Intervention Services

COGNITIVE REHABILITATION

The goal of rehabilitation is to help an individual progress to the most independent level of functioning possible. Intervention will focus on regaining lost skills, as well as learning ways to compensate for abilities that have been permanently changed because of an acquired injury, a degenerative process, or longstanding cognitive difficulties. Most individuals respond best to programs tailored to their backgrounds and interests. The most effective therapy programs involve family members who can best provide this information and intervention in their daily environment.

COGMED WORKING MEMORY TRAINING

Austin Neuropsychology is a qualified practice to provide the Cogmed training program. The training consists of a specific set of working memory tasks that are performed on a computer, at school, at home, or the user’s place of choice, where the difficulty level is adjusted according to a highly sensitive and specific algorithm. Each user is required to complete eight exercises every day, taking about 30-45 minutes for the entire session. This is done for five days a week over five weeks. During training, the user’s performance is tracked online and can be viewed by the user and his/her Cogmed Coach who communicates with the user throughout the five weeks to assist him/her through the program. Please visit the Cogmed website for more information www.cogmed.com

SCHOOL ADVOCACY

School advocacy allows a neuropsychologist to be in attendance at your child’s school meeting/ARD meeting to assist the educational team with understanding the neuropsychological testing results and the creation of a 504 plan/Individualized Education Program (IEP).

COGNITIVE/EXECUTIVE COACHING

Cognitive coaching provides direct training of cognitive and executive strategies to assist children/adolescents/young adults with learning differences and developmental disabilities. Areas that may be targeted through this intervention include memory, organization, note taking, fluency, test preparation, study skills, and time management.

FAMILY THERAPY AND EDUCATION

The goal of family therapy intervention is to educate the family regarding the neurological condition of the family member, to assist the family in creating problem-solving strategies to appropriately identify and overcome challenges resulting in family stress and conflict, increase positive family interaction, advocate for the family in negotiating with other systems and to ensure that therapeutic recommendations are appropriately implemented across settings and time, and to support the interventions recommended by other providers working with the patient/family (e.g., physician, nutrition, PT, OT, speech/language therapy, social work, etc.).

WHAT DIAGNOSES ARE APPROPRIATE FOR THESE INTERVENTION SERVICES?

Acquired Brain Injuries (e.g., TBI, concussion, stroke, brain surgery, brain tumor, and chemotherapy/radiation late effects), Genetic Disorders, Chromosomal Disorders, Neurological Disorders (e.g., epilepsy, spina bifida, cerebral palsy, effects of prematurity, etc.), Disorders of Aging (MCI), and Developmental Disabilities (e.g., ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorders, and difficulties with learning and executive functioning)