|
|
|
|
|
|
||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
The Chesapeake ADHD Center is pleased to announce that we now offer Cogmed – a computerized 5 week training program designed to improve working memory (ability to hold multiple things in mind in immediate memory) as well as focus and concentration.
What is Cogmed?
Cogmed was originally developed for children in Sweden. The original Cogmed program was developed for children. An adult version has just been released.
Much of the current research is based on children, however, current research on adults using Cogmed is underway. Current Cogmed research sites include Duke, Notre Dame and Harvard. For more information, visit Cogmed.com.
Cogmed is a very challenging, intensive 5-week training program that is most effective when the Cogmed participant challenges himself to work at his top capacity during training. Through using Cogmed, the trainee is literally building new neural connections – connections that will remain and will help the Cogmed trainee continue to experience better memory and focus in the future.
What is involved in Cogmed training?
Initial interview: The Cogmed trainee comes in for an initial interview with a Cogmed trained psychologist or mental health professional. During this initial meeting, questionnaires will be completed regarding current functioning of memory and attention.
Five week at-home training: The actual Cogmed training takes place at home, 45 minutes per day, five days per week, for five weeks. It is possible to extend the training beyond the 5 week period if training sessions were missed due to illness or other complications.
Five weekly telephone coaching sessions: During the five week training period, the trainee will be contacted each week by phone by a trained Cogmed coach associated with our practice. This coaching session is a time to report progress, to problem solve if you are experiencing any difficulties, and to make sure you are on track toward completing your training. The Cogmed coach will review your progress online before each phone call so that they will be fully informed of your training times and your progress throughout the week.
As adults go through Cogmed training, they will have access to charts and statistics recording their performance from day to day, helping them to chart their own progress.
Children going through Cogmed training will need an in-person Cogmed assistant (parent, teacher, tutor, or other appropriate adult) to monitor and supervise each training session.
Follow up session: Following the training, you will have a follow-up interview with the clinician that you spoke to prior to beginning your training. At this session, you’ll be asked to complete questionnaires once again, to help measure your progress.
Three months following training, we will send you another set of questionnaires to fill out and return to us. We find that improvement in areas of memory and attention often continues to increase following the training period. These questionnaires give us an opportunity to measure and document your progress.
Can Cogmed training be done via telephone without in person contact?
Yes, everything can be done via telephone. The initial and follow up interviews can be conducted by phone if you live at a distance and it is not convenient to come to the Center.
What is the cost of Cogmed training?
The cost is $1750 for the entire training, payable in advance. This covers the initial and follow-up interview, five telephone coaching sessions, and access to Cogmed online for a total of 25 training sessions. (Once training is underway, payment for Cogmed is non-refundable.)
Is Cogmed covered by insurance?
Cogmed is not considered a medical intervention and is not covered by health insurance. The cost of the initial and follow-up interviews with a licensed mental health professional may be eligible for reimbursement.
Can Cogmed training be done at my child’s school?
Yes, if your child’s school is willing to participate in supervision of the training sessions. In Sweden, all Cogmed training took place during the school day. Here in the US, private schools are beginning to express an interest in Cogmed training as part of their curriculum to assist students who experience problems with working memory and attention. Cogmed training would be paid for by parents individually, but supervised training can take place at school if there is a computer and high speed internet connection available.
You may also be interested in learning about Skoach for yourself or your adolescent or young adult with ADHD.
Skoach, ADD-friendly time management software - will be launched in November, 2007. Center Director, Kathleen Nadeau, Ph.D., is a founder and co-developer of Skoach. Skoach synchronizes with Outlook, and is mobile and web-based, so your task list and schedule go with you whether you’re on line or on the road. Skoach is unique because it provides built in coaching, guided task planning and automatic scheduling. In addition, the Skoach user can add tasks to his task list via email or cell phone so that things can be recorded as soon as they are thought of. For more information, go to www.skoach.com.
Cogmed and Skoach are innovative products that will help many people become more organized, focused and productive.
|
|
|
