How can the Fast ForWord program build learning capacity and reading skills for all students, regardless of their ages and current ability?

This short video explains that the neuroscience-based exercises in the patented Fast ForWord programs simultaneously develop thinking skills (memory, attention, processing speed and the ability to sequence sounds, words and ideas) as well as language skills including:

•   Phonological awareness
•  Phonemic awareness
•   Vocabulary
•   Syntax
•   Grammar

You may have heard the term “auditory processing disorder” (often called APD) used in relation to children who are struggling to read or who have learning difficulties.

But what exactly is APD? Does it mean that the child has a hearing problem?

LearnFast recorded a video interview with Devon Barnes, speech pathologist and APD specialist and asked her to clarify.

Cameron didn’t like school - sound familiar?

How can you change that – especially if there is an underlying blocker to learning ?

This blog includes Part 1, 2 and 3 of Cameron’s journey from age 10 being diagnosed with Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) and how he has used Fast ForWord to help himself overcome the challenges of this disability, graduate from high school and start his TAFE studies.

Also included is his television interview from the Channel 7 Sunrise Program.

Many people find it hard to hear what someone else is saying when there is a lot of background noise. But if you have Auditory Processing Disorder (APD), background noise can be even more of a problem.

LearnFast asked Devon Barnes, speech pathologist and Auditory Processing Disorder specialist how explain how background noise impacts people with this difficulty.

Key points from the interview included:

• Students with APD are disadvantaged in noisy classrooms
• Background noise interferes with learning
• Reducing noise in classrooms will benefit all students

Watch the video interview: 

Do you have a child who has trouble paying attention?  Has anyone suggested they might have Attention Deficit Disorder (commonly referred to as ADD or ADHD - Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder).

You won’t know for sure unless your child has an assessment by a trained professional.

What you should know, however, is that ADD/ADHD is often mistaken for Auditory Processing Disorder (APD).  

How does a parent or teacher decide where to get help for dyslexic children? How do you sort effective treatments from those that make confident claims to cure dyslexia?

LearnFast asked Devon Barnes, speech pathologist and dyslexia specialist for her advice.

Key points from the interview included:

• Remedial teachers, educational psychologists, and speech pathologists may be able to help.
• Neuroscience programs, such as Fast ForWord, can treat underlying processing deficiencies in the child’s brain.
• Best to combine neuroscience programs with good one to one therapy and instruction.

“Dyslexia” is a term used widely, and often not very accurately, to describe a range of reading difficulties. Because parents often struggle to know whether their child’s difficulties with learning to read are related to dyslexia, LearnFast recorded a video interview with speech language pathologist and dyslexia specialist, Devon Barnes and asked her to explain dyslexia.

Scientific Learning Corporation, developers of the Fast ForWord programs has been awarded another patent. This takes the total patents to more than 80 for their neuroscience based programs which have been used by over 2 million students around the world.

This latest patent adds further recognition to the 18-year history of invention and innovation by the scientists at Scientific Learning Corporation.

Does a child need to keep doing Fast ForWord exercises to continue to get the benefit of the brain training?

No, children don’t have to keep doing the exercises to maintain their improvements in learning reading and self confidence. The benefits of Fast ForWord are long lasting after the exercises are completed.

Research, and reports, from parents and teachers of children who have completed the Fast ForWord program, confirm that the gains made from the exercises are permanent.

Children typically complete the Fast ForWord programs appropriate for their age and development in 3 – 5 months. During this time they work on exercises that strengthen the cognitive and language skills that are essential for learning and reading.

Interview with Dr Martha Burns, international dyslexia expert

As anyone with a ‘dyslexic’ child, student or family member will probably know, “dyslexia” is a term used widely, and often not very accurately, to describe a range of reading difficulties. To get some clarity about dyslexia, what exactly Dyslexia is, and the issues for parents and teachers of dyslexic children, LearnFast recorded a video interview with Dr Martha Burns, international dyslexia expert.

Key points from the interview included: