A: Yes! If your child participates in an orderly, consistent program of stimulation targeted to the areas of need, they improve. Research has proven again and again that the brain grows new cells and strengthens connections between existing cells when the brain gets sensory stimuli and mobility programs. It is no longer acceptable to say that a child cannot change. Research has caught up with what Neurodevelopmentalists have known for decades—the brain grows by use! “The Brain that Changes Itself” by Dr. Norman Doidge is an easy-to-read source of some of the latest research.
FAQ's
A: There is no age limit to brain growth. Researchers have taken actual pictures of new brain cells growing in the hippocampus of study participants in their 70’s. It is true that growth of almost kind can be faster and easier when younger. However, we have seen people of all ages improve as a result of stimulation and organization for the brain.
A: Yes! First of all, there is a mountain of research validating brain growth as a result of stimulation. There is also, however, the UDSMR WeeFim Study by the University of Buffalo. The Family Hope Center program was compared with clinics throughout the country in the study and overall their clients improved 255% faster than the national average.
A: The answer is up to you. The more effort you put into the program, the more results you get out of it. I will give you a program that can be accomplished in the day and that will give your child the best foundation for success. How much of that program you actually do is up to you. If you do all/most, you will get good results. If you do only a little, you will have to lower your expectations for speed of improvement.
A: Until they are academically successful, physically coordinated and socially gracious. We cannot predict the amount of time (duration) of a program for several reasons: a)we can’t predict how much of the program will actually be accomplished before you even begin, b)brain development—like all development—can come in bursts and lulls. The improvement can be predicted, but not the timing, c)there are many variables to be factored in—degree of disorganization, compliance with written program, possibility of other circumstances—family challenges, illness, etc., d)degree of nutritional support, e) a host of other factors.
A: Because children change and grow as a result of the program, we need to re-evaluate their needs and update their program to keep pace with their growth—-this a GOOD thing and is our goal! Re-evaluations are recommended every six months for this reason. During the re-evaluation, parents are often surprised at their child’s progress and readiness for the next step. The programs written for a first evaluation are not the only tools we have in our arsenal—they are a vital part of the foundation, but not a complete program. It is wise to assess periodically and make sure we are using the right tools for the brain growth we are seeking.
A: You don’t HAVE to do anything. Parents With Purpose gives you the best information to give your child every advantage in optimizing brain function. Nutrition is a large piece of the foundation to build upon for success. 50-90% of your neurotransmitters are manufactured in your digestive system. Think of your chemistry class. How much of the wrong substance does it take to completely change the chemical makeup of the environment? The answer is that very miniscule amounts of anything can make a profound change in the chemical composition of a system. Your digestive system is considered the second brain for this reason. It is my opinion and my experience that many children make night-to-day changes with nutritional changes alone. I, for one, would not want to neglect this powerful tool to help my child.
A: Some do, some don’t. You can bet my family’s pediatrician knows about it now. Physicians cannot be expected to know everything. Some choose to look beyond what they learned in medical school and explore options. Others do not. Some physicians look for medication as the major solution and others looks to solving the root cause of the problem. It is my opinion that our physicians can provide information, but we still hold the power to make the final decisions. We should consult our chosen medical professionals.o.
A: No. There are no licensed physicians in our practice and those are the only people who can recommend medication. The brain has the capacity to grow new brain cells, organize existing ones, increase dendritic growth to strengthen pathways and thus improve function. If a brain is properly functioning, physicians may be unlikely to recommend medication. Focusing on stimulation to the brain and improving and organizing pathways is what we recommend.
A: Medication is the business of licensed physicians. The decision to continue or discontinue medication is a subject to be handled between you and your physician. It is likely you can still do a program of stimulation and organization to grow the brain. Our focus is on stimulation to increase brain growth and organization.
A: It is not difficult to make a program a “family affair.” It is often wise to include as many siblings as possible. Brain growth and organization benefits anyone with a brain, whether that brain is doing splendidly, struggling in certain situations, or really not doing well.