Can you tell us about NeuroClics and why you started it?
NeuroClics is a research based, multisensory program designed to help those with learning, focusing, and/or social challenges by strengthening one’s underlying processing abilities to enable easier and more efficient learning.
In my work as an occupational therapist, I would sometimes find my self working with a student that I felt limited in my capacity to help. There were times I felt as if I was not getting through to the student despite my attempts to explain concepts in various ways, whether visually, kinesthetically, auditorily, etc. In my search to discover other methods for helping these students, I came upon this program that uses Physio-Neuro Therapy to correct processing difficulties. The more I researched the program, the more fascinated I became and I knew I had to bring it to Baltimore.
What is Physio-Neuro Therapy?
Physio-Neuro Therapy (PNT) is a unique type of therapy that combines physical and mental exercises to improve one’s ability to understand information. In Physio-Neuro therapy, the focus is on fostering academic and social emotional success. PNT can help treat a variety of learning difficulties including Dyslexia, ADD/ ADHD, Sensory Processing Disorders, Dyscalculia (difficulties with math), Dysgraphia (difficulties with writing), Auditory and/or Visual Processing Disorders, and more
How does the NeuroClics program work?
Although each student moves through the program at his/her own pace, the average amount of time needed to complete the program is between 26-28 weeks. The student learns a series of exercises that they are expected to practice throughout the week. The exercises are designed to strengthen neurological brain processes so that new and improved brain processes replace the weaker or more inefficient ones. As the student moves through the various levels of the program, they build self confidence, both in their mastery of the PNT work and in their increasing success when completing tasks in their daily life.
Do you maintain the success upon graduation from the program?
Yes! When processing information, our brain automatically uses the pathways that are the easiest or most familiar to us, even if they are not necessarily the most efficient. When we identify the weaker pathways in our brain and perform daily exercises to strengthen those pathways, the new pathways become stronger and more familiar to our brain due to the frequency of use. Therefore, those new pathways are what the brain will call upon each time the process is needed in the future.
Can you give us an example of a type of neurological process strengthened during the program?
Absolutely. One of the mental processes we address in the program is referred to as “figure ground.” Figure ground refers to one’s ability to focus on what is important in a given situation despite distractions. Our brain is bombarded with an amazing amount of stimuli at any given time. It must automatically and rapidly sort out the important information from that which is insignificant in order to respond appropriately. Strengthening this neurological process can be a game changer for someone who is easily distracted. A student just beginning the program may be attempting to complete an exercise but lose focus when a lawnmower passes by the window. However, by the end of the program, that same student is able to complete an activity that requires complete concentration while compartmentalizing external stimuli that is meant to distract them. Another important skill we work on is termed mental picture (visual memory). This is a vital skill in the process of reading. The brain treats each word as a shape, which we must immediately recognize when reading. A person with good visual memory will begin to instantly recall words after 6-7 exposures, whereas someone with poorly developed visual memory may require 45-50 exposures to a word before he/she develops instant recall. Consequently, learning to read may take place at a much slower rate and with increased effort. As we read, we must also put words and phrases together to conceptualize the meaning of the text. If we are able to form a clear “mental picture” or visualize what is taking place in the text, we are easily able to understand the meaning. If we are able to visualize the step by step procedure as a math concept is being explained, we are easily able to understand and recall the procedure. Visual skills also play a major part in helping us recall the correct spelling of words (such as bouquet) and can also help us recall where we put our keys or left our homework. If a student develops the ability to visualize what he sees and hears, he has a major learning tool at his disposal.
What message do you want readers to take away today?
No amount of teaching will help if a student does not have the ability to efficiently turn it into learning. If we first address the processing problem then teaching can easily turn into learning, helping students feel confident and empowered, and ultimately eliminating the need for additional tutoring or educational support.
How can readers contact you?
I can be contacted via phone or email at 443-464-0808 or director@neuroclics.com.