Low Level Brain Training

York Biofeedback Centre offers a method of testing and training a set of core brain processing functions. Children and adults with learning or attention problems such as Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Dyslexia may have deficits in these low level functions. Training in these basic skills has been shown to improve higher level skills such as reading and writing. The method is not strictly neurofeedback but is a useful complement to it. Training units are available for hire so that you can benefit from home training.

What Are Low Level Functions?

These functions relate to the processing of perceptions, especially aspects related to timing. For example, consider the skills needed to understand speech.  Obviously you need an understanding of words and sentences but on a more basic level you need perceptual skills such as correctly identifying the individual sound components (e.g. letter sounds), and the ability to keep track of the order in which you heard them.

Low Level Training with Brain-Boy

York Biofeedback Centre employs a training and testing system known as "brain boy". Brain-boy has a set of eight different tests highlighting different aspects of low level brain functioning, each of which can be trained.

Training can be fun. Each test is designed in the form of a game. You follow a sequence of trials. Each time you give a correct answer, the next trial is more difficult. Each incorrect answer makes the next easier. Can you beat your best score!

Examples of the test functions:

• Visual Order Discrimination
• Two LED lights flash in quick succession. You have to identify which one (left or right) flashed first.
• Audiory Order Discrimination
• You hear two clicks, one in each ear of your headphones. You have to identify which came first.
• Directional Discrimination
• You hear a click in your headphones and the task is to identify the "direction" - was it more to the left or to the right?
• Pitch Discrimination
• You hear two tones, quite close in pitch. You identify the lower tone - was it the first or second?
• Perceptual-motor Coordination
• You press buttons in time with a rhythmic tone. How well can you synchronise?

For more information on the brain-boy and low level training visit visit the site of the German manufacturer, Meditech.