1. the discovery that the human brain produces new cells (neurogenesis) and new networks (neurodevelopment) throughout life
2. a better understanding of how brains rewire themselves and how sensory, emotional, and learning experiences affect the brain
3. a new appreciation for how immune reactions, metabolic processes, sensory experiences and hormones affect brain functions
4. a new understanding of the vestibular system in the brain and how vestibular functions affect behavior, learning, and language

These advances have provided a clear method for promoting brain repair and brain development. By simply respecting the basic principles of how brains process and store information and how they build networks it is possible to achieve dramatic progress in play, language, social, emotional, and motor development.   

At Brain Training we create stimulating and meaningful learning environments that are designed to stimulate neurogenesis and help rewire areas of a child's brain that have not developed normally.  Our goals are to: 

1. help the child understand their world and the people in it
2. promote intellectual development in all areas 
3. help a child develop conversational language skills
4. stimulate the development of social skills and empathy
5. address any sensory, immune, or metabolic disorder that may interfere with rehabilitation

6. help the child become happy, self-confident and productive

STAGES, CONCEPTS AND TOYS IN PLAY DEVELOPMENT

STAGES AND STRATEGIES FOR LATE LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT

 EVALUATIONS

Evaluations involve free play in a play room stocked with toys from every stage of development.  The therapist observes and interacts with the child to determine:

--the child's current stage of play and language development 

--what concepts the child is trying to understand

--how the child obtains information from their environment 

--how the child responds to information from the adult

--how the child responds to novelty and variety

In addition we assess a child's:

--sensory responses to sound and movement

--vestibular development

--social and emotional responsiveness  

At the evaluation parents are given the new book, Brain Training: New Hope for Children with Developmental Delays. This text explains the methods and science behind our approach and includes chapters on:

--why brains fail to develop properly

--how to promote language and play skills at each stage of development

--how to create learning enviornments that stimulate the development of new brain cells and connections between networks

--vestibular functions and their importance in development and language

--the gut-brain-endocrine-immune link and how heavy metals, metabolic diseases, and abnormal hormonal or intestinal functions affect behavior and learning 

THERAPY

Children within the Dallas-Fort Worth area come once or twice a week for 45 minute play sessions with Dr. MacAlpine.  During these sessions Dr. MacAlpine teaches parents:

-how to facilitate cognitive development through play and other normal family activities

-simple techniques to facilitate development of language

-why children engage in self-stimulation and how to use fun activities to eliminate a child's need for self-stimulation

-how to turn tantrums or repetitive behaviors into learning opportunities

h-ow to address common parenting problems (e.g. toileting, haircuts, feeding, and discipline)

Improvements should be seen immediately with this approach. Within 4-6 weeks there is usually a temporary regression of skills followed by a move to a higher skill level of play or language.

COST

EVALUATIONS

Evaluations are charged at $350 for a 3 hour session. Reports are $100 extra.

THERAPY

All therapy sessions are provided at cost as a non-profit service. Costs for therapy sessions are calculated each year by dividing all rent and utility expenses with the number of patients on the current case load. Therapy costs for the 2004 calendar year are $200 per patient (one session per week). Monthly charges must be paid on or before the 1st of the month to ensure that we can pay our rent and continue to offer this low cost service. Your insurance provider may reimburse therapy expenses and you will receive a statement to file with your insurance provider at the end of each month. We can not file insurance for you and all services must be paid at the time of service. We accept all major credit cards.

CONSULTATIONS

Consultations are $100 per hour.

The current CPT insurance code for evaluation of developmental delay is 96111; cognitive therapy is 97532.   Your insurance provider can tell you if these codes are covered expenses on your plan.