FAQ

What's measured during the Brain Skills Assessment?

Is brain training only for students?

Cognitive training has helped thousands in the United States with varying diagnoses. This training has helped both students as well as adults. We are incorporating the best and latest scientific research in cognitive training.
Cognitive and executive functions are life skills. They are the way we perceive, analyze, understand, remember and interpret the world around us. The speed at which incoming information is processed is just as important for driving as math class.
So, in short, cognitive training is helpful for people of all ages, especially if a head injury is part of one's medical history.

How long does the Brain Skills Assessment take?

An assessment typically takes around an hour to complete. We prefer to schedule an evaluation when the client is at their best (morning or afternoon). Several skills will be measured and observed during the assessment, including attention, memory, processing speed, discrimination, comprehension, visual memory and processing, auditory processing, and auditory discrimination.
It is essential to watch each of these skills as they function among each other. One weaker skill can inhibit other skills from operating at total capacity. A single function not performing to its full abilities can produce sub-par performance. Screening these skills is the first step to understanding and developing awareness and, if selected, starting an individualized plan to strengthen underperforming skills. All skills assessed will be discussed during the following consultation with the client and their families.

What are executive functions?

Executive functions are similar to the conductor of an orchestra. The executive functions are responsible for telling the subsequent cognitive skills when and how they need to function.

I already have a diagnosis. Why should I take this assessment?

Brain Gains Gibson Test of Cognitive Skills is designed to observe and measure the functioning of 7 core processes. These processes are often used in harmony, but when one is not functioning fully, it can make learning difficult. Usually, diagnosis results from a deficit in cognitive processes, but diagnosis rarely leads to treatment incorporating the strengthening of cognitive and executive functions. Brain Gain has set out to change that.
Research in the area of cognitive and executive processes is growing, and as research mounts, our assessment and treatments should be evolving along with the acknowledgment of milestones in research and data. Brain Gain strives to stay up to date on the latest cognitive skills and executive functioning research.

How long is the consultation?

The consultation is roughly 45 minutes long. We cover topics including cognitive skills in everyday life, executive functions in everyday life, interests and future goals, cognitive skill enhancement options, and answering any questions the client and families have regarding any of these topics.

What is the difference between tutoring and cognitive training?

Tutoring can be beneficial when a client's core issue is comprehension. For these students, reviewing information is necessary for understanding concepts. Once these students are "caught up," they likely will no longer need tutoring in these areas.
Cognitive training strengthens everyday skills that make learning easier, thinking faster, and performance enhanced. Cognitive training is unlike tutoring in that we do not review concepts/units taught in school. Instead, our curriculum trains various cognitive and executive functions in a fun, game-like manner.
Cognitive training provides valuable and lasting changes in a short amount of time. The latest findings in psychological research are incorporated to strengthen all areas of cognition.

What occurs during the consultation?

During the consultation, families and the client will discuss how their functioning impacts everyday life, including sports, school, work, and relationships. This model works best when clients connect with the process. Personalized incentives are a core aspect of our client-centered approach for each client tailored toward their specific interests. The cognitive coach has the client's best interest in mind, adding engaging elements to the training process.
The assessment findings are explained, and client and family questions surrounding the assessment and cognitive training process.

How is Brain Gain training different from online brain training games?

While fun and interactive, online brain training has not achieved the same results in test after test compared to one-on-one brain training. Having a trainer gauge frustration levels, add distraction, and give responsive and precise feedback are essential in making fast and lasting cognitive connections. Emotional regulation and social skills are also impactful skills missing in online brain training games.
Brain Gain offers comprehensive cognitive and executive functioning assessment and training. Other programs often focus on one specific cognitive skill or specifically executive functions. Brain Gain understands and enhances the interconnection between cognitive and executive functions by concentrating on various combinations of multiple cognitive skills in a fun and game-like manner.