Fast ForWord is based on extensive research by Dr. Paula Tallal and Dr. Steve Miller of Rutgers University and Dr. Michael Merzenich and Dr. William Jenkins of the University of California at San Francisco. These four scientists developed the Scientific Learning Corporation to bring the Fast ForWord program to children and adults.

To make sense out of language, every child must be able to distinguish the rapidly changing phonetic elements of speech. Fast ForWord is the first proven method to teach this skill to children who do not learn it naturally. Using principles that underlie the human learning process, Fast ForWord stimulates rapid language skill development by acoustically modifying speech. When different sounds are altered on a Fast ForWord computer exercise, a language-learning impaired child is better able to distinguish the components of each sound. As children continue to do the exercises, they develop language-decoding skills. The Fast ForWord program is based on years of research on language-learning disabilities and how the brain learns as it is stimulated by the environment.

The Fast ForWord is comprised of several adaptive training exercises that develop the various components of language and learning skills using computer-generated artificial speech, digitized human speech and digital tones and sounds. Advanced digital software techniques are used to modify the characteristics of the speech and sounds the children hear as they practice the exercises.

Our Speech and Language Pathologists will initially provide an evaluation to determine eligibility. The results of these tests will be reviewed by our Scientific Learning Corporation-certified professionals to determine if s/he is a good candidate for the Fast ForWord program. The appropriate program will be chosen, initiated, monitored and analyzed for the individual's progress.

For additional information, contact: www.scientificlearning.com

Fast ForWord programs offered at our Center include:

• Fast ForWord Language, a computer-based training program, rapidly develops the oral language skills that are necessary for reading. This program is specifically designed for children who are reading below grade level, have difficulty associating letters with sounds, have difficulty communicating and following directions, use simple and short sentences and are experiencing difficulty following conversations.
  
  
• STEP 4Word rapidly develops the language and reading skills critical for success in school and all aspects of life. This program will benefit those children who are working to build reading comprehension, need to improve their ability to speak or read aloud, show little interest in reading and have difficulty following conversations.
  
  
• Fast ForWord Reading helps students become better readers. This program is correlated to the third grade curriculum. This programs trains skills necessary for fluent reading such as decoding, spelling, comprehension, memory, vocabulary, syntax, organization and word recognition.
  
  
• 4wd develops the language and reading skills critical for success in school and other aspects of life. The 4wd focuses on improving thinking, listening and reading. It is designed for the student who would like to improve reading skills, listening skills, organizational skills, communication skills and the ability to participate and engage in classroom discussions.
  
  
• ReWord improved language and organizational skills for adults. This program may be of specific interest to those who would like to improve their language skills due to the effects of a stroke, traumatic brain injury, ASD/autism or other cognitive impairments.