Autism (ASD) Assessment & Multisensory Learning Support in Clemton Park
Enhancing Learning for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Who Does Autism Affect?
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 with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) commonly experience challenges in two primary domains: social communication and repetitive behaviour. These challenges may vary across different age groups. While it is often diagnosed in primary school or even preschool-age children, it may not be evaluated until adolescence or even adulthood for some individuals. Moreover, girls with ASD tend to be diagnosed later than boys.
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 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
We find that the multisensory approach is often very useful for people with autism. There is a growing body of research and interest in applying this approach to students with autism all over the world.
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.
When we demonstrate our support for their interests, we witness the development of self-esteem, confidence, and self-expression in our students.
Supporting Students with Autism: The role of our MSL Therapists and Tutors
Our approach involves encouraging them to:
- Implement a predictable routine for every lesson
- Integrate a student’s interests into lessons and encourage creativity
- Stay away from sarcasm and commonly used phrases
- Prepare for instances where subtle social cues may pose challenges in comprehending fiction
- Provide options for the students during the session
- Create an environment of trust so that the student can ask any question, no matter how obvious the answer may seem
- 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
Available Therapy and Tutoring Options for Individuals with Autism/ASD
Neurosensory offers two options to support individuals with autism, allowing primary, secondary, TAFE, university students, and others to access our services.
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.
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.
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.
Comprehensive Autism Assessments for Individuals of All Ages
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.
We stress that we cannot formally diagnose people, but we can refer them to someone who can if our assessment reveals a possible diagnosis.
Exploring Common Inquiries
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 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
- Observation of your (or your child’s) interaction with others
- Assessment for diagnosis (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.
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.
Remember that the signs of autism can vary from person to person, with some individuals showing multiple indicators while others may only exhibit a few.
Those with autism often possess a remarkable ability for rote memory, enabling them to memorise substantial amounts of information, including dialogues from movies. The utilisation of a multisensory approach has demonstrated significant success 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
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?
Eligible students with autism may receive NDIS funding. We have helped numerous students secure NDIS funding for Neurosensory services. Additionally, we provide support 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 Excited to Delve into the World 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 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.