Dyslexia Assessment and Multisensory Learning Support in Belmore
Challenges in Learning Reading and Writing
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.
What is dyslexia?
According to 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 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
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.
The Multisensory Approach to Learning With Dyslexia
The NINDS states that the central focus of dyslexia treatment should be addressing the specific learning difficulties experienced by individuals. Neurosensory’s multisensory approach is supported by the International Dyslexia Association, the World Health Organization, and respected practitioners and researchers internationally.
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 characterised by its structured, diagnostic, cumulative, engaging, and creative nature. Whether through one-on-one or small group sessions, we strive to maintain high levels of attention and engagement, ensuring that the individual needs of each student are effectively addressed.
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
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.
Face-to-Face Dyslexia Therapy/Tutoring
With in-person tutoring, students will meet with their tutor in a controlled learning environment that provides fewer distractions. Sessions can be held one-on-one or in small groups, depending on the needs and comfort levels of the student.
Virtual 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.
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.
Assessments for 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 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
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:
- Assess the individual’s background through a comprehensive history (including medical, developmental, educational, and family aspects)
- Assess the individual’s strengths and weaknesses in learning
- Take into account the observations and feedback from the child’s teacher, as well as the test scores provided by the school
Diagnosing dyslexia in children often requires a minimum of 6 months of targeted instruction in reading skills. However, there is no prescribed time period 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.
Keep in mind that some people have many signs of dyslexia, whereas others only have 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.
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 advancement of reading, writing, and maths skills in individuals with dyslexia is determined by factors such as the specific type and severity of dyslexia, as well as the extent of practice they invest in.
Accessing NDIS Support for Dyslexia
Dyslexia and other specific learning disorders are generally not eligible for NDIS funding unless other conditions such as Autism or Intellectual Delay are present. Unfortunately, this leaves many people with it stretched or unable to access affordable remediation. Limited help is available through mainstream educational institutions such as schools and tertiary providers, and the occasional general program may be in place. However, available programs often lack sufficient targeting, flexibility and duration to address 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 eager to discover the potential 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.