Cogmed

We are pleased to announce that we now offer Cogmed – a computerized 5 week
training program designed to improve working memory. Cogmed is a an evidence
based intervention for improving concentration. Key Benefits include improved
attention, improved impulse control, and better complex reasoning skills, better
academic performance. Cogmed has scienfically proven results read more.

The initial interview: This is the Cogmed Coach’s first contact with the trainee
or its parent. The main purpose of this interview is to be able to make a
recommendation on the likelihood that a specific person will benefit from
training – that in essence the person has impairments in WM. Another purpose is
to describe working memory and to clarify what training with Cogmed Working
Memory Training™ requires in order for it to be successful. The interview is not
a diagnostic assessment but a way for us to get a picture of whether working
memory training is an appropriate intervention or not.

The start-up session: Before Cogmed Working memory Training can start the
Cogmed Coach meets with the trainee and the training aide. The training aide is
the person that will be supporting the trainee through out the whole training. If
the trainee is a child, and someone other than a parent is the training aide, a
parent should also participate in the start-up session. This is the time to
establish a good relationship with everyone involved in the training. In this
session the Cogmed Coach explains what working memory and working memory
training are and what is required to make training successful. It is crucial that
everyone understand how training works and also actively participate and
commit to training in the session. Establishment of a reward system and
explanations of its benefits should be done. There must also be time to discuss
what to expect from training. Much attention is given to motivating the child
and explaining how the training will work in some detail.

Coaching: Once a week the Cogmed Coach calls the trainee and the
training aide to talk about how the training is progressing. This phone call
takes about 15 minutes, and it is recommended to have a time set in
advance every week. The purpose of this call is to encourage and
reinforce both the trainee and training aide. It is also a follow-up to
check that the trainee is doing his/her training as planned and that the
training plan is working. A weekly phone call makes it possible to halt a
decline in motivation before it is too late. It is also an excellent
opportunity to problem solve around training. A trainee’s performance can
be followed in great detail through the web based Training Management
System (TMS). It is an important tool for the Coach when giving
feedback to the trainee.

The wrap-up session: After basic training has been completed an appointment for a wrap-up
session is booked. The purpose of this session is to evaluate the training effects at first
step and understand how the trainee and training aide have perceived the training. Before
this conversation the Cogmed Coach compiles the results from the TMS and rating scales
that have been filled out pre and post training. The Cogmed Coach always asks for feedback
on the training experience and about training effects. After the wrap-up session the
Cogmed Coach prepares a final report. Cogmed has a computerized template for this in TMS.

Follow-up: Six months after training is completed, the Cogmed Coach will contact the trainee
or the trainee’s parents to do a follow-up interview over the telephone. The primary purpose
of this interview is to document training effects and to see if additional training is necessary.