PACE program

My daughter did not have a problem with math concepts, but could not remember math facts (even 2+2=4!). Repetition did not work. After PACE, she was within the normal range for ability to learn and retain math facts. Basically, she moved from an ability grade of F to an ability grade of C++ or B-. Her math computation speed — which used to be incredibly slow — is now also in the average range.

Mary

I’m working with a student who came into PACE primarily because of reading issues, but her math has improved a lot. She was OK with remembering math facts, but she had a lot of problems with visual perception and logic which really affected her ability to do math reasoning and any geometry-like math. Her teacher told me this week that she has gone from basically being an observer in her math group to being a strong leader.

Before I started PACE with my son, I ordered the PACE home test. It was surprisingly accurate about his processing difficulties. You could try the same thing to see if that may be what underlies his trouble with math. Or, if there’s a PACE provider in your area, you could go for an assessment, which, I believe, is always free of charge.

Just a quick question.My older son is in the 6th grade, was dx in 1st with add and mild capd. His last eval (in Sept 2000) showed no deficits just learning ‘differences’. His logic/reasoning skills and processing speed were shown to be his greatest weaknesses. Would PACE benefit him do you think?
We are in Germany in a DODDS school, can this program be requested from the school? I doubt there are any providers here in our area and we are here til summer 03.Mary you seem to be the most knowledgeable about this program.Appreciate any info.

You might consider Growth Strategies’ (the company that puts out PACE) Brainskills program. It is a home program and is best suited to kids who don’t have underlying sensory motor deficits. This would allow you to be able to do it in Germany.

I went for parent training in PACE and the site was training counselors in Brainskills so I saw both. I posted a few pages back on this bb on this bb on the differences—look for PACE and Brainskills. Both programs have nonverbal reasoning skills and processing skills which would benefit your son.

PACE does a lot for logic/reasoning, and it’s the only program I know of that addresses processing speed directly.

I would take Beth’s suggestion about Brainskills and do that. The kit contains everything you need for the home-based program. Website is http://www.brainskills.com

You can contact the company via email to find out if there are any providers in Germany. Schools don’t normally provide cognitive training (frankly speaking, most schools haven’t even heard about it, but they tend to be about 20 years behind).

Mary

Could you explain to me what you mean by ‘underlying sensory motor defects?’

Thanks,

Ana

OT, vision therapy, and Fast forward are examples of programs that work on underlying sensory deficits. For example, my son had a hard time understanding language and was thought to have ADD because he couldn’t process sounds fast enough (and thus didn’t pay attention). He also couldn’t track visually. Another example is sensory integration issues. These are low level functioning skills that should be automatic and not require cognition.