The 4 Step P.A.T.H. to Success: Evaluation & Treatment at The Cognitive Emporium

When you are looking to invest time and money it is important to know what you want, who you need, and what type of learning environment will work for you. The Cognitive Emporium is composed of Neuro-educational specialists, ADHD interventionists, Dyslexia Specialists, Educators, Psychiatrists, Psychologists, and Parent and Health Coaches, who each have their own unique style, but believe in the same core values. 

What sets our center apart is our vast diversity in education, experience, and our use of scientific-based tools used to close the gap between intelligence and achievement. We call ourselves an EMPORIUM because we know that the best driver of innovation is diversity.

Our learning lab hosts a variety of clinicians and research based programs that are designed to meet each individual's needs. We know that a diagnosis does not offer a solution. A deliberate pathway is the only road to success.

A key piece to our success is our Predictable Academic Transformation Highway System (The P.A.T.H®), an original protocol and the hallmark of cognitive training at The Cognitive Emporium (TCE).   P.A.T.H. is designed to uncover an individual's cognitive strengths and weaknesses and create an action plan for academic optimization.

Our intervention is an intense, individualized, comprehensive plan that utilizes the brain’s neuroplasticity.  Neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s ability to change and modify neuron activity and connections in reaction to increased learning demand. The P. A. T. H. System is a systematic and comprehensive plan uniquely designed for each individual. It is made up of a specific training plan that takes advantage of each person's strengths and targets their weaknesses.

The system is designed in phases with a variety of options that promote rapid strengthening and growth of the neuronal connections required to optimize learning, allowing the smart kid to become smarter.

We believe that families want answers and solutions more than they want labels. As such, we begin by evaluating each and every child to identify their unique learning profile, identifying the cause of the struggle and then develop an individualized solution to the problem and utilize a variety of tools to put these in place.

Step one on the P.A.T.H. is The B.I.K.E (Best Investigative Tool for Knowing Everything).  B.I.K.E. is an evaluative method that uses a variety of tools to determine any struggles preventing a person from reaching their optimal learning potential.

Once difficulties are identified, a strategic plan can be formulated and their distinct P. A. T. H. created. Tools used in the evaluation include family, medical, and educational history, standardized and non-standardized testing, cognitive comparison screenings, clinical observations, and parental goals.

The next steps in The P. A. T. H. System are then applied. Depending on what is discovered through B.I.K.E, some or all of the following tools will be used:

The Systematic Working Memory Intervention Method (S.W.I.M)

According to research, the driving engine for learning is found in the memory system.  For example, in order to become a proficient reader, attention and working memory needs to be optimized.  Working memory is a muscle that can be strengthened using cognitive intervention.  Our intervention uses 32 one-on-one sessions to improve an individual's attention and memory system.

Retraining Utilizing Neuropathways (R. U. N. )

In order to permanently solve a learning problem, weak underlying cognitive skills must be strengthened.  The reasons why a smart child struggles can be found in the underlying root system known as cognitive processes.  Where problems or weaknesses exist in how a child processes information, there will be long term effects at the academic level.

For example, in order to become proficient in higher order math skills, logic and reasoning, visual processing, and working memory skills should be strong. If not, a student with normal intelligence will work harder, not smarter in higher level math activities.

Cognitive Auditory training for Reading and Spelling (C. A. R. S. )

The neuronal pathways that lead to strong spelling and reading skills, are rooted in the language area of the brain. Therefore, efficient language processing is crucial for an individual to thrive in the areas of reading, writing and spelling.

This program is specifically designed for one-on-one individual training using increased intensity, duration, and frequency training. This unique program retrains the way an individual processes language, attacks words, and manipulates sounds using verbal and visual working memory skills, auditory analysis of sounds, processing speed, word retrieval, rapid automatic naming skills, and auditory comprehension.

C. A. R. S. begins with 32 sessions (Phase 1). But each person will achieve their optimization in a different number of sessions. While C. A. R. S. significantly reduces the amount of time traditional reading tutoring can take, the amount of time spent on C. A. R. S. cannot be known in advance.  Instead, a reassessment is given at the end of each phase and recommendations are given at that time.

It is important to note that every person's journey is different and the time that it takes to achieve maximum results vary. However when the plan is followed, academic and learning optimization occurs.