in a 5-minute table tennis game, a short run around the garden, or a mini basketball game
Exploring Therapy and Tutoring Options for Autism/ASD
At Neurosensory, we provide two options to assist individuals with autism, ensuring that support is accessible to primary, secondary, TAFE, university students, and beyond.
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.
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.
Embracing Online Platforms for 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.
At our services, we adopt a holistic approach, treating each individual as a ‘whole person’ and seamlessly incorporating social awareness and language development into the sessions. Our online ASD option guarantees that students with autism and other disorders can still receive suitable interventions from the convenience of their home.
If you or a loved one are in need of learning assistance following an autism diagnosis, our team of autism tutors is prepared and available to provide support.
Comprehensive Autism Assessments for Individuals of All Ages
Diagnosing autism may present challenges as there is no specific medical test available. Instead, diagnosis is based on the observation of behavioural symptoms. Many individuals with autism mask their symptoms in order to conform to societal expectations. This is especially true for girls and women, who often go undiagnosed and untreated due to their adeptness at 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.
We want to emphasise that we do not have the authority to provide formal diagnoses. However, if our assessment indicates a potential diagnosis, we can refer individuals to qualified professionals who can conduct formal evaluations.
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
If you have concerns regarding the development of yourself or a loved one, it is recommended to consult with your GP for an initial assessment or seek assistance from a paediatrician or psychologist. These professionals can refer you to a team of experts who are experienced in autism assessment, including 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.
As part of an ASD assessment for a child or adult, you may be required to undergo:
- Interviews (with yourself, your child, and/or with other primary carers)
- Assessment of developmental timeline
- Observation of your (or your child’s) interaction with others
- Diagnostic tests (including TOPL-2 and SRS)
Indeed, the earlier autism is detected, the smoother the individual’s life journey may become. It may also contribute to a stronger sense of self-esteem and self-awareness, granting them an identity they may have previously lacked. Additionally, a diagnosis may facilitate access to financial assistance and support services for families.
Although autism can be detected in some children at 18 months of age or even younger, the average age for diagnosis is around three years old. Children who have a family history, such as a sibling or parent, with autism, tend to be assessed earlier rather than later.
Some signs of autism include: not responding to their name, not playing ‘pretend’ games, avoiding eye contact, difficulty understanding emotions, getting upset by minor changes, obsessive interests, avoiding or resisting physical contact, flapping the hands or rocking the body, hyperactivity, impulsivity, short attention span, unusual sleeping and eating habits, and low to no social skills.
It is important to note that while some individuals may exhibit numerous signs of autism, others may only display 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.
Promoting Encouragement and Nurturing in Autism Learning
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.
NDIS Funding for 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.
Please let me know if there is anything else you would like to ask about this topic. I’m here to help!
Are You Ready to Explore the Possibilities of Multisensory Learning?
Neurosensory is dedicated to assisting students in tackling the challenges associated with education and schooling for individuals with ASD. We address issues such as organisation, breaks in routine, varying expectations, and comprehending teacher instructions. Through our multisensory approach, we establish meaningful connections between abstract concepts and tangible, visual models.
This holds particular significance for individuals who face challenges in understanding the nuances of language, as is often the case with individuals on the autism spectrum. The objective of the Neurosensory team is to empower students of all ages to develop learning and study habits that extend beyond the school environment, as these habits can also support social skills.