Autism (ASD) Assessment & Providing Multisensory Learning Support in Earlwood
Exploring Learning Approaches for Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Who is Impacted by Autism (ASD)?
According to The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, one to two in every 100 Australians is on the autism spectrum. Autism often runs in families, and family members may have 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.
What is 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
Our experience has shown that the multisensory approach yields results for individuals with autism. This approach is gaining significant recognition and research focus worldwide, particularly in its implementation 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
Empowering Individuals with Autism/ASD through Multisensory Therapy/Tutoring
Mainstream education is primarily focused on meeting the needs of the majority and may not effectively engage students with autism and related conditions. At Neurosensory, our therapists and teachers employ a personalised approach that embraces the unique interests of these students, considering them as opportunities for enhanced engagement and growth. Our approach is characterised by its organic, creative, and structured nature.
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
They are encouraged to:
- Implement a predictable routine for every lesson
- Merge the student’s hobbies into the learning experience and inspire innovation
- Stay away from sarcasm and commonly used phrases
- 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
- 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
Exploring Therapy and Tutoring Options for Autism/ASD
We offer two options when it comes to helping people with autism, ensuring that primary, secondary, TAFE, and university students and beyond are able to access the support offered by Neurosensory.
Enhancing Learning with 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.
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.
The Advantages of Online Therapy/Tutoring and Learning Support
We recognise that not everyone has the ability to attend in-person tutoring and therapy sessions due to various constraints such as location, transportation limitations, and other commitments. Our therapists are adept at delivering structured and diverse sessions. We understand that learning is not just a mechanical process but also relies on the establishment 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 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
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 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.
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.
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.
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 an ASD assessment for a child or adult, you may be required to undergo:
- Discussions (with yourself, your child, and/or with other primary caretakers)
- Assessment of developmental timeline
- Observation of your (or your child’s) interaction with others
- Diagnostic tests (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 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.
Signs of autism encompass various behaviours, such as: not responding to their name, not engaging in pretend play, avoiding eye contact, struggling to understand emotions, becoming distressed by minor changes, displaying obsessive interests, avoiding or rejecting physical contact, engaging in repetitive movements like hand flapping or body rocking, exhibiting hyperactivity and impulsivity, having a short attention span, displaying unusual sleeping and eating patterns, and showing 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.
Fostering 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?
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.