Dyslexia Assessment and Support for Multisensory Learning in Hurlstone Park
Reading and Writing Learning Challenges
Who does dyslexia affect?
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.
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.
Evaluations frequently entail eliminating other potential factors like vision and hearing problems prior to proceeding with a formal dyslexia assessment.
How is dyslexia characterised?
As per the US National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke,
Dyslexia is a brain-based type of learning disability that specifically impairs a person’s ability to read. These individuals typically read at levels significantly lower than expected despite having normal intelligence. Although the disorder varies from person to person, common characteristics among people with dyslexia are difficulty with phonological processing (the manipulation of sounds), spelling, and/or rapid visual-verbal responding.
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).
What Is the Significance of the Multisensory Approach in Dyslexia Education?
According to the NINDS, the main focus of treatment for dyslexia should be on the specific learning problems of individuals. Neurosensory’s multisensory approach is endorsed by the International Dyslexia Association, the World Health Organisation, and leading practitioners and researchers worldwide.
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.
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 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
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.
Traditional In-Person 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.
Remote Dyslexia Therapy/Tutoring
With online tutoring, dyslexic students can conveniently receive support regardless of their location, providing flexibility to accommodate their other commitments. Moreover, tutors can benefit from the ability to observe the student’s facial expressions as they interact with the information they’re reading.
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
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.
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 .
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.
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.
Many parents contact us for dyslexia screening or formal assessments. It is not uncommon for your child’s primary school teacher to raise concerns before you become aware of any symptoms. Referrals to our services also come from psychologists, GP’s, paediatricians, or speech pathologists. You can book dyslexia assessments for children or adults at Neurosensory, and if additional assessment is required, we can provide appropriate referrals.
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)
- Evaluate the learning capabilities and limitations of the individual
- Give weight to the input and feedback provided by the child’s teacher, along with 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.
Primary aged children are usually diagnosed with dyslexia during the first two years of school, as this is when they usually start learning to read. Although rare, it is possible for children to be diagnosed before they can read. There are also many cases of people not being diagnosed until adolescence or adulthood, as they were able to mask their symptoms growing up.
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.
See improvement with a dyslexia tutor
Providing tutoring for dyslexic children requires a great deal of patience, as they often experience avoidance behaviours due to feelings of failure. Our approach involves incorporating learning activities through games, creating an enjoyable experience that helps to retrain the child’s brain and overcome these barriers.
Dyslexic adults, on the other hand, tend to be extremely keen to learn, to improve and are very 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 Options 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 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 prepared to delve into the world 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.