Brain Training

Assessments

Problems with attention, memory, academics, problem solving, or immature/inappropriate behaviors, are often caused by an underlying sensory processing disorder. Since sensory processing disorders are so common among individuals with these complaints, a test of auditory processing functions (not related to hearing) will be performed at intake. This test identifies any problems understanding spoken language in background noise, understanding high frequency consonants, understanding the rapid changes in speech related to plurals, negatives, and verb-tense endings, and understanding speech when more than one speaker is talking.

Dr. Percaccio also uses standardized tests to assess executive functions such as the ability to recognize patterns, the ability to understand concepts, visual and auditory memory skills, and pragmatic langauge comprehension. These tests provide a clear picture of how a brain interprets what it hears and sees and how it learns. At this point an intervention plan is designed to remediate any issues. Typically a student will attend sessions once or twice a week until their academic and cognitive skills are sufficient for independent success.

The length of time needed to accomplish these goals differ from student to student, but generally require at least one year, and often multiple years, of intervention.

Gifted students with sensory processing problems who are experiencing difficulties in school or with the social demands of peers are seen individually or in small groups.

Cognitive Training

Cognitive training, also called cognitive therapy, uses games, logic training, math games, problem solving strategy development, and building to develop organization, memory, planning, problem solving, creative thinking, flexibility, and attention. Students learn how to break problems down into smaller parts and solve the parts sequentially, how to use mnemonic (memory) strategies to recall short-term facts, how to analyze written or spoken language to understand its meaning, and how to interpret and respond appropriately across a wide range of contexts.

Cognitive therapy has been found to raise intelligence, enhance memory and learning skills, and produce higher level academic performance.

Tutoring

Tutoring is available for a wide variety of subjects for grades 1-college. Younger students are seen for half an hour two to three times a week and older students are seen twice a week for an hour.

College Mentoring

This program provides both academic and emotional support for college students with sensory processing disorders. Support includes weekly visits either in person or through Skype/Facetime, monitoring classes and assignments to make sure that students understand and turn in assignments on time, and tutoring throughout the semester.

Call today for an appointment: 512-296-0102