Dyslexia Assessment and Support for Multisensory Learning in Earlwood
Learning Difficulties in Reading and Writing
Whom does dyslexia impact?
It’s estimated that around one in 10 people have dyslexia. It tends to run in families – if you have dyslexia, it’s likely that you have a family member who also has it or who has other reading and spelling problems.
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.
How would you define dyslexia?
As per 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 cases of adult-onset dyslexia, it often arises due to brain injury or in the context of dementia, contrasting with individuals who had undiagnosed 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
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).
The Multisensory Approach to Learning With Dyslexia
According to the NINDS, the primary emphasis in treating dyslexia should be on addressing the specific learning challenges faced by individuals. Neurosensory’s multisensory approach is endorsed by esteemed organisations like the International Dyslexia Association, the World Health Organization, and leading experts and researchers around the world.
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.
Dyslexia Tutoring with a Multisensory Approach
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 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.
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
Explore 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.
Traditional In-Person Dyslexia Therapy/Tutoring
At Neurosensory, we offer in-person tutoring where students can work closely with their tutor in a controlled learning environment. With fewer distractions, we ensure that students receive the focused attention they need, whether in one-on-one sessions or small groups.
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 a loved one seeking learning assistance after being diagnosed with dyslexia? Our experienced dyslexia tutors are available and ready to offer their support.
Assessing Dyslexia in Adults and Children
Neurosensory employs a recognised battery of psychometric tests appropriate to the age of the person coming in for dyslexia assessment. Full written assessments are available on request. We can also provide streamlined screening for educational and vocational placement if a full report is not required.
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
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:
- Conduct a thorough evaluation of the individual’s history (including medical, developmental, educational, and familial factors)
- Explore the individual’s learning strengths and weaknesses
- 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.
Dyslexia can be identified through various warning signs, such as delayed speech, trouble pronouncing specific words, struggles in alphabet learning, difficulty in writing their own name, frequent reading errors, slow and expressionless reading, avoidance of reading tasks, challenges in comprehending written material, and a restricted 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.
Conversely, dyslexic adults are typically highly motivated to learn, improve, and actively participate in the process of ‘re-training’ their brains.
The improvement of an individual’s reading, writing and maths skills will depend on the type of dyslexia they have, its severity, and the amount of practice they put in.
NDIS Funding Options 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.
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 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.