FFS Information & Program

Focus for Success can help anyone improve focus and concentration. It is especially helpful for students who struggle with attention difficulties.

grantNeurofeedback is brain wave biofeedback (EEG biofeedback). The electrical activity of the brain is read with special sensors and recorded by the computer. Without the computer reading our brain signals we don't know what our brain activity is -- and so we aren't able to change it. But neurofeedback gives us that information.

CampSign2014

 

Learn to improve focus.  Use brain training equipment developed for NASA astronauts and Air Force pilots. Control computer games with brain activity alone.

 

Focus Campers will have fun while improving

  • focus for school
  • working memory
  • the “mental game” for sports
  • performance for music

Focus Camp will help you improve focus and even begin to overcome ADHD or other attentional difficulties. You'll feel better about all you do.

Camp activities include the pillars of brain health:

  • Brain stimulation -- computerized neurofeedback (control games with brain activity alone) and other computerized brain training activities
  • Movement -- physical activities that improve brain function and focus (our obstacle course)
  • Nutrition -- enjoy healthy brain snacks (and bring recipes home to share)
  • Nature and Nutrition -- plant and grow your brain-healthy potted garden
  • Sleep and Relaxation -- learn relaxation and calming techniques that improve focus (sleep at home)
  • Interact with others at brain-stimulating strategy games (chess, checkers, Go, etc.)

Your next step.

 

Call Brianna at 612-470-7738, Sandy or Jerry at 218-822-3736, or email Jerry using his secure form.

Focus for Success is individualized to meet your needs and goals. A typical program is as follows:

Individual introductory and attention screening session. Initial goals are set and your focus history is reviewed. Initial recommendations and program components are selected.

Individual computer assisted concentration sessions. There are some aspects of the program that are beneficial to all. If appropriate, we get you started with one-on-one individual education sessions using neurofeedback. This system, originally used by NASA to train astronauts and Air Force pilots, is adapted to help you increase:

  • attention stamina
  • time on task
  • working (short-term) memory sequencing
  • visual tracking
  • discriminatory processing
  • spatial memory

These skills are essential to improving concentration, academics, behavior, social interaction, and also benefit self-esteem.

Group computer assisted concentration sessions. After you've learned to focus and concentrate, we help you transfer those skills to the real world. Gradually we increase distractions and move you to a group setting so you can practice your skills in a school-like or work-like atmosphere. You'll still be working with your coach/teacher but in a group setting. Other program components added based upon your initial assessment and progress.

ADHD is the most common psychiatric disorder in childhood (NIMH, 2000). Some students seem to be helped with medications used to treat ADHD. However, medications won't cure the disorder, only temporarily control the symptoms.

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders & Stroke states that "most experts agree that treatment for ADHD should address multiple aspects of the individual's functioning and should not be limited to the use of medications alone."

For lasting improvement, the US National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) suggests that medication be combined with:

  • behavioral therapy,
  • emotional counseling,
  • practical (educational) support.

The Physicians' Desk Reference (PDR), which contains prescription information from the pharmaceutical manufacturers' themselves, states that "medication for ADHD is only part of a total treatment program that includes

  • psychological,
  • educational, and
  • social measures."

To complicate the matter of treatment for ADHD is the fact that ADHD is misdiagnosed 75-80% of the time (EHSC of WA, 2004). There are over 65 “ADHD imitators” that are associated with attention difficulties. Children are more likely to be depressed, anxious, or gifted than to have ADHD.

All of this points to a great need for an accurate assessment of attention and hyperactive behaviors and treatment that includes education and training. That's why we developed our Focus for Success program. And that is why it has two components--a psychological component and an educational component. The psychological component of our program identifies the root causes of attention difficulties for the student. Interventions are determined accordingly.

The educational component of our program includes a system inspired by NASA technology to train astronauts to concentrate. A high-tech helmet reads brain signals for focus and concentration. These brain signals control computer games that teach students to improve focus and ignore distractions, develop memory skills, finish tasks, and become organized.