I realized that I had not adequately addressed your concern about the practitioners who are qualified to offer Cogmed Working Memory Training. Those who do offer the program undergo specialized training in order to do so. Cogmed is trying to maintain quality control, to be as sure as they can that those who provide Cogmed Working Memory Training are doing so in a responsible fashion.
As you already know, only certain practitioners are licensed to offer the Cogmed Working Memory Training. The practitioners do not receive any bonus for providing the training. Their reimbusement is part of the cost of the program. There are important differences between the Cogmed Working Memory Training and the sorts of software you mentioned. Those software programs have not been subjected to empirical investigation to establish the efficacy of the claims about improving memory. And the programs are 'one size fits all'. The Cogmed Working Memory Training has been developed over a number of years and subjected to empirical investigation of high quality. In addition, whiole the training occurs in the home, a coach supervises the training as it progresses (the training can be monitored by the coach/clinician via computer) and offers weekly (or more) guidance over the phone to the child and the training aide (usually a parent). In addition, as the child progresses over the course of the various daily exercises, the degree of challenge is adjusted according to an algorithm established in the program. Thus, the child's working memory is 'stretched' according to the child's own level of progress. Essentially, the software program is individualized in that fashion - it is not 'one size fits all'.
I have been introduced to the Cogmed program thru a very good Psychologist, well known from CHADD. She said the program would benefit my daughter who has ADHD, executive/working memory defecits. We are very hesitant about this program firstly because it is $2000. Secondly, there are only certainly doc's that are trained for this and makes us wonder if they get bonuses for refering patients to the program.
Are there any other programs, software, games that can help working memory instead of this program? There are many software games that are said to be memory boosters that basically do the same thing.
You aren't affiliated with Cogmed, that is why I would like an honest opinion.
Also, if there are anyone in this community that has taken the program with there children, please let us know how it went.
Thank you so much.
There is growing and convincing evidence that this program is effective for in enhancing working memory ability, one of the abilities that is ofetn problematic in children with ADHD. One of the things that makes the Cogmed Working Memory Training distinctive is the activity of the coach who assists with the training. The person who undergoes the five-week program does so at home with a computer. The coach monitors the child's progress via computer and uses the telephone to offer feedback, guidance., etc., and to help solve any problems that arise during the training. You might like to read about Cogmed Working Memory training on their web site: Cogmed.com. Providers of the Training are listed on the web site.