Learning Disabilities Help

Software Programs For Children and Adults

  The brain is plastic, capable of profound change

  Many learning disabilities are caused by cognitive delays that can be trained

  Self paced software, online with teacher support

Learning Disabilities We Can Help
Not every child struggles because of weak cognitive skills, but for those who do, the appropriate training can transform their lives. While there are hundreds of named learning difficulties most are caused by deficits in one or both of these two areas:

1. sensory integration, or
2. auditory processing disorder

These most fundamental of skills require lightning fast cognitive function. Not surprisingly, because of the challenges posed by these two very different abilities, this is where most learning road blocks occur.

The symptoms of learning disabilities in children of course vary enormously. Issues including hyperactivity, lack of balance or coordination, spatial awareness, math difficulties, longer term memory and weak fine motor skills tend to be caused by sensory integration.

Learning disabilities caused by central auditory processing disorder, CAPD or APD, lead to reading problems, language delays, attention deficits, low self-esteem and learning frustration. Oftentimes there are no outward language problems.
Auditory processing disorder symptoms

A more complex diagnosis is NLD, nonverbal learning disorder. Symptoms here vary widely, as do the disability treatment options.
Nonverbal learning disorder symptoms

Our Learning Disabilities Program

Our primary program for learning disabilities is Fast ForWord software, a suite of programs that strengthen processing, memory, attention and sequencing, essential cognitive skills for reading and learning. We develop an individualized protocol in each case, based on your child's unique needs and goals, focused first on the cognitive foundation and then, if required, on specific reading skills.

Just as a muscle always responds to exercise, Fast ForWord rewires the brain in every case. Eventual outcomes vary, however. The presence of other learning impediments not treated by Fast ForWord may dampen the impact of our program.
Fast ForWord

Reading Fluency & Comprehension
Because we are not born with innate reading skills, each new brain has to figure out how to read -- it involves a collaboration of skills, built mainly around language. Even the slightest glitch in processing or integration will make learning how to read infinitely more challenging due to the lack of a fixed starting point.

By far the most common learning disability affecting reading is central auditory processing disorder, which impacts phonological awareness. This is the ability to break words apart into individual sounds, called phonemes, e.g., hearing "cat" as |c| |a| |t|. If this is difficult, reading is like learning a whole new language.

By strengthening auditory processing skills, our learning software builds phonological awareness, making decoding automatic and effortless. This leads directly to better reading fluency and then, with our continuing efforts, to improved reading comprehension.
Reading learning disabilities

Language -- Receptive and Expressive
Receptive language skills -- following directions, engaging in class -- are sometimes compromised in children with auditory processing difficulties. If a teacher or parent is talking at 50 miles per hour but your child is processing at 45 miles per hour, there is a problem. This gap also impedes a child's ability to participate in conversation, which can lead to social and other issues.

Fast ForWord helps make auditory processing more efficient and automatic so your child has the time and capacity to think and observe while listening.
How we boost language skills

Improving Focus
A classic symptom of a child with a learning disability is attention deficit disorder. This is perhaps the most common and also the most frustrating, as it is a challenging issue to correct.

Gemm Learning has two program strategies related to attention deficit disorder:

1. Processing issues. Many children with auditory processing disorder drift off in class because listening is exhausting and/or they are missing important chunks of information, making the lessons uninteresting. The natural reaction is to tune out. Fast ForWord helps by making listening easier and more engaging. Focus is a major theme of the program to help with attending in class, doing homework and in reading.
   Program for attention deficit disorder


2. Sensory integration issues. For another group of children with attention difficulties, Gemm Learning provides BrainWare Safari. This cognitive software takes an integrated approach to learning, synching up memory, visual and auditory processing, and logic skills to improve learning efficiency and focus.
   BrainWare Safari

Learning Efficiency
Learning disabilities impact learning efficiency. This can be seen in disappointing grades, undue time and effort over homework, and/or eroding confidence at school. Gemm Learning works on underlying cognitive skills that will improve learning efficiency.
Learning help

Our Service

Gemm Learning is the largest private provider of the Fast ForWord program for home use in North America. Our results are backed by over 240 clinical trials. The program is uniquely intense. It uses adaptive sound exercises that make every click count to strengthen processing speed, accuracy and efficiency. Repetitive exercises build slowly in speed and complexity, gradually pulling the student up to learning proficiency.

Students work on our downloaded Fast ForWord software on their home computer for 30 minutes a day. Their work is then automatically uploaded to our server where it is reviewed by a Gemm professional who provides constant guidance, adjusting your child's individualized program protocols as needed. We provide a virtual in-center feel with always available personal phone or email support, Gemm City -- our super rewards website -- and My Gemm, a parent resources website packed with demo videos, points sheets, manuals and much more.
Service features

Your Next Step

Because Fast ForWord works at a fundamental level, it is able to improve a wide range of reading and learning skills in an enduring way. However, every child is different. The best way to find out if your child is a candidate for our program is to call for a free consult.

If you are not ready to talk to a Gemm Learning consultant yet, you can request a free demo link here or a Gemm Learning fee schedule here.