Fast ForWord ®

Fast ForWord

Improve Cognitive Function By Exercising Your Brain

The New Fast ForWord is an evidence-based computer program that uses a revolutionary three step intervention model to directly target the root causes of language and reading difficulties. As a result, learners make fast improvements that continue even after they finish the program. Designed by renowned neuroscientists, Fast ForWord helps increase brainpower in children and is an effective intervention. The program isn’t meant to be like a tutor who drills your child on a specific academic curriculum. Rather, it helps enhance your child’s overall ability to learn.

Targets the Root Causes of Reading and Learning Struggle

Many learners struggle to read because their brains do not process the phonemes of English as efficiently as their peers. Fast ForWord was designed by neuroscientists to target the underlying causes of reading and learning difficulties directly. Once the processing weaknesses are addressed, learners are able to develop reading and learning skills far more quickly.

In just 30 minutes a day at home, your child can achieve lasting gains in areas including:

• Attention
• Auditory processing
• Reading, spelling and writing
• Working memory
• Self confidence

Fast ForWord and Auditory Processing

Research has shown that Fast ForWord® can improve auditory processing in children with central auditory processing disorder (CAPD). Children with CAPD are thought to hear normally, but their brains prevent them from properly interpreting sounds, especially speech. CAPD impacts an estimated 5% of school-aged children, who often appear inattentive and struggle in school because they have trouble understanding what is being said in class.

As Fast ForWord® helps the brain rewire itself to improve cognitive function, it also helps children get better at auditory processing at the same time.

Fast ForWord® is a series of fun-filled computer exercises (also done on the iPad!)developed by brain scientists to boost the brain’s processing efficiency and accelerate learning. Designed for individuals ages 4-21, the software series begins with foundational programs that build reading and language skills, while improving memory, attention, processing rates and sequencing. As students progress, they move on to the Reading Series, which continues to increase processing efficiency and builds critical reading and language skills needed for academic success.

How Fast ForWord® works:

3-step Intervention Model

1. Fast ForWord prepares the brain for reading by improving the language and cognitive skills that are weak in struggling students (MAPS — memory, attention, processing speed, and sequencing).
2. With Fast ForWord, your child receives personalized, intensive practice on a wide variety of language and reading skills – more than any other approach or intervention. Intensity is the key to getting far better results — fast.
3. Using speech verification technology, The Reading Assistant program listens to students as they read aloud and provides corrective guided reading feedback to help reinforce new language and reading skills and rapidly build fluency and comprehension.

The science behind the Fast ForWord® products build on the breakthroughs in neuroscience research on “brain plasticity,” revealing that the brain can continue to develop and improve the efficiency of its processing throughout life. By using intensive, adaptive technology, Fast ForWord® products trigger actual physical changes in the brain. “Gray matter” thickens, and neural connections are forged and strengthened.

Can my child benefit from Fast ForWord®?

Fast ForWord® programs increase brainpower by exercising areas of the brain that help students process information more efficiently. It’s similar to the way physical workouts train the body to be more fit and strong. Because “Fit brains learn better,” Fast ForWord® programs help those who may have trouble learning due to weaknesses in processing, language skills, memory, attention and/or reading. Even students who are already having academic success, but want to boost their brainpower, can benefit from Fast ForWord® products.

Great results are the norm

Again and again, independent research has shown that with use under the recommended protocols, Fast ForWord® products enhance the processing efficiency of the brain. Cognitive skills such as memory, attention, processing rate and sequencing are improved, and these changes last a lifetime.

Children who use Fast ForWord® could gain an average of 1-2 years in language and reading skills in 8-12 weeks.

How do I get my child started using Fast ForWord®?

After contacting PSLS, a certified speech-language pathologist will review your child’s history and we will call to schedule a Fast ForWord® demonstration in our office- no charge to you! We are a certified Fast ForWord® provider since 1997, and recipient of the Scientific Learning Leadership and Top Practice awards. This consultation will help determine which Fast ForWord® program is the right fit, if the program will be successful in your home, and which 5 day per week protocol is appropriate (30, 50 or 90 minutes). Once your child is enrolled in the Fast ForWord® program, his/her progress is continually reviewed and monitored using Internet technology, and results are shared with parents weekly.

Resources for Parents at Scientific Learning Fast ForWord Website®

This website, developed specifically for parents, has a variety of papers, resources, sample exercises, and other information about Fast ForWord, without being overwhelming or complicated.

How can Fast ForWord® help children? with Dr. Martha Burns

For further information about these wonderful programs you may wish to explore the Scientific Learning Corporation website at www.fastforword.com or call the PSLS office for further information on this program at (480) 991-6560.