Unlocking Learning Potential

May, 2009

Welcome to the first issue of our e-newsletter! While we have been working with homeschoolers with a special emphasis for those who have learning challenges since 1994, March 16, 2009 marks the day we opened the Center for Neuro Development. We have the benefit of having two Medical Advisors: Dr. Thomas Young and Dr. Gary Kiefer. Also, Cyndi Ringoen, cofounder and current president of the International Christian Association of Neurodevelopmentalists is our Neurodevelopmental Advisor.

What is the Neurodevelopmental Approach?

By Maggie Dail

            Labels represent a group of symptoms exhibited by an individual. Many approaches target those symptoms. On the other hand, the Neurodevelopmental approach seeks to find the underlining neurodevelopmental causes and prepares an Individual Neurodevelopmental Plan. The Neurodevelopmentalist designs this INP with a list of activities that develop the areas of deficiency. Most often, labels limit expectations rather than lead to a solution. The Neurodevelopmentalist looks at the five sensory ways of sensory input: tactile (taste and smell), auditory and visual as well as the three areas of motor output: fine motor, expressive language and gross motor. All of these areas are necessary in the process of neurological organization.

To read the rest of this article click here: http://www.specialhelps.com/NeurodevelopmentalApproach.htm

For Parents Who Are Searching for An Alternative to Drugs for ADD / ADHD

At three years of age, our son was diagnosed with behavioral and social issues. He was unable to function or behave appropriately in a preschool or daycare setting. We were referred to Child Find, who, at that time, placed him in a special education classroom. Unfortunately, his behavior did not improve. In first grade he tried to put scissors to his neck while trying to cut himself saying that he wanted to die. He did this while in front of his class. The school psychologist suggested therapy, which we gladly tried. We were at a loss as to why and how he had gotten worse, especially since we were doing everything, short of medication, that we were asked to do by his teachers and school psychologist. During this time, his academics suffered greatly. He struggled to read and write and learn basic math concepts. He didn’t even fully know his ABC’s until the end of first grade and things did not get better. By the third grade, we were open to anything, including medication. We got a diagnosis of ADD along with a prescription for Ritalin. The first two weeks on the medication, we noticed a difference. He was calm and more easily controllable. Then one day it just stopped working for him. Even though he was taking the meds, it had no effect on him whatsoever. After doing much research online and with our family doctor, we found that to be a common problem with much of the different medication that is used for ADD and ADHD. Both our family and our doctor were shocked to see the different statistics against the usage of medication to treat this problem. The most impressive were the studies done after the children had reached puberty and were taken off the medication permanently. The numbers of illegal drug use among these children were 2:1. We knew then that we had to find something else.

Through a friend who had a child with learning disabilities, we found out about the Neurodevelopment approach. This approach addresses the issues with activities that are designed to specifically stimulate the brain causing normal development to occur, thus eliminating those difficulties.  While this approach demands much of our time to date we have noticed a great deal of change. Our son is now able to focus on specific tasks as well as having an increase in self-esteem. His behavior has improved greatly and his social functioning is normal. He no longer fidgets or acts out inappropriately. His academics are steadily improving which has contributed to his increase in self-esteem. We no longer hear him call himself stupid and he no longer puts himself down or is unwilling to try new tasks for fear of failure. The Neurodevelopment approach has done for our son is what medication, special education, and psychologists could not do. It has given us the tools to fix the core problems in his development, not just cover over it and hope that he will out grow it.

Finally, as parents, it is our responsibility to exhaust all methods before we subject them to the potential harm and lasting side effects of medication.

T and M. – May 15, 2005

What is Happening at the Center for Neuro Development?

            The Center for Neuro Development presents a FREE Introductory Lecture at the Center the 2^nd Monday of every month. Our first was in April. The next one will be May 11, 2009! We begin at 6:00 p.m.   Call for questions, get directions or just to let us know you will be joining us!

            We are gearing up for a special summer session: July 14-August 21 We will be meeting 3 days a week (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday) during this session allowing families to take long weekend trips and still providing some consistency during the summer. If you know someone who faces learning challenges contact us. Those interested in this session please notify us as soon as possible as we need to schedule an assessment / evaluation by June 25. Those interested in the school year session beginning the 2^nd week of September, be sure to get in touch with us so that the necessary assessment / evaluation will be done by the beginning of September.

Position Available: Brain Training Coordinator

            We are praying for God to send us a person or persons who will train to work with our clients and their parents on implementing Individualized Neurodevelopmental Plans. Contact us for more details.