Addressing Children with Special Needs

The Brain Highways program has included children with a myriad of diagnoses such as Autism, Attention Deficit Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Sensory Integration Disorder, Central Auditory Processing Syndrome, Tourette Syndrome, Landau-Kieffner Syndrome, Down’s Syndrome, William’s Syndrome, Cri du Chat Syndrome, Selective Mutism, and Cerebral Palsy, as well those who have suffered brain injuries or are missing a part of the brain.

The Brain Highways program differs from most other approaches in that we focus on children’s potential, rather than viewing previously imposed “limits” as obstacles to progress.

Likewise, our goal is to facilitate genuine improvement. From a Brain Highways program’s perspective, success is not based on whether a child can perform a task in a controlled environment. Rather, success is determined by how well a child can freely incorporate the newly acquired brain functions into daily life. For example, a child who used to engage in violent meltdowns may now be dropped off at a friend’s birthday party. Or, a child who previously had no language now regularly expresses creative ideas and initiates discussion at the dinner table.

Our expectation of change and progress is not based on naivety; rather, it is generated from the humbling acknowledgement and experience that no one can truly know with 100% certainty any given child’s full potential. In response to those who may view such thinking as “denial,” we respond that the perspective of denial can equally apply to those who refuse to believe change is possible.

Moreover, when the early centers of the brain are significantly underdeveloped, we know that a child must compensate for that underdevelopment. Consequently, a child’s preoccupation with seeking ways to compensate may, in turn, interfere with the development of his or her full potential.

While we cannot predict to what level a child may ultimately progress, our experience documents that change does happen as the early centers of the brain are developed. Moreover, any increase in a child’s level of functionality is considered a positive gain.

We never claim to “cure” any diagnosis. Rather, our efforts are aimed at improving functionality and general daily life for all children. In fact, the kind of support that we offer focuses on a moving the whole family forward. In doing so, the Brain Highways program additionally demonstrates how it is possible to hold children accountable for many negative behaviors that some (or all) had previously assumed occurred because of the diagnosis.

In short, the Brain Highways program was created to help children experience a full-filling childhood and to re-unite families in a way that brings joy into the home.

"Same Story, Different Ending" Video

These seven children’s lives were no different than many others who have been diagnosed with autism. Within this group, the children had no language, self-stimulated themselves with erratic, repetitive behavior, bolted out doors without warning, experienced daily meltdowns, overreacted to simple sensory stimuli, and more. In fact, most of these children’s behaviors fell under the category of “extreme,” classifying them as the more difficult cases of children with autism.

Yet, each of these children has now accomplished what nearly everyone deemed impossible. Best of all, the children are enjoying a rich childhood filled with friends and new experiences. While this 25-minute video documents seven children’s dramatic, positive changes, its primary message is one of hope for any child who is struggling.

One out of 150 children will be diagnosed with autism this year. Such statistics increase the probability that each of us will be affected by someone with autism. With that in mind, the “Same Story, Different Ending” video challenges the belief that we must wait for a cure before these children can reach their potential.

This DVD is available, for no charge, to professionals who would like to share it in a group setting with colleagues or parents.

Jumpstart Classes

To ensure that all children can participate and receive maximum benefit from the Brain Highways program, we offer Jumpstart Classes for those whose current neurological profile does not indicate immediate, successful participation in our Pons Class.