Multisensory Learning Support and Dyslexia Assessment in Belmore
Learning Difficulties in Reading and Writing
Who does dyslexia affect?
Dyslexia is estimated to affect about 1 in 10 people and often runs in families. If you have dyslexia, there’s a high chance that a family member also has it or faces difficulties with reading and spelling.
Diagnosis of dyslexia commonly occurs during primary school, when difficulties in reading and writing start to surface. However, some individuals may not receive a diagnosis until later in life, including adulthood. Studies indicate a higher prevalence of dyslexia among boys compared to girls.
The process often begins with excluding other underlying issues, such as sight and hearing impairments, before advancing to a detailed dyslexia assessment.
How is dyslexia characterised?
As per the US National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke,
Dyslexia, a learning disability affecting reading skills, arises from brain-based factors. Despite normal intelligence, individuals with dyslexia often read below expected levels. Symptoms can vary, but common features include challenges with phonological processing (sound manipulation), spelling, and rapid visual-verbal response.
When dyslexia develops in adulthood, it is commonly associated with brain injury or dementia, distinguishing it from cases where dyslexia was not detected or assessed 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
Dyslexia is recognised as an alternative name for Specific Learning Disorder in Reading by the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).
How Does the Multisensory Approach Enhance Learning for Individuals With Dyslexia?
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 founded on the groundbreaking research of Samuel Orton and Anna Gillingham, who developed effective interventions for dyslexia. The NINDS highlights the importance of individualising the approach to address the specific learning challenges of individuals with dyslexia. This approach is commonly referred to as the Orton-Gillingham approach.
Multisensory Techniques for Effective Dyslexia Tutoring
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 carefully crafted to be structured, diagnostic, cumulative, engaging, and creative. By providing one-on-one or small group sessions, we can maintain a high level of attention and engagement while effectively addressing the specific needs of each student.
How do our practitioners and therapists specialising in MSL approaches offer guidance and assistance to students with dyslexia?
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 offer two options when it comes to dyslexia tutoring, ensuring that primary, secondary, and university students and beyond are able to access the support offered by Neurosensory.
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.
Digital Dyslexia Therapy/Tutoring
Online tutoring offers dyslexic students the convenience of accessing support remotely, allowing them to work around their schedule and commitments. This flexibility is particularly beneficial when a carer is unwell or has work commitments, as short periods of online sessions can be accommodated. Additionally, tutors can observe the student’s facial expressions and engagement while working with the reading material.
Are you or a loved one seeking learning assistance after being diagnosed with dyslexia? Our experienced dyslexia tutors are available and ready to offer their support.
Dyslexia Evaluations for Both 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.
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.
Prior to pursuing a dyslexia diagnosis, it is advisable to schedule a hearing and vision check to eliminate any other potential issues that may impact reading and spelling comprehension.
Frequently Asked Questions
Certainly, provided that the tutor has the necessary experience and knowledge of evidence-based dyslexia interventions. This is why we prefer the term ‘educational therapy’ over ‘tutoring.’ Generic tutoring services may not be effective for individuals with dyslexia or other specific learning disabilities. Many of our students had been attending tutoring for an extended period with limited improvement until they enrolled in our targeted therapeutic program. We offer personalised attention and the opportunity to address the specific learning needs of each student. Our aim is to help them gain a deeper 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.
When determining a diagnosis, the following areas are typically evaluated:
- Gather a comprehensive history (including medical, developmental, educational, and family background)
- Evaluate the learning capabilities and limitations of the individual
- Take into account the observations and feedback from the child’s teacher, as well as the test scores provided by the school
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.
Diagnosis of dyslexia in primary aged children usually occurs within the first two years of school, as this is the period when they begin learning to read. However, there are cases where children are diagnosed before they develop reading skills. Moreover, some individuals may not receive a diagnosis until adolescence or adulthood, as they may have successfully masked their symptoms during their earlier years.
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.
Experience progress with a dyslexia tutor
When tutoring dyslexic children, it is important to be patient as they often develop an aversion to learning due to a sense of inadequacy. Our approach involves incorporating games into the learning process, making it enjoyable and assisting in the retraining of the child’s brain to overcome these challenges.
On the contrary, dyslexic adults are usually eager to learn, improve, and actively involved 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.
NDIS Funding for Dyslexia
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.
The Australian Dyslexia Foundation aims to help people who cannot afford necessary remediation for dyslexia and related conditions. It is a charity with fully deductible tax and gift status, and while funds for it are presently limited, we will update you when it is in a position to help.
Are you prepared to delve into the world of multisensory learning?
If you’re in need of dyslexia remediation, you’ve come to the right place. At Neurosensory, we are deeply committed to helping individuals of all ages overcome the learning obstacles presented by dyslexia. Our experienced MSL therapists and tutors will create a personalised program tailored to your specific needs, ensuring that you can achieve your academic goals and receive the necessary support for the future.