Brain Balance

Not to be confused with Brain Gym.
The Brain Balance company logo.

Brain Balance Achievement Centers are after-school learning centers that help children with academic, social and behavioral disorders such as ADHD, Dyslexia, Asperger's syndrome, processing disorders, and/or other learning disabilities.[1] The company offers a comprehensive program that combines physical and sensory exercises with cognitive skill training and healthy nutrition based on the principles of neuroplasticity.

History

The program was founded by Robert Melillo in 1995, based on research that led him to understand learning disorders as manifestations of an underlying problem in the brain called Functional Disconnection Syndrome. He later began marketing the program in 2006.[2]

As of 2015, Brain Balance had about ninety locations across twenty-eight American states.[3] The first center in Canada was in Toronto, Ontario.[4]

Functions

The program is a medicine-free program that claims to improve students learning capacity through a series of sensory, motor and cognitive activities, which are determined via an approximately three-hour assessment. The assessment determines the student's weaknesses and establishes an individualized program that will be most effective in improving the weak area or areas.[5] This program also claims to enhance brain and body function leading to eliminating negative symptoms and behaviors and improves the ability to function academically, socially and emotionally.

Receptions and critical reactions

In the scientific and medical community, Brain Balance has been criticized for its lack of evidence as well as its claims about neuroplasticity and other brain developments.[6][7] However, a randomized control trial found the program to be effective in eliminating symptoms associated with ADHD, as well as producing significant academic improvement.[8]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Brain Balance". Sciencebasedmedicine.org. Retrieved 2015-10-18.
  2. ↑ "History of the Brain Balance Program". brainbalancecenters.com. Retrieved 2015-09-14.
  3. ↑ "Locations - Brain Balance Achievement Centers". brainbalancecenters.com. Retrieved 2015-09-14.
  4. ↑ Brain Balance Toronto
  5. ↑ "Spotlight on Brain Balance – Kansas City Magazine for Women". herlifemagazine.com. Retrieved 2015-09-14.
  6. ↑ "Brain Balance « Science-Based Medicine". sciencebasedmedicine.org. Retrieved 2015-09-14.
  7. ↑ "Doctors skeptical of center's claims". jsonline.com. Retrieved 2015-09-14.
  8. ↑ "The integration of the neurosciences, child public health, and education practice: hemisphere-specific remediation strategies as a discipline partnered rehabilitation tool in ADD/ADHD". frontiersinPublicHealth. Retrieved 2013-07-25.

External links

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