CertifiKid Field Report: Brain Training of Maryland

As parents we all know what it’s like to want the very best for your kids. That starts from the minute the line or plus sign shows up in the tiny test window. By the time we nudge them on their way out of the nest, we’ll have spent countless hours researching everything from car seats to college admissions. It’s what we do, we’re parents.

So what do you do when you find out your child has a learning challenge? You research. Find the best program for them. Then pour your heart and soul into helping them. That’s where today’s CertifiKid Field Report is rooted.

Team Member Jennifer shares her family’s personal experience at Brain Training of Maryland in Columbia.

My youngest was diagnosed with ADHD 2 years ago. After trying a few medications and modifications, it was clear that we needed to take another approach in helping our son with focus and attention, at school in particular. I stumbled across an ad for Brain Training of Maryland and noticed a few key buzz words we’d learned when our family started this journey: attention and focus, academic performance, athletic performance, impulsivity, social skills, executive function, coordination and balance.

It was like the ad was reading my mind. I was drawn to it, and curious as to whether it would be a fit for us.

I took my son to Brain Training of Maryland (BTofM) for an evaluation. Wow! I was impressed with the science, technology and methods that BTofM bases their program on. This wasn’t some “study skills and cross your fingers” type program.

If I’m being 100% honest, I was skeptical at first. But, I was also desperate to find something to help my child. Kate Ortman, the director of BTofM, suggested a few books for me to read (I read all 1,000 pages, at record speed) and after talking with her, asking questions about what I’d read, and learning more about the research and case studies that back this program up, I was convinced it was at least worth a try.

BTofM employs evidence-based technologies designed to enhance brain function for children and adults. They talked a lot about brain neuroplasticity – how the brain has the ability to create new neuropathways and change with the right tools. Those tools are like a workout for your mind. Who knew you could work out your brain? BTofM, that’s who.

So how do you workout your brain? With exercise. These aren’t like crunches, they’re actually fun things, like – listening to classical music with the Integrated Listening System (ILS), playing Fast FORword computer games and improving neurotiming with the Interactive Metronome.

At BTofM they use a multi-system approach to achieving results for improved focus and attention, reading and language comprehension – all areas where my son needed improvement.

I’d love to tell you that we went in for two sessions and the change happened like snapping your fingers. Like they say, though, nothing worth having ever comes easy. The results I was hoping for didn’t come right away, but I stuck with it. I took my son to sessions regularly, anywhere from 1-3 times per week. BTofM’s certified brain trainers expertly administered a trifecta of exercises and I worked with him at home – five days a week.

We stuck with it for 5 months, through the summer, before we saw significant changes. We started to see small improvements, but when the new school year came it was IMMEDIATELY clear to me that all our diligence and hard work had paid off. It was like a whole new world opened up to him and us.

I received GLOWING reports from teachers about his attention and focus in class as well as improved writing skill and handwriting. In addition, his balance and neurotiming greatly improved – he now rides a 2 wheel bike and his social skills are blossoming!

While my son’s specific diagnosis was ADHD, I learned from the staff at BTofM that Brain Training is appropriate for many other conditions and learning struggles or disabilities, like dyslexia, concussion and stroke recovery. It’s even had great results for athletes that want peak performance and everyday people hoping to flex those brain muscles.

My advice, give it a try. The staff is wonderful, you’ll have their support every step of the way.

- Jennifer (CertifiKid Team Member from Columbia - and a very proud mom)

Tags: Certifikid field reports, reviews, Brain Training

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