to MaryMN

I don’t get a chance to come here often anymore, but I thought I’d post my comparison on the bulletin board in case others are interested.

We did PACE. I have Audiblox, but we did not do it. Once I got the kit and was able to look through it, I realized that the exercises were sufficiently similar to what we had already done with PACE that it wouldn’t be worthwhile for us.

Probably the biggest difference that comes to mind is price.

Aside from that, with PACE the child trains 3 hours a week with a certified tutor, and requires an additional 3 hours per week of homework exercises with the parent. Audiblox is done completely at home with the parent, with a recommendation of 1-2/hour to 1 hour per day spent on the exercises 5 days a week.

The exercises are somewhat different. (There are probably infinite variations possible with cognitive training exercises, just as there are infinite variations on physical training exercises.) However, both programs work on developing multiple cognitive skills — which is a real plus — and both offer a wide variety of exercises.

PACE has many exercises that incorporate a unique training feature — use of a metronome. The metronome probably helps develop rhythm (an essential aspect of vestibular development, which in turn affects the ability to learn), and also provides a very convenient way of making exercises more difficult in very small increments. Exercises have the greatest training effect when they are kept within a certain range — mostly achievable, but with a slight degree of challenge.

PACE relieves the parent of a lot of responsibility. The certified tutor manages the program, “cheerleads” the program, provides instruction and encouragement, etc. Many children respond positively to having someone other than the parent being in charge. This can be an asset, because it’s critical that a child stay in training long enough to achieve results. The biggest problem I have seen with Audiblox is that parents tend to give up on it too soon. When you have invested tons of money in PACE, you don’t let the child quit!

PACE probably provides perceivable results sooner, because there is more intensity to the program. Also, PACE has the advantage of being over sooner. No matter how wonderful the program, everyone gets tired of exercising sooner or later, and it gets to be hard work. PACE may possibly achieve higher end levels too, but that’s impossible to measure and is just a guess.

PACE includes a lot of auditory processing exercises (along the lines of Lindamood Bell and Reading Reflex). Audiblox does not have these. Also, children who achieve a certain minimal level with PACE can go on to do MTC (Master the Code), which works very aggressively on reading skills. So, PACE provides decoding work that Audiblox does not.

That’s about all I can think of at the moment.

Mary

that the typical PACE program runs for 12 weeks. I have recently read that it is recommended that Audiblox be done for a year. That is what I meant about the program being over with sooner.

Mary