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My Cogmed “recipe for success”

by Kyra Minichan, MA,CCC-SLP

Two happy children using laptops

As with anything else, there is a “recipe for success” for using Cogmed working memory training, and following it closely almost always leads to the best outcome. I'm Kyra Minichan, Pearson Healthcare Assessment Consultant and SLP for 30 years and I wanted to share with you MY recipe for success in using Cogmed in my practice.

Here are the five "ingredients” that helped make Cogmed work for my clients:

  1. Understand the “Why”: What part of life is your client’s decreased working memory causing them to struggle? How will improving their working memory change this? The buy-in or commitment is greater once you help them see the outcome. Share a success story with them to help them visualize their own success.
  2. Stick to a schedule: In order to gain the most from this training, it is important for your client to commit to working on this program 3–5 times a week. As this consistency compounds, their results become more apparent. A printable calendar that the client can physically check off is very helpful.
  3. Perform accountability checks: Track your clients’ training with accountability. There are multiple ways that practitioners can do this, but the best one is the one that works for you and that you will follow. Remember, the training is a partnership between you and your client.
  4. Encourage an extrinsic reward system: Encourage your client to choose a reward they can look forward to once the training is complete. If the client is a minor, work with the client and parent to determine the reward that they can follow through on once training is finished. I also recommend printing this out and putting it on the training workstation.
  5. Maximize the environment: It is highly recommended that the client set up a training workstation free of clutter and noise. The workstation should not be in a bedroom but rather in a part of the house where the brain can be triggered when preparing to train.

Once you’ve found the right mix of these ingredients in your practice, you will see for yourself how Cogmed can benefit so many of your clients with ADHD!

If you have questions about Cogmed or how I used it in my practice, please fill out this form and I'll reach out!

Take care!

Kyra


Learn more about training working memory at PearsonAssessments.com/Cogmed!