Multisensory Learning Support and Dyslexia Assessment in Ashfield
Reading and Writing Learning Challenges
Whom does dyslexia impact?
Approximately 1 in 10 individuals are estimated to have dyslexia, with a tendency to run in families. If you have dyslexia, it’s probable that you have a family member who also experiences it or struggles with reading and spelling.
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 would you define dyslexia?
As per the US National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke,
Dyslexia is a brain-based type of learning disability that specifically impairs a person’s ability to read. These individuals typically read at levels significantly lower than expected despite having normal intelligence. Although the disorder varies from person to person, common characteristics among people with dyslexia are difficulty with phonological processing (the manipulation of sounds), spelling, and/or rapid visual-verbal responding.
When dyslexia develops in adulthood, it is commonly associated with brain injury or dementia, distinguishing it from cases where dyslexia went undetected during childhood and adolescence. Some families may have a hereditary predisposition to dyslexia, and recent studies have identified several genes that may play a role in its development.
https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Dyslexia-Information-Page
The American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) recognises dyslexia as an alternative name for Specific Learning Disorder in Reading.
What Is the Significance of the Multisensory Approach in Dyslexia Education?
The NINDS emphasises that the primary focus of dyslexia treatment should target the specific learning difficulties of individuals. Neurosensory’s multisensory approach is supported by the International Dyslexia Association, the World Health Organization, and esteemed practitioners and researchers globally.
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.
Multisensory Tutoring for Dyslexia
As previously mentioned, traditional teaching methods often fall short of effectively supporting students with dyslexia. Multisensory therapy, on the other hand, is rooted in the integration of visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning experiences.
Our multisensory approach is designed to be structured, diagnostic, cumulative, engaging, and creative. Through one-on-one or small group sessions, we prioritise maintaining maximum attention and engagement while effectively addressing the unique needs of each student.
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
We understand the diverse needs of students with dyslexia, which is why we offer two options for tutoring at Neurosensory. Our goal is to ensure that individuals at the primary, secondary, university, and other educational levels can access the support and resources they require.
Face-to-Face Dyslexia Therapy/Tutoring
In our in-person tutoring sessions, students have the opportunity to meet with their tutor in a controlled learning environment with minimal distractions. Whether it’s a one-on-one session or a small group setting, we prioritise creating an optimal learning space for each student.
Online Dyslexia Therapy/Tutoring
With online tutoring, dyslexic students can conveniently receive support regardless of their location, providing flexibility to accommodate their other commitments. Moreover, tutors can benefit from the ability to observe the student’s facial expressions as they interact with the information they’re reading.
Are you or someone close to you in need of learning assistance due to a dyslexia diagnosis? Our team of dyslexia tutors is standing by, ready to provide the help you need.
Assessing Dyslexia in Adults and Children
Neurosensory utilises a well-established battery of psychometric tests that are suitable for individuals of different ages undergoing dyslexia assessment. Upon request, we can provide detailed written assessments. We also offer streamlined screening for educational and vocational placement for those who prefer a more concise evaluation.
Through our screening and assessment, we may identify additional matters that warrant consultation with healthcare professionals, such as paediatricians, psychologists, speech and language pathologists, and occupational therapists .
Before seeking a dyslexia diagnosis, it’s recommended that you arrange a hearing and vision check to rule out any other problems that could be affecting reading and spelling comprehension.
Commonly Asked Questions
Yes, it is possible, but it depends on the tutor’s experience and familiarity with research-based dyslexia interventions. That is why we use the term ‘educational therapy’ instead of ‘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 a long time without significant improvement until they joined our specialised therapeutic program. We provide individualised attention and tailor the approach to address each student’s unique learning needs. Our goal is to help them develop a better understanding of themselves as learners and make meaningful progress.
Our services receive numerous inquiries from parents seeking dyslexia screening or a formal assessment. It is possible for your child’s primary school teacher to express concerns before you even notice any symptoms. Additionally, we receive referrals from psychologists, GP’s, paediatricians, or speech pathologists. At Neurosensory, you can make appointments for dyslexia assessments for children and adults, and if further assessment is needed, we can direct you to the appropriate provider.
The following areas are usually considered in forming a diagnosis:
- Assess the individual’s background through a comprehensive history (including medical, developmental, educational, and family aspects)
- Investigate learning strengths and weaknesses
- Consider the insights and assessments provided by the child’s teacher, as well as the school’s test scores
Typically, a minimum of 6 months of targeted instruction in reading skills is necessary before diagnosing dyslexia in children. However, there is no specific time frame 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
Tutoring dyslexic children often requires a great deal of patience, as they tend to have an avoidance of learning as they feel like failures. Our approach involves a lot of learning through games, which makes it fun and helps to ‘re-train’ the child’s brain and overcome these barriers.
Conversely, dyslexic adults are typically highly motivated to learn, improve, and actively participate in the process of ‘re-training’ their brains.
The progress in an individual’s reading, writing, and maths skills will vary depending on the type and severity of dyslexia, as well as the amount of practice they dedicate.
Accessing NDIS Support for Dyslexia
Dyslexia and other specific learning disorders are typically not covered by NDIS funding unless there are additional conditions like Autism or Intellectual Delay present. This can result in limited access to affordable remediation for individuals with dyslexia. While some support may be provided through mainstream educational institutions and general programs, these options may not offer the necessary level of targeting, flexibility, and duration required to effectively address the unique needs of individuals with dyslexia.
If you require assistance with your NDIS or other funding applications, Neurosensory is here to help.
The Australian Dyslexia Foundation is a charitable organisation that aims to support individuals who are unable to afford necessary dyslexia remediation. It has fully deductible tax and gift status, and although funding is currently limited, updates will be provided on its ability to assist.
Are you ready to explore the possibilities of multisensory learning?
If you’re looking for dyslexia remediation, you’ve come to the right place. At Neurosensory, we are committed to helping children and adults alike overcome learning barriers posed by dyslexia. Our MSL therapists and tutors will tailor a program to suit your specific needs, ensuring that your academic goals can be reached and that you’re provided with some much-needed support in the future.