Our Cogmed Experience

[Anonymous]

Weird that MAP is going to use it. I didn't think there was enough data out there. In any case, it's probably one of those "can't hurt" programs. To the poster asking about frustration tolerance, I recommend trying Brainware Safari, which is a much cheaper alternative. I don't know if Brainware promises working memory benefit anywhere to the degree that Cogmed does, but it will definitely test your child's frustration. I saw my child work through frustration that I never thought he'd tolerate in Brainware. The graphics and motivational "rewards" are really nice and fun. Most of the tasks are visual/spatial but there is def working memory stuff in there. You can often get it on a huge discount through Homeschool Buyer's Coop, for which you simply need to register. Otherwise it's around $150 I think and you do it at home on your home computer. I don't know if it benefited my child in any measurable way, but I know he tolerated frustration and used perseverence like I had never seen, and he learned to tie his shoes (age 9) much quicker than I expected, and we taught that right after he finished. Worst comes to worst it's more videogame time, but challenging and pretty well done IMO.

[Anonymous]

To PP in Jamaica, have you tried supplements? You might google up which ones are good for attention. Omega 3's for example. Attention does improve up to and through adolescence if it's any consolation. Try using motivators and rewards to feed his motivation during tasks like homework. The ADHD has weaker motivation centers and external motivators can make a huge difference.

[Anonymous]

My 12 year old daughter did COGMED this past Summer and it didn't really help her all that much. However, it did cause her to lose a lot of self-esteem. She felt bad about herself because the program is designed for the user to fail. If your child is especially sensitive, this may not be a good program for her or him. I wish we had not wasted our money and tortured our daughter with it.

[Anonymous]

The time between ages 7 and 8 are a time of great maturity. The effects you all are describing could very well be the result of maturation, rather than Cogmed.

[Anonymous]

Hello

Would any of the posters in this forum be willing to speak to a journalist about their experiences with the program?

If so, please email me at [e-mail] or phone at 212-617-1167.

thanks!

[Anonymous]

And with the journalist comes a halt in responses..

I'm not related to the journalist's post.

I am interested in Cogmed (or any option to RX meds) for a 7 year old boy who does not have issues with losing things but does have substantial issues with staying focused in class and finishing in class assignments.

It would be really great if those who've posted (and future posters) would come back and share whether they tried other alternative treatments (ex: Feingold or special diets/supplements) and/or exactly what RX meds were finally given to their child (including dose/weight/success/failure). This is the kind of cut to the chase data that would benefit other families and the kids they love. Otherwise, we must all still take the same long journey.

Thanks in advance for your feedback.

[Anonymous]

My son, who has ADHD, went through COGMED program 3 years ago when he was 8 years old. I have not noticed any significant improvement at the time, and this year he tested dead average for working memory at his neuropsych evaluation - way below his other major indicators. So I guess I didn't find the program especially useful for us.

[Anonymous]

Diagnosed with working memory issues, but high scores otherwise at age 6. Did Cogmed (the version for ages 6 and younger). He got better at the Cogmed program, but I didn't see any transfer to his activities or school.

One year later, diagnosed with ADD, just this past month, also diagnosed with APD. I think addressing these (ADD, APD) more directly is my kid's best option. Currently on Concerta, 36 mg - and he's a small kid, but I'm told a kid's size isn't a factor in getting the right dosage. It varies kid by kid (metabolism)? At any rate, re-took the TOVA and he scored 100% while on 36 mg. Trying to figure our how APD plays into all of this now and what to do next. Hope this helps, and good luck.

[Anonymous]

I found a three from 2013 indicating that a parent would post results for MAP's cogged research. They were apparently giving children cogged and testing them at 2, 6 and 9 months to see if there were changes in working memory?

Can anyone from MAP say if this was done and how the results were?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I found a three from 2013 indicating that a parent would post results for MAP's cogged research. They were apparently giving children cogged and testing them at 2, 6 and 9 months to see if there were changes in working memory?

Can anyone from MAP say if this was done and how the results were?

What is MAP? I can tell you that we tried it, and it was a waste of our money. Maybe it works for some kids but not my 11 yr old DS - who's learning profile is supposedly the perfect fit for COGMED.

[Anonymous]

Thanks so much for posting this, everyone. I have a high functioning 10 year old DS who has ADD and mild dyslexia, with low average working memory scores. Psychologist (Stixrud Group) gave the neuropsych and recommends Cogmed. Based on the online demo, I know DS will find it "boring." Even though these comments are inconclusive as to whether Cogmed is in some way responsible for learning and exec functioning improvements, they are super helpful.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I found a three from 2013 indicating that a parent would post results for MAP's cogged research. They were apparently giving children cogged and testing them at 2, 6 and 9 months to see if there were changes in working memory?

Can anyone from MAP say if this was done and how the results were?

What is MAP? I can tell you that we tried it, and it was a waste of our money. Maybe it works for some kids but not my 11 yr old DS - who's learning profile is supposedly the perfect fit for COGMED.

MAP on here usually means the Model Aspergers Program at Ivymount. PP, look into this Ivymount research and see if they reached any helpful conclusions before you shell out $$.
I thought Stixrud was too reputable to suggest untried methods.

[Anonymous]

For the first few paragraphs of the main post she could've been describing my ADD/dyslexic son (except that he was 13 instead of 8) and the program was 49 year old mom hard! Our differences end, however, when she did say she saw a change in her son. We did the program towards the end of his first semester hoping it would effect some change for the second semester of 8th grade. We saw absolutely nothing. In fact, he became worse at completing his assignments, using his planner, turning assignments in and keeping track of them. We were certainly not looking for a cure, and they don't promote that, but some improvement, even if just minor, in his executive functioning skills. Nothing. We are over 6 months out and in the maintenance phase and I'm seriously thinking about not even finishing that.

In addition, he HATED the program. It is not a video game and that is what kids expect. It is hard, and that is ok, but it is boring and annoying. The voice and prompts are for much younger kids. It did take him about 40 minutes to complete and he would try to fudge but then he realized I could check to see if he had done it on the calendar. It was a horrible month for my usually easy going kid. I will say the maintenance is only 2 x a week and takes about 20 minutes so he is ok with that, but again, at this point I'm not sure there is any point in continuing.

Very expensive and time consuming for no results. I did do my research ahead of time and saw the negative reviews from outsiders but I'm sure, just like many of you, when you have a kid with LD you don't want to leave any stone unturned. We've should've thrown this stone in the lake.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the update, PP.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for this site. I have read everyone´s posts. I was hoping that Cogmed would be very helpful for me. I am 53 y.o. and diagnosed at 52. Although I have been able to complete a M.A before and felt successful enough.
Things changed after I had my child 9 years ago. My ADHD might have gone array for being hormonal along with being responsible for someone else. My biggest issue is time management and completing projects on time. I went back to school to get my MSW and this time around has been very, very hard. I do not lose hope but it is hard to keep a positive attitude.

I have Káiser for insurance and although it is great in many fronts, it sucks for mental health services. They take too long and I have been on the waiting list for another assessment for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I am doing biofeedback and it helps but I need help with organization, time management and completing my projects on time!
Any guidance, I truly appreciate it. I live in Southern California.

Thanks in advance!
T