Multisensory Learning Support and Dyslexia Assessment in Ashbury
Learning Difficulties in Reading and Writing
Whom can dyslexia affect?
It’s estimated that around one in 10 people have dyslexia. It tends to run in families – if you have dyslexia, it’s likely that you have a family member who also has it or who has other reading and spelling problems.
Typically, dyslexia is diagnosed in primary school when challenges with reading and writing become noticeable. However, some individuals may not be diagnosed until later, even in adulthood. Research has found a greater incidence of dyslexia in boys compared to girls.
How is dyslexia characterised?
As per the US National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke,
Dyslexia, a brain-based learning disability, hampers a person’s reading ability. Despite normal intelligence, individuals with dyslexia typically read significantly below expected levels. The disorder’s characteristics vary, but difficulties with phonological processing (sound manipulation), spelling, and rapid visual-verbal response are commonly observed.
In individuals with adult onset of dyslexia, it usually occurs as a result of brain injury or in the context of dementia; this contrasts with individuals with dyslexia who simply were never identified as children or adolescents. Dyslexia can be inherited in some families, and recent studies have identified a number of genes that may predispose an individual to develop dyslexia.
https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Dyslexia-Information-Page
In the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), dyslexia is recognised as an alternative name for Specific Learning Disorder in Reading by the American Psychiatric Association.
How Does the Multisensory Approach Enhance Learning for Individuals With Dyslexia?
According to the NINDS, the primary emphasis in treating dyslexia should be on addressing the specific learning challenges faced by individuals. Neurosensory’s multisensory approach is endorsed by esteemed organisations like the International Dyslexia Association, the World Health Organization, and leading experts and researchers around the world.
It is based on the pioneering work of Samuel Orton and Anna Gillingham in effective remediation for dyslexia. The NINDS emphasises that the approach needs to be individually tailored to meet the specific learning difficulties of the person with dyslexia. The approach is also known as the Orton-Gillingham approach.
Dyslexia Tutoring with a Multisensory Approach
As stated earlier, conventional teaching approaches may not yield desired results for students with dyslexia. Multisensory therapy, however, focuses on incorporating visual, auditory, and kinesthetic elements into the learning process.
Our multisensory approach is structured, diagnostic, cumulative, engaging, and creative. One-on-one or small group sessions help ensure that maximum attention and engagement are maintained and that the needs of each student are addressed effectively.
In what ways do our MSL therapists and practitioners contribute to the support and progress of students facing dyslexia challenges?
We:
- Use an MSL/ Orton-Gillingham approach to ensure that students have a firm grasp of the connection between speech sounds, reading and spelling
- Recognise the importance of oral language for literacy
- Promote efficient handwriting but understand that technology can be a tremendous help
- Develop reading and writing from basic words to complex multisyllable words including syllable division and word building eg ba/by , in/de/pen/dent, direct-directly, direction
- Understand that older students need to develop essay writing techniques to cope with their academic demands, while giving attention to basic spelling and writing conventions
- Ask students to read aloud while tracing the words with their index finger
- Give students immediate and constructive feedback
- Are sensitive to a student becoming tired because our approach engages students continually
Explore Dyslexia Therapy and Tutoring Options
At Neurosensory, we provide two options for dyslexia tutoring, ensuring that students at the primary, secondary, and university levels, as well as beyond, can access the support they need.
In-Person Dyslexia Therapy/Tutoring
At Neurosensory, we offer in-person tutoring where students can work closely with their tutor in a controlled learning environment. With fewer distractions, we ensure that students receive the focused attention they need, whether in one-on-one sessions or small groups.
Online Dyslexia Therapy/Tutoring
Online tutoring offers dyslexic students the flexibility to access assistance from anywhere, allowing them to work around their other commitments. Additionally, it provides tutors with the advantage of being able to see the student’s face as they engage with the reading material.
Do you or a loved one require some learning assistance as a result of a dyslexia diagnosis? Our dyslexia tutors are ready and waiting to help.
Dyslexia Assessments For Both Adults & Children
When conducting dyslexia assessments, Neurosensory employs a recognised set of psychometric tests that are appropriate for the age of the individual. Upon request, we provide comprehensive written assessments. We also offer streamlined screening options for educational and vocational placement, catering to those who prefer a more focused evaluation.
In the course of our screening and assessment, we may discover other conditions that require referral to healthcare professionals, such as paediatricians, psychologists, speech and language pathologists, and occupational therapists.
Before seeking a dyslexia diagnosis, it is advisable to arrange for a hearing and vision check to rule out any other underlying issues that could be influencing reading and spelling comprehension.
FAQs about Dyslexia
Absolutely, as long as the tutor possesses experience and expertise in research-based dyslexia interventions. That is why we prefer to use the term ‘educational therapy’ rather than ‘tutoring.’ Not all tutoring services are suitable for individuals with dyslexia or other specific learning disabilities. Some of our students had been receiving tutoring for years with minimal progress until they joined our focused therapeutic program. We provide individualised attention and the chance to address each student’s unique learning needs. Our goal is to help them develop a better understanding of themselves as learners and make progress in their educational journey.
Many parents contact us for dyslexia screening or formal assessments. It is not uncommon for your child’s primary school teacher to raise concerns before you become aware of any symptoms. Referrals to our services also come from psychologists, GP’s, paediatricians, or speech pathologists. You can book dyslexia assessments for children or adults at Neurosensory, and if additional assessment is required, we can provide appropriate referrals.
When determining a diagnosis, the following areas are typically evaluated:
- Conduct a thorough evaluation of the individual’s history (including medical, developmental, educational, and familial factors)
- Assess the individual’s strengths and weaknesses in learning
- Consider the insights and assessments provided by the child’s teacher, as well as the school’s test scores
At least 6 months of targeted instruction is usually required for diagnosing dyslexia in children, specifically for assessing their reading skills. However, no specific time period is recommended for adults.
Primary aged children are usually diagnosed with dyslexia during the first two years of school, as this is when they usually start learning to read. Although rare, it is possible for children to be diagnosed before they can read. There are also many cases of people not being diagnosed until adolescence or adulthood, as they were able to mask their symptoms growing up.
Indicators of dyslexia may manifest as delayed speech, difficulty with word pronunciation, challenges in alphabet learning, struggles in writing their name, frequent reading errors, slow and monotonous reading, avoidance of reading activities, difficulty in understanding written text, and a limited vocabulary.
It’s worth noting that the signs of dyslexia can differ among individuals, with some individuals presenting several signs while others may have only a few.
The Orton-Gillingham multisensory approach helps those with: ADD/ADHD (although not a formal learning disorder) Autism/ASD, 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.
See improvement with a dyslexia tutor
Teaching dyslexic children often demand significant patience, as they often exhibit avoidance behaviours due to feelings of failure. Our approach incorporates learning through games, making it enjoyable and aiding in the retraining of the child’s brain to overcome these obstacles.
Dyslexic adults, on the other hand, are often highly motivated to learn, improve, and actively engage in the process of ‘re-training’ their brains.
The development of reading, writing, and maths skills in individuals with dyslexia is influenced by factors such as the type and severity of dyslexia, as well as the level of practice they engage in.
Can Dyslexia Qualify for NDIS Funding?
It’s important to note that dyslexia and other specific learning disorders are generally not eligible for NDIS funding unless accompanied by conditions such as Autism or Intellectual Delay. This limitation often leaves individuals with dyslexia facing challenges in accessing affordable remediation. While some assistance may be available through mainstream educational institutions and general programs, these resources often lack the required focus, flexibility, and duration to adequately meet the individual needs of people with dyslexia.
Neurosensory offers support in navigating the application process for NDIS or other funding options.
With its fully deductible tax and gift status, the Australian Dyslexia Foundation is committed to assisting individuals who lack the means to afford essential dyslexia remediation. While funds are currently limited, updates on the foundation’s capacity to provide support will be shared.
Are you ready to explore the possibilities of multisensory learning?
If you’re searching for dyslexia remediation, you’ve found the perfect solution. At Neurosensory, we are dedicated to helping individuals, both young and old, overcome the learning challenges associated with dyslexia. Our team of MSL therapists and tutors will design a program specifically catered to your unique needs, ensuring that you can achieve your academic goals and receive the support you require going forward.