Multisensory Learning Support and Assessment For Dyslexia in Croydon Park
Challenges in Learning Reading and Writing
Who can be affected by dyslexia?
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.
Dyslexia is typically diagnosed in primary school when problems with reading and writing first become apparent. However, many people are diagnosed later on – some not even until adulthood. Research has shown that it’s more common in boys than girls.
How is dyslexia characterised?
According to 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
Specific Learning Disorder in Reading, also known as dyslexia, is acknowledged 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 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 built upon the pioneering research conducted by Samuel Orton and Anna Gillingham, who developed effective interventions for dyslexia. The NINDS highlights the importance of customising the approach to target the specific learning challenges faced by individuals with dyslexia. This approach is widely recognised as the Orton-Gillingham approach.
Enhancing Multisensory Tutoring Skills for Dyslexia
As explained above, standard teaching methods as employed by many tutors will not be effective for students with dyslexia. Multisensory therapy is based on integrating learning through the sight/visual, sound/auditory, and touch/movement/kinesthetic senses.
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.
What methods do our MSL therapists and practitioners employ to assist 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 Choices
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
Our in-person tutoring option allows students to engage with their tutor in a controlled learning environment, minimising distractions and maximising focus. Whether they prefer one-on-one sessions or small group settings, we accommodate their needs and comfort levels.
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.
Assessments for Dyslexia in Adults and 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.
Our screening and assessment process may also uncover other issues that may necessitate referral to healthcare professionals, including 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.
Answers to Common Questions
Yes, providing the tutor has experience and knowledge of research-based dyslexia interventions. This is why we prefer to use the term ‘educational therapy’ rather than ‘tutoring’ Not just any old tutoring service will work if dyslexia or other specific learning disabilities are present. Some of our students had been attending tutoring for years with little improvement before enrolling in our targeted therapeutic service. We offer personal attention and the opportunity to address the student’s specific learning needs. We aim to help them gain a better understanding of themselves as learners so they can move forwards.
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 forming a diagnosis, the following areas are typically taken into consideration:
- Conduct a thorough evaluation of the individual’s history (including medical, developmental, educational, and familial factors)
- Evaluate the learning capabilities and limitations of the individual
- Consider the insights and assessments provided by the child’s teacher, as well as the school’s test scores
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 is dedicated to helping individuals with their applications for NDIS or other funding.
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 excited to embark on a journey of multisensory learning?
If you’re seeking dyslexia remediation, you’ve found the right resource. At Neurosensory, we are dedicated to assisting both children and adults in overcoming the learning challenges associated with dyslexia. Our team of MSL therapists and tutors will customise a program to meet your specific needs, ensuring that you can achieve your academic goals and receive the support you need moving forward.