Audioblox, Balametrics, TLP, or Brain Gym?

Since he is going back into a public school environment, I would request an Assistive Technology Assessment along with developing a comprehensive IEP. There are many things that can help with the dysgraphia/written expression issues.

Looking at the different programs, it would all depend on what you are hoping to accomplish. Each one works in slightly different areas. What would be the goal?

Hi and thanks for the reply. I guess the main goal would be to help him develop more legible writing, because his dysgraphia is a hinderence to his expressive writing. Of course he’ll be able to have assistive tech. like a word processor, but his fine motor skills and cognitive processing makes typing almost as difficult a chore. We’ve tried cursive, handwriting remediation, calligraphy, etc. In a nutshell, what would help his dysgraphia and thought processing speed the most?

Well, my dd has dysgraphia and uses a word prediction program. This way she doesn’t have to worry about typing as much and the prediction program helps by giving her word choices. She doesn’t always use a word from the prediction list but it has definitely increase her speed. She went from writing 8 words per minute to “typing” 30 words per minute using word prediction. The program also reads back what has been written to help with editing.

For organization and pre-writing, a program such as Inspiration could be helpful. This is a great way of organizing ideas in a visual manner.

I haven’t used Balametrics or Brain Gym but do have experience with Audiblox and The Listening Program. Neither really increased my dd’s processing speed but TLP was very good for lowering anxiety and helping with auditory integration. Audiblox does have a portion of its program that works on hemispheric integration. The physical activities can be really helpful.

Has he done any sensory integration therapy?

Oh, another thing that helped my dd with her handwriting (it went from practically unreadable, to very beautiful) was to strengthen her hands and arms. In her case, gymnastics did the trick because it was very physical, helped with coordination and strengthened the necessary muscles. While the writing is legible, it is still very slow so using a laptop has been an important part of her program.

Thanks for all your suggestions! What word prediction program does your dd use? Erik uses Inspiration for mapping out written assignments beforehand. That helps alot. Looking at his prior testing, his main problems are auditory memory, working memory, long term memory, and visual-motor integration. He hasn’t had any sensory integration therapy. Who does he go to for that, an occupational therapist? Maybe they would assess and administer the programs he needs? Perhaps one of the ones I’m asking about and more?

Ms. 14 uses Kurzweil 3000 because it is a very integrated program that meets her many needs. http://www.kurzweiledu.com She started out using WordQ - http://www.wordq.com - which was very helpful but did not meet other needs. There are actually quite a number of different programs. If you do a search for Word Prediction, you’ll get a number of hits. Some of the programs have demo versions you can download or request a CD. This can be really helpful in figuring out which one works best for him.

Another option for writing would be a Speech To Text program such as Dragon Naturally Speaking.

Make sure that the AT evaluation tests several different programs.

An OT would be the one to evaluate for Sensory Integration. Unfotunately at his age it may be difficult to get therapy.

Audiblox is really good at working on the memory issues. It needs to be done every day or at least 5 days a week. The more consistant you are with it the better the results.

I would see an educational optometrist or visual therapist for the visual-motor integration issues. There are lots of exercises that work on those skills.

Thaks so much! You are a godsend!

For visual-motor integration, you might want to get the Ella Rowley book “Integrating Mind, Brain and Body Through Movement” available at http://www.oep.org (the only source for it I have found). This is a book of graduated exercises specifically aimed at stimulating visual-motor integration.

To find board-certified developmental optometrists in your area, do a search at http://www.covd.org.

For overall improvements in processing speed, BrainSkills would be a better choice than Audiblox for a 16yo. Website for that program is http://www.brainskills.com.

It would be worth a call to find out about an occupational therapy evaluation.

Also consider doing Interactive Metronome. When handwriting difficult is related to poor motor planning (and it sounds as if it might be in your son’s case), IM can produce improvements in handwriting.

BrainGym and TLP are relatively mild therapies. Since TLP has a good track record with autistic children, it could be worth a try depending on what kinds of improvements you are looking for. It would be unlikely to help handwriting or processing speed, though. IMO, BrainGym is most valuable for younger children.

Balametrics is a great program, but could be hard to implement with a 16yo. Unless they have improved the manual, it’s not very helpful in terms of choosing which exercises to do in what sequence. It is helpful for developing balance, rhythm and some aspects of sensory integration.

There is a relatively inexpensive keyboard available now that comes with predictive word software and built-in keyboarding lessons. It is very similar to an AlphaSmart, but less expensive. Website for that is http://www.keyboardinstructor.com/

Nancy

The biggest problems with keyboards such as Alphasmart and Keyboard Instructor is that they can be very difficult for people with visual issues to use. That was one reason we had to go with a laptop rather than a less expensive Alphasmart.

We did Brainskills, and everything improved although precessing speed the least. I’m scheduling him for OT eval at a place nearby that does IM. They also do TLP. And I’ll ask them about the need for VT. I wish I had found you guys sooner. You may be saving his future. He has his heart set on becoming a surgeon but the thought of him going through college with decent grades and even making it through the the SAT seems mind boggling. I thank you all from the bottom of my heart.