Autism (ASD) Assessment & Providing Multisensory Learning Support in Canterbury
Strategies for Learning with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Who Does Autism Affect?
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.
Those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) typically experience difficulties in social interaction and repetitive behaviours, which can present differently depending on the individual’s age. While the assessment for Autism is centered around the presence of distinct behavioural symptoms, a significant number of people with Autism might attempt to mitigate or camouflage these behaviours to align more closely with their peers. Although Autism is commonly diagnosed during primary or even preschool, for some, the condition may not be considered until much later, during adolescence or adulthood. Furthermore, it’s noted that girls with ASD often receive their diagnosis later than boys.
Defining Autism
Autism, classified as a developmental disorder, affects the processing of information, particularly in social contexts. It may have a wide range of impacts on educational progress, regardless of a person’s intellectual abilities. Autism often coexists with conditions such as ADHD, dyslexia, and epilepsy, which may complicate the assessment and diagnostic process and lead to delayed identification. While the educational system may provide additional support, it may not be adequately customised to address the specific needs of individuals with autism due to the varied nature of their presentation and the presence of other issues. This is where targeted educational therapy may have a significant positive impact.
Exploring the Multisensory Learning Method 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
The Benefits of Multisensory Therapy/Tutoring for 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.
By demonstrating our appreciation for their interests, we observe an increase in the self-esteem, confidence, and self-expression of our students.
Supporting Students with Autism: The role of our MSL Therapists and Tutors
They are encouraged to:
- Set a structured framework for each session
- Merge the student’s hobbies into the learning experience and inspire innovation
- Avoid using sarcasm and common sayings
- Prepare for instances where subtle social cues may pose challenges in comprehending fiction
- Allow the students to make choices within the lesson
- Foster a safe and trusting environment for the student to ask any question, regardless of its apparent simplicity
- 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
Choosing the Right 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
Creating a welcoming learning environment that is less formal than a typical school classroom is a key aspect of in-person tutoring. Our therapists recognise the value of routine for individuals with autism and are empathetic to the difficulties they encounter when trying to modify deeply ingrained yet less efficient behaviours.
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.
The Advantages of Online Therapy/Tutoring and Learning Support
We understand that not everyone is able to attend in-person tutoring and therapy due to location, lack of transportation, and other commitments. Our therapists are skilled at providing structure and variety in their sessions. We appreciate that learning is not merely a mechanical process but is based on building personal relationships.
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 require some learning assistance as a result of an autism diagnosis, our autism tutors are ready and waiting to help.
Assessing Autism Spectrum Disorder in Children and Adults
The diagnosis of autism can be challenging, as there is no definitive medical test to rely on. Instead, a diagnosis is made by observing behavioural symptoms. Many individuals with autism camouflage their symptoms in everyday life as they strive to meet societal norms. This is particularly common among girls and women, often resulting in delayed diagnosis and treatment.
At Neurosensory, we offer screening assessments and facilitate referrals to psychologists, paediatricians, and psychiatrists if there is a possibility of an autism diagnosis. Some of the assessments we utilise as guidance include the Test of Pragmatic Language (TOPL2) and the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS). Additionally, other professionals may employ assessments such as ADOS-2. It is worth noting that new assessments are being developed to address the limitations of older ones, as they may not effectively diagnose individuals who are ‘highly functioning’ but face significant challenges due to masking symptoms.
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.
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.
As part of a child or adult ASD assessment, you may be asked to undergo:
- Interviews (with yourself, your child, and/or with other primary carers)
- Analysis of developmental past
- Noticing your (or your child’s) engagement with others
- Diagnostic evaluations (including TOPL-2 and SRS)
Yes. The faster autism is detected, the easier the person’s life may be. It may also provide a greater sense of self-esteem and understanding, giving them a sense of identity that they may have previously lacked. A diagnosis may also open up an easier way for families to receive financial help and support.
Although it is feasible to identify autism in certain children as early as 18 months or even earlier, the typical age for diagnosis is around three years old. Children with a family history of autism, such as a sibling or parent, are more likely to undergo assessment at an earlier stage.
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 exhibit strong abilities in learning by heart, also known as rote memory. Many individuals with ASD can retain extensive amounts of information, such as conversations from movies. The multisensory approach has been found to be highly effective as well.
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
Studies and research have shown that people with autism often display attributes like strong long-memory skills, precise and detail-oriented, strong adherence to the rules, independent thinking, intensive focus (when their interests are involved), and they may be better at thinking in a visual way. We seek to encourage and nurture these attributes through ASD-adapted tutoring, as they’re what makes you special and unique.
NDIS Funding for 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 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 crucial for individuals who experience difficulties in grasping the subtleties of language, which is common among individuals with autism. The aim of the Neurosensory team is to empower students of all ages to cultivate learning and study habits that transcend the school setting, as these habits can also enhance social abilities.