Alexandra Matthews, Ph.D. (Psy16219)

Cogmed Coaching Addresses Attention Problems

"Working Memory refers to a brain system that provides temporary storage and manipulation of information necessary necessary for tasks such as language comprehension, learning, and reasoning" (Alan Baddeley)  Constraints in Working Memory can cause difficulties in attention, academic, social, and emotional functioning. 

A large body of scientific evidence has proven that what we do changes how our brain functions.  Cogmed Working Memory Training has been shown to change brain function; to increase Working Memory capacity; and to be associated with improved math, reading, and listening ability.

Parents say: My child communicates better; My child is more focused; My child has matured; My child takes more initiative.

Teachers say: The student is calmer; The student concentrates better; Academic performance improves; The student seems more interested in school.

Users say: I can concentrate better at school/work; I remember better; I don't forget things as easily; I feel less restless.

To find out more about Cogmed Working Memory Training, visit the Cogmed website or contact me.

Cogmed Working Memory Training: How It Works

There are three age-appropriate Cogmed programs, for preschooler, children/adolescents, and adults. Each program is proven to improve working memory and strengthen executive functions.

The training consists of targeted working memory tasks that are done on your home computer.  The difficulty level adjusts to keep you challenged for maximum growth in Working Memory capacity.

Cogmed combines cognitive neuroscience, innovative computer game design, and professional coaching support to deliver an 80% success rate and substantial and lasting benefits to Cogmed users.

Cogmed Training includes:

• An initial interview to determine whether Cogmed is right for you/your child.
• A session in my office to go over the training program, to explain to your child the benefits of Cogmed, and to set up a schedule of training and rewards.
• Weekly telephone coaching sessions to go over progress, trouble-shoot any problems, and to keep your child motivated and  working up to his/her potential.
• A wrap up session to review progress.
• A written report for your records.
  
• Twenty-five sessions of Cogmed training.
• One hundred Cogmed maintenance sessions.
• Ongoing Cogmed training available at a discounted annual rate.
  

Is Working Memory A Challenge For You or Your Child?

1. Is easily distracted when working on or doing something that is not highly interesting.
2. Has trouble waiting his/her turn, for example in a conversation or when waiting in line to get help.
3. Struggles with reading comprehension and has to read through texts repeatedly to understand.
4. Struggles with problem solving that require holding information in mind, for example mental math calculations.
5. Is inconsistent in remembering math facts.
6. Struggles with completing tasks, especially multiple step tasks.
7. Has difficulty remembering long instruction given in several steps, for example following recipes, directions or school/work assignments.
8. Struggles to understand the context in a story or a conversation.
9. Has difficulties when planning and organizing something that needs to be done in separate steps.
10. Has difficulty staying focused during demanding cognitive tasks but attends well when cognitive demands are minimal.
11. Has difficulty integrating new information with prior knowledge.
12. When called on, forgets what he/she was planning to say.
13. Has difficulty taking notes and listening at the same time.

If you think this list describes you or your child,  Cogmed training may be helpful.  For more information, contact me or visit the Cogmed website.