Dyslexia Assessment and Support for Multisensory Learning in Hurlstone Park
Reading and Writing Learning Challenges
Who does dyslexia affect?
Statistics suggest that dyslexia affects approximately 1 in 10 individuals and tends to be hereditary. If you have dyslexia, it’s probable that you have a family member who shares the same condition or encounters challenges with reading and spelling.
Dyslexia is typically identified during primary school as difficulties with reading and writing become evident. However, some individuals may not receive a diagnosis until later, including adulthood. Studies have revealed a higher prevalence of dyslexia in boys compared to girls.
How is dyslexia characterised?
According to information from 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 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.
How Does the Multisensory Approach Benefit Individuals With Dyslexia?
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 founded on the groundbreaking research of Samuel Orton and Anna Gillingham, who developed effective interventions for dyslexia. The NINDS highlights the importance of individualising the approach to address the specific learning challenges of individuals with dyslexia. This approach is commonly referred to 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 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 Choices
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.
In-Person 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
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 in need of learning support following a dyslexia diagnosis? Our team of dyslexia tutors is prepared and eager to provide assistance.
Assessing 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 .
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.
FAQs about Dyslexia
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.
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.
In the process of diagnosing, the following areas are commonly assessed:
- Take a history (covering medical, developmental, education and family)
- Investigate learning strengths and weaknesses
- Give weight to the input and feedback provided by the child’s teacher, along with the school’s test scores
Typically, a minimum of 6 months of targeted instruction in reading skills is necessary before diagnosing dyslexia in children. However, there is no specific time frame recommended for adults.
The typical timeframe for diagnosing dyslexia in primary aged children is within the first two years of school when they commence learning to read. However, there are cases where children are diagnosed prior to acquiring reading skills. Additionally, some individuals may not receive a diagnosis until adolescence or adulthood, as they may have adeptly masked their symptoms during their upbringing.
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.
Achieve growth 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 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 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.
Neurosensory is dedicated to helping individuals with their applications for NDIS or other funding.
The Australian Dyslexia Foundation aims to help people who cannot afford necessary remediation for dyslexia and related conditions. It is a charity with fully deductible tax and gift status, and while funds for it are presently limited, we will update you when it is in a position to help.
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.