A Working Mind was founded in 2006 by a group of individuals interested in bringing the best of science-based cognitive skill development programs to the marketplace. These proven, software-based interventions are specifically designed to help children with serious attention deficits. We met recently with Chief Operating Officer Gary L. Showalter, and listened as he described the educational programs A Working Mind has to offer;
A Working Mind was selected by Cogmed to be this area's exclusive distributor of a software program called RoboMemo. Designed at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden, RoboMemo is a software-based cognitive development and memory training program targeted to children dealing with memory and attention deficit disorders. A coach supported program, RoboMemo's daily sessions of computer exercises enjoy a proven success rate of 80%!
Working memory is the ability to keep information in your mind for a short period of time while using it to carry out a task. Working memory is essential for control of attention, reading comprehension, mathematical reasoning, resisting distraction, keeping instructions in mind, problem solving, and fluid intelligence. Signs of a working memory deficit are often manifested by an inability to maintain attention, distractibility, an inability to start projects or follow them through to completion, problems remembering instructions, difficulties getting organized, learning difficulties, or a habit of interrupting or not waiting for one's turn. A deficit in working memory can lead to poorer performance in math, science, and reading, and is often lower in children with ADHD or related symptoms. The good news is that working memory can be trained!
RoboMemo is a computer-based set of ten recall exercises designed to be performed five days a week for five weeks. Each exercise floats to the level of ability of the student. As they get answers right, the level gets harder; as they answer incorrectly, the level gets easier. A trained coach guides the training process and monitors the progress of the student, and an adult aide ensures the child is always motivated. The training measures working memory capacity as each day of training is concluded, and interviews to describe how the child is functioning are completed before and after the training. Aside from a home computer with a high speed Internet connection, mouse, and speakers, no additional accessories are required.
Before beginning the Cogmed working memory training, a screen is completed to see if your child qualifies for working memory training. If he/she is qualified, a start-up meeting with a Cogmed-Certified coach is arranged with A Working Mind. Once the program kit has been purchased, you receive a user name, password, and a program CD. As the training begins, your coach will be calling once a week, and at the end of training you will meet with the coach to review the results and determine the effectiveness of the training. In every study and in all settings where RoboMemo has been used properly, eighty percent of the children trained have improved their ability to control impulsive behavior, concentrate, and use complex reasoning to solve problems.
A Working Mind is organized around groups of individuals having a tremendous amount of experience in assisting individuals from all walks of life in a variety of different ways. We have speakers and coaches available to meet with school administrators, PTA groups, physicians, psychologists, and parents to introduce A Working Mind and the beneficial programs we offer.
A Working Mind specializes in products designed to improve the ability to concentrate and control impulsive behavior. Call A Working Mind today, and don't forget to tell them The Advocate sent you!
