Written by Dr. Sheila Clonan September 27, 2015 @ 9:30 am ![]() Recent neurological studies have given us greater insight into brain plasticity, or the brain’s ability to adapt or change in response to experience. This is the science behind such popular brain exercise apps like LumosityTM and CognifitTM that aim to re-train the brain by making new connections in neural circuits. The idea is that by engaging in intensive and repetitive exercises that are tailored for specific goals, skills like memory, cognitive processing, and attention can be improved. The jury may still be out on the effectiveness of some of these self-administered apps, but there is good research and evidence that brain plasticity is real. There is also substantial evidence that working memory, the part of the brain function that is key in handling processing, can be definitively improved through intensive intervention. This is good news for all, but especially for children who are struggling in school as a result of a learning disability that may have a direct connection to working memory. Such learning disabilities among children include ADHD, Dyslexia, Auditory Processing Disorders and Autism Spectrum Disorders. So, why is working memory so important for a child’s education?
Consider the following. Does your child…
If you answered yes to more than 4 items your child may have a working memory issue and be a candidate for brain re-training. ![]() One of the best interventions to come out of the field of brain plasticity has been Cogmed Working Memory Training. Cogmed is an evidence-based, computerized training program designed by leading neuroscientists to improve attention, concentration and focus by effectively increasing working memory capacity. It is administered by certified professionals. Eighty percent of Cogmed users improve their working memory by an average of 30%. That is significant to a child who may need just a little help in turning learning, concentration and organization from a struggle into a pleasure. Here is a great story of a 4th grader that was on verge of changing schools until he received Cogmed help. Dr. Sheila Clonan is a certified Cogmed Working Memory Training Coach and a Licensed Psychologist practicing in the Upstate New York areas surrounding Syracuse, Rochester, Utica, Binghamton and Watertown. By integrating Cogmed into her practice, Educational Solutions CNY, for child and adolescent testing, assessments, and reading interventions, Sheila can go beyond identifying learning problems and help set students on a path to success. Cogmed can be administered remotely via internet and weekly coach calls by phone, so call Dr. Clonan now at (315) 320-6404 or visit the website to set up a free consultation.
13 Comments
Lorelei
9/28/2015 03:37:18 pm
I would love more information on testing for my daughter. She is 10 and in fifth grade, she struggles with math and reading and has for several years and I'm not sure where to turn now for help or a diagnosis.
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Sheila
9/28/2015 09:23:46 pm
Lorelei, thank you for your comment. I am sorry your daughter is struggling! That is something we definitely can help you with. I will follow up with a personal email.
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Diana Congden
9/28/2015 07:02:52 pm
My son Trace is ADHD and is struggling in reading. He takes much longer to complete work. I suspect he is autistic. My physician wants him to see a neuropsychiatrist.
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Sheila
9/28/2015 09:24:40 pm
Dianna, I am sending you a personal email-- I think we may be able to help your son. Thank you for the comment.
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jamie
9/29/2015 06:18:45 pm
I would love more information. My daughter struggles every day.
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Sheila
9/29/2015 07:50:34 pm
Hi Jamie,
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Patricia
9/29/2015 11:14:55 pm
Can you assess 17 year old? She has been dx with LD @18 months and ADHD @14...getting ready for the real world and struggles even with daily help.
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Barnett Don
8/23/2016 09:37:12 am
After learning about my son’s learning disability, I had him enrolled in a special education school in here in NYC(http://www.aaronschool.org/). Since then things have gotten better, but I would still love to have opinions on his progress and current state. Thank you for the post.
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Latisha
5/3/2017 02:12:01 pm
My son is about to complete kindergarten. He was diagnosed with ADHD and ODD. This school year he has struggle the whole year. He hasn't retained anything. I contacted school about evaluation, but hasn't gotten anywhere.
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Dr. Sheila Clonan
5/10/2017 11:12:54 am
Latisha, I'm sorry, I'm just seeing your comment (I guess since this blog post has been up a while, I didn't go back and check it). Please email us us ([email protected]) -- we can talk you through how to get the school to do an evaluation or help you get a private evaluation. Also, see the ebook I published on this website that also talks you through this process: http://www.educationalsolutionscny.com/our-teams-content.html
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12/12/2022 01:44:43 pm
There is also substantial evidence that working memory, the part of the brain function that is key in handling processing, can be definitively improved through intensive intervention. Thank you for the beautiful post!
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3/31/2023 06:10:35 pm
It is administered by certified professionals. Eighty percent of Cogmed users improve their working memory by an average of That is significant to a child who may need just a little help in turning learning, Thank you for the beautiful post!
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