1. Sync -(For child beginnig in poor timing range) Synchronization mode is for students who average over 100 ms away from the beat and the younger child. It requires hand over hand direction to help the student find the beat and is usually done one on one. In group modes, the parents sometimes can aid in sync training. For the population that I see, students are usually only in sync for one to 5 days. Five year olds or younger are usually in sync most of the first 15 sessions, though by the end even these younger students often have some level of independence. Many only complete the first 6 basic IM tasks, as well as some specific sync tasks that are more age appropriate.
2. Basic IM-(for child beginning in below ave to above average timing range.) Basic training is used in most all IM research and includes the 13 traditional tasks that all IM providers learn and can discuss easily. I will usually show these tasks on my videos as I post them.
3. Core Conditioning -(After basic training goals are met and child is in above average to superior timing range) This format includes a lot of crossing mid line, balance tasks, trunk rotation, and bilateral integration. The goal is to help the two hemispheres of the brain communicate with one another and build core strength/stability. I usually follow basic training with core conditioning. I have had excellent academic results with this format and highly recommend it to anyone who is still struggling after basic training! Usually children gain just as much in core conditioning as they did in basic. IM seems to be cumulative in nature, the more you do the more you gain.
4. Visual Processing Mode - (For child with visual processing issues, after basic training) These tasks involve shutting off the traditional guide sounds and using the visual feedback. I also incorporate some visual tracking, visual scanning, visual memory, laterality tasks and more. You can read the book by Dr. Lane on my shelf to get a better idea of the tasks used here.
5. Advanced Mode -(For child in superior or elite timing range) These tasks encompass multitasking, working memory, large sequencing tasks ...... the kitchen sink. Tasks are geared for those who have mastered basic and core conditioning IM and are developmentally ready for the challenge. Children that begin in Sync do not get here with out ALOT of IM. Occasionally I have a student that begins IM in the superior range though and are already scoring most tasks below 40 ms. These are usually neuro typical siblings of previous students I've seen. The parents understand that like vitamins and exercise, IM is good for everyone and puts their high achieving child through IM too. These neuro-typical children can sometime complete basic training in less than a week, core conditioning the next week and move into visual or advance mode the final week. They gain just as much as their siblings did and in the same areas -executive functioning, focus, sports, and academics. They just started at a higher level, reached a higher level and progressed extremely quickly. Choosing the 'just right' challenge level is the key, challenging the child to work hard, but not so hard as to overload them.
Because I am NOT under the insurance umbrella, I am blessed to have the opportunity to work with this neuro-typical populations. I learn from these children! If all I saw was the child with struggles, I might think that these awkward looking movements are made by every child... they are not! It is my goal to get your child to look as neuro-typical as I can, because then they act and learn as neurotypical as they can!
If you notice from the data spreadsheets, I do not keep a student in just one format. If they are ready, I move them along the program according to their individual needs and skill level. Group mode IM helps keep the cost down for you, but is still individualized for your child! The best of both worlds.
If you notice from the data spreadsheets, I do not keep a student in just one format. If they are ready, I move them along the program according to their individual needs and skill level. Group mode IM helps keep the cost down for you, but is still individualized for your child! The best of both worlds.
