Autism (ASD) Assessment Services & Multisensory Learning Support in Clemton Park
Exploring Learning Approaches for 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.
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.
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 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
Enhancing Learning and Development with 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 showing that we value their interests, we find that the self-esteem, confidence, and self-expression of our students grow.
Empowering Students with Autism: The Approach of our MSL Therapists and Tutors
We promote the following encouragement for them to:
- Create a consistent schedule for every class
- Blend the student’s interests into the lessons and promote imaginative thinking
- Stay away from sarcasm and commonly used phrases
- Anticipate where subtle social cues may make it hard to understand fiction
- Give the students choices within the lesson
- Create an environment of trust so that the student can ask any question, no matter how obvious the answer may seem
- 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
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.
Personalised In-Person Therapy/Tutoring for Autism/ASD
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 rooms have many engaging hands-on materials which go beyond paper and pen learning. Schooling is stressful for students with learning difficulties and disabilities. The Neurosensory approach takes away the stigma of failure and replaces it with a can-do attitude. It recognises concentration limits and the need for short breaks with movement to refresh the mind. Our approach allows for more interactivity and creativity in the lesson, which can help students to better retain skills and information.
Convenient Online Options for 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.
We view every individual who seeks our services as a ‘whole person,’ and we integrate social awareness and language development seamlessly into our sessions. Our online ASD option ensures that students with autism and other disorders can access appropriate interventions from the comfort of their own homes.
In the event that you or a loved one require learning support following an autism diagnosis, our team of autism tutors is ready and enthusiastic about helping.
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.
We stress that we cannot formally diagnose people, but we can refer them to someone who can if our assessment reveals a possible diagnosis.
Common Questions and Answers
If you have concerns about the development of a loved one or yourself, it is advisable to consult your GP for an initial assessment or seek guidance from a paediatrician or psychologist. They can refer you to a team of experts who focus on autism assessment, including paediatricians, speech pathologists, psychologists, and psychiatrists.
Alternatively, you can book a consultation with us at Neurosensory. We can discuss the issues that are causing concern, offer screening and a preliminary report, and refer you to the appropriate providers for diagnosis if required.
As part of a child or adult ASD assessment, you may be asked to undergo:
- Conversations (with yourself, your child, and/or with other main caregivers)
- Review of developmental history
- Noticing your (or your child’s) engagement with others
- Diagnostic assessments (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.
It is worth noting that the signs of autism can differ greatly among individuals, with some presenting multiple signs and others displaying only 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.
Enhancing Encouragement and Nurturing in 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.
Is NDIS Funding Available 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 Ready to Explore the Possibilities of Multisensory Learning?
At Neurosensory, we assist students in navigating the challenges that education and schooling may pose for individuals with ASD, especially in areas such as organisation, disruptions to routine, varying expectations, and comprehending teacher instructions. Our multisensory approach facilitates the connection of abstract concepts to tangible and visual models.
This aspect is particularly important for individuals who struggle with processing the intricacies of language, a common challenge among individuals with autism. At Neurosensory, our goal is to empower students of all ages to develop learning and study habits that extend beyond their academic life, as these habits can also contribute to the development of social skills.