Dyslexia Assessment and Support for Multisensory Learning in Clemton Park
Challenges in Learning Reading and Writing
Whom can dyslexia affect?
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.
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.
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.
In cases of adult-onset dyslexia, it often arises due to brain injury or in the context of dementia, contrasting with individuals who were not assessed or diagnosed with dyslexia during childhood and adolescence. Dyslexia can be inherited within certain families, and recent studies have revealed specific genes that may predispose individuals to dyslexia.
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).
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 rooted in the groundbreaking contributions of Samuel Orton and Anna Gillingham, who pioneered effective interventions for dyslexia. The NINDS underscores the need to tailor the approach to address the specific learning difficulties of individuals with dyslexia. This approach is commonly known as the Orton-Gillingham approach.
Multisensory Techniques for Effective Dyslexia Tutoring
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.
How do our MSL therapists and practitioners support 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
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.
Conventional 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.
Virtual Dyslexia Therapy/Tutoring
The option of online tutoring enables dyslexic students to receive assistance regardless of their geographical location, granting them the flexibility to manage their schedule and commitments. Furthermore, tutors can take advantage of the visual cues provided by seeing the student’s face as they navigate 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.
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.
It is recommended to arrange a hearing and vision check before seeking a dyslexia diagnosis to rule out any other factors that may be impacting 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.
Many of our parents contact our services for dyslexia screening or a formal assessment. Your child’s primary school teacher may raise their concerns with you before you’ve noticed any symptoms. Other people have been referred to our services by psychologists, GP’s, paediatricians or speech pathologists. You can book child or adult dyslexia assessments with us at Neurosensory, and we can refer you to an appropriate provider if additional assessment is required.
In the process of diagnosing, the following areas are commonly assessed:
- Take a history (covering medical, developmental, education and family)
- Evaluate the learning capabilities and limitations of the individual
- Consider what the child’s teacher says, along with test scores supplied for the school
The diagnosis of dyslexia in children typically involves at least 6 months of targeted instruction in reading skills. However, there is no specific timeframe suggested for adults.
Dyslexia is commonly diagnosed in primary aged children during the initial two years of school when they embark on their reading journey. However, there are instances where children are diagnosed with dyslexia before they acquire reading abilities. Furthermore, some individuals may not receive a diagnosis until their adolescent or adult years as they may have effectively concealed their symptoms throughout their childhood.
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 important to note that while some individuals may exhibit numerous signs of dyslexia, others may only display 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 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.
Can Dyslexia Qualify for NDIS Funding?
Dyslexia and other specific learning disorders are typically not eligible for NDIS funding unless additional conditions like Autism or Intellectual Delay are present. As a result, many individuals with dyslexia struggle to access affordable remediation services. While some support may be available through mainstream educational institutions and general programs, these options often lack the necessary targeting, flexibility, and duration 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, a charitable organisation with fully deductible tax and gift status, strives to assist individuals who are financially unable to access necessary dyslexia remediation. While funding is presently limited, updates regarding the foundation’s ability to provide help will be communicated.
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.