Frequently Asked Questions

Well if the brain hasn’t developed efficient pathways after good teaching, extra help from parents or a tutor they probably won’t. There then needs to be external help to change the way the brain talks to itself. Not more of the same therapies.

Many of TDT’s clients are intelligent people that have inefficient processing which is holding them back. The brain to be able to read and understand must process information in a very specific way. If we haven’t had the right foundations put in place such as:

• a normal delivery
• plenty of tummy time
• movement as we move through our developmental milestones
• exposure to toxins
• genetic predisposition

There are several factors that can contribute to a learning difficulty and if we look at the neurological cause of the inefficient processing (how the brain talks to itself) we can improve the ability to learn which is a very high skill.

Early intervention has been proven to be the most effective intervention time. TTDT is lucky to work with all age groups and it is never too late but the impact on self-esteem the older TDT’s clients are can be quite destructive and limiting. The consequence of inaction can be social struggles or school failure.

TDT offers a comprehensive full assessment that highlights the areas of the client’s strength and difficulties.

By looking at the strengths and difficulties we find the underlying causes of the learning difficulty or the behaviour problem of the client. During the assessment, you as the parent decide the best program (with help of TDT’s clinician of course) for your needs:

• What will fit into your busy family life?
• How compliant your child is through the learning process?
• How much support you have?
• How you can implement the programs at home?

A whole range of issues are considered [individualised] and all of TDT’s programs can be flexible in our application and approach. These can be implemented slowly and build over time as the way information is processed in the brain is improved.

TDT has a proven track record of providing real supports and change for their clients. TDT began this journey with their own children who had severe diagnosis’ of a range of learning difficulties. Currently, their learning outcomes are exceptional from not being able to read at all or not being able to follow instruction or understand the environment around them to achieving A’s in Yr 7 and Yr 10.

With the client having control over parts of the program this helps develop the clients Agency (the development of the ability to make choices). This, in turn, develops self-esteem, improved mental health, self-awareness, and motivation to achieve.

Firstly, if they are not achieving and life is a struggle they already know something isn’t right. By coming to TDT they will most likely feel validated that yes there are things that are impacting on their ability to learn. They will find out how things they can do can affect change in their learning behaviours and outcomes. They will realise that if they continue to work hard like they do they will certainly achieve success, not like they are now.

TDT has had great success with teenagers undertaking both the auditory and movement therapy programs. They even came to do the literacy intervention program which is fabulous for visual and auditory learning as it gives them all the options of the speech sounds in words.

Once they realise that they are in control of their therapy and how much they world will change for the better, during and after this therapy, they become vested in the program. Throughout the program, they are shown improvements in their processing abilities.

They have access to individual coaching for developing their own agency with regards to their learning.

They have access to the clinicians to discuss any issues they may have to validate how they are feeling and how hard things have been for them throughout their life.

The diagnostic process and assessment highlight the areas of strengths and weaknesses that they have and the clinicians courage them to pursue this while being aware of their weaknesses and by using mistakes in their learning where they can learn a great deal about themselves. About how they learn and how they can improve their learning in the future.

The clinicians work very closely with the teenagers if that’s what they want. A clinician can help parents through developing routines and strategies to help the teenagers become more independent, develop that agency in their learning and in applying the programs into their lives. Many of TDT’s clients are actually extremely good at sports and by undertaking movement and Auditory therapy they will find that their sport will improve. Specific skills will improve and become even better athletes as a result.

TDT therapists offer ongoing supports for our students via email or phone. Some students appreciate tips and hints on ways to improve their memory or study techniques. We can troubleshoot particular behaviours and advocate for students with their teachers or learning support for better access and understanding for the student.

TDT encourages agency, so students learn how they want/need to learn and develop the skills to put those things in place with their teachers.

Our approach is also available with Adults in their study or work environments.

TDT has a range of assessments available for Toddlers, Students and Adults depending on the client’s goals. The assessments can be online, at the clinic or in your home (for an extra fee)

We tailor-make each of our assessments to the needs of the client.

TDT considers the functioning of the visual systems, spoken language processing and the sensory system as the drivers of neuro function. We use teacher and parent observations, as well as the therapists, to develop a holistic approach. Our comprehensive assessments are user-friendly and adaptable for use with other therapists, education or work environments to ensure collaboration for the best interests of our clients.

Our Early Childhood Assessments take a few hours with a play-based approach where we quickly develop rapport with a child-led activity.

Our Student Assessments are very flexible and do take many hours to complete if needed. 4-5 hrs.

Adult Assessments usually take around 3-4 hours, dependent on the goals of the client. Our clients have agency over their therapy, and as the approach is flexible, TDT therapists can alter it anytime. By doing this, our clients have ownership and are more likely to be compliant. Improvements are discussed at each assessment at 6 or 8 weekly intervals – dependent on the client’s needs.

Strengths and weaknesses are highlighted, and our therapists encourage them to harness their strengths and develop mindfulness of their weaknesses as they watch them lessen and change. Change can be challenging, and we ask all support people to help with co-regulation through this process. Our Blog gives strategies to assist through this phase.

All our clients can work through their developmental phases learning new skills and awareness at any age.

At each assessment phase, the therapists discuss the assessment results, which shows improvements in many areas including but not confined to; behaviour, speech, understanding language, lessening of sensitivities, improved motor control and development, improved visual skills and memory in all age groups.

TDT can email schools about individual clients needs and improvements. TDT can also implement our programs in schools for all ages as an intervention program.

TDT offers a range of Professional Development on learning and behaviour related to development and neuroplasticity. Like our customised programs, so too are our PD’s. We align them in such a way as to help foster an awareness and increase in supports. TDT has therapists with teaching qualifications that understand the constraints of the system on both students and teachers and can offer helpful accommodations for the classroom.

Our programs run no longer than 18 months if the reassessments timeframe of each 6-8 weeks is adhered to. Many of our clients complete their programs in one year; it is very much dependent on the starting point of the client and the complexity of their needs.

When our clients have asked their Neurologists about neuroplasticity therapies like the ones we use, they get told there isn’t enough research around them. The research from authors like Taylor PHD, Doidge, Shawytz, Goddard Blythe, Dempsey and Dehaene shows that research has been collected since the 1960s on such techniques.

TDT has assisted clients with Acquired Brain Injuries, Traumatic Brain Injuries and Genetic Disorders. Most commonly seen are Diagnosed Disorders, Seizures, Tremors and debilitating migraines.  Many of their Neurologists have said they can’t find the problem that causes their struggles, and they need to take medications. Whereas European Therapists are more progressive and embrace the research, recommend therapies and get great results with their clients.

We recommend reading any of the authors mentioned above, particularly Norman Doidge The Brain That Changes Itself and the Brain’s Way of Healing. These books give you a great background into therapies that positively impact and rejuvenate neural pathways, creating stronger connections that improve information processing, resulting in improved behaviours and learning.