Training the Brain

A course devoted to new
technologies in the treatment of
Learning and Memory Difficulties
 

10am to 5pm

 
Dyslexia
Dyspraxia
Dysphoria
Dysgraphia
Hyperactivity
Weak memory
Autistic spectrum
Motivational deficits
Attention Deficit Disorder
Attachment and anxiety problems
Problems in acquiring and retaining information and studying effectively
 

Saturday

10.00 am

The neurological basis of learning and memory

 

Sub-types of learning problems from the cortex to the cerebellum. Information-processing pathways; auditory, visual and vestibular-motor reading routes and motor loops in the brain

10.45 am

Coffee

11.00 am

Working Memory

 

The "blackboard of the mind" and the basis of sequencing deficits; phonological, language and motor. The "dysexecutive syndrome". Differences in child and adult memory. How different types and levels of memory alter learning style

11.45 am

Diagnosis

 

An explanation and demonstration of psychometric testing; I.Q., attention deficit scales, motor tests, ability scales, attainment tests (some supplied for participants use and information on availibility). How to interpret educational psychologists reports

1.00 pm

Lunch

2.00 pm

Treatment

 

Review of remediation strategies; phonics based language programmes, motor/balance exercises, neurodevlopmental delay exercises for retained reflexes, behavioural and cognitive therapies, social skills groups, nutritional intervention

3.00 pm

Tea

3.30 pm

Introduction to Brainwaves

 

How changes in brain activity underlie all psychological states and how disordered brain waves can leave a child unable to learn. The spectrum of brain activity from hyperalertness, activity and vigilance to apathy and depression - all the consequence of an over or underaroused brain

4.30pm

Review of day's information

 

handouts and opportunity to go over particular interests in more depth

5.00 pm

End of first day

 

Sunday

10 am to 5 pm

The day is devoted to a combination of theory, case examples, demonstration of neurofeedback equipment and "hands-on". This day is intended as a "taster" from which participants can go on to a later follow-up practitioners course which will be accredited. A 5 day course (with or without purchase of the neurofeedback equipment) will allow new practitioners to join accredited bodies of Neurofeedback such as The European Chapter of Society for Neuronal Regulation (www.SNR-JNT.org) and EEG Spectrum (see www.eegspectrum.com).

However those who do not intend to go further will benefit from the knowledge presented about the brain, human conditioning and learning in general as well as understanding what will undoubtedly become the major technology for identification and intervention of both specific and general learning difficulties. In American schools neurofeedback is becoming part of the standard Special Needs Dept equipment.

All learning difficulties are due to desynchronised brainwaves (due itself to birth trauma, head injury, environmental pollutants or prolonged stress, for example) and neurofeedback can help an individual regulate these disordered brainwaves to achieve their learning potential.

 

How is neurofeedback done?

Sensors placed on the scalp display the individual's brainwaves on a computer, which is linked to a games computer. These "games" are then played by the individual using their brainwaves. The game degrades when the right brainwaves are not being used.

Thus brainwaves can be measured and matched to normal brainwaves, and any discrepancy directly addressed by neurofeedback. Over time this encourages a healthy brain-wave pattern.

In the case of attention deficit the aim is to encourage the brainwaves of alertness over and above the slower wave activity that is a marker of attention problems. Literacy is encouraged by enhancing the complex timing circuit that regulates the sub-components of reading; letter recognition and sequencing, line tracking, phoneme/grapheme matching, etc. These all have to be orchestrated in milli-seconds or the meaning is lost. In Dyslexia these are not well integrated and neurofeedback can help resynchronise them.

 

Saturday's presentation will by given by

Dr Beverley Steffert,

Chartered Psychologist, specialising in Specific Learning Difficulties and Lecturer in Brain /Behaviour relationships at London University.

 

Sunday

various specialists and neurofeedback practitioners will be demonstrating several types of neurofeedback and biofeedback technologies and equipment, including breathing rate, heart rate and variability etc. for emotional monitoring, auditory and visual cognitive enhancers, text readers and computer programmes for literacy and numeracy. They will also be describing some case studies.

 

 

Booking Form