RAMPing way to better memory

What would happen if children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactive Disorder (AD/HD) were able to expand their memory? Would they reign in their thoughts? Make better (and less impulsive) decisions?
Refining Attention Memory and Parenting (RAMP) seeks to answer those questions. A free, experimental program aimed for children between seven and 11 years old, RAMP uses the home environment to provide memory-training exercises.
“Treatments such as psycho-stimulant drugs or behavioral therapy alone provide short-term, symptomatic relief for AD/HD, but limited, if any, long-lasting benefits’” said Queens College Psychology Professor Anil Chacko, who directs RAMP. “Our approach is unique because it integrates computerized working-memory training with interventions that target parenting techniques and children’s social skills development. We feel this is a powerful combination that will insure lasting cognitive and behavioral improvements.”
The research study/program takes a couple of steps. The digital program is downloaded to a computer and the child spends an hour each day for five weeks playing an entertaining game which features different exercises. Parents will help motivate the child to stay on-task. The game will steadily increase its difficulty as the child improves.
After that, the children and parents split up at weekly meetings at Queens College for nine weeks. The parents learn strategies to modify and manage their child’s behavior while the child learns social skills.
The child’s teacher will fill out questionnaires to record the child’s changes from before until after the treatment. Both parents and teachers will be reimbursed for their time.
In order to be eligible for the program, the child may not exhibit an autistic spectrum disorder and the family must be fluent in English with an internet connection at home.
Although AD/HD is one of the most common neurological disorders in American children, and less then half of afflicted children outgrow it, there are not many programs for them.
Queens College takes the lead and provides help and resources for parents of AD/HD and autistic children as well as those who have other neurological disorders. RAMP is only one of their programs.
Families interested in participating in this free evaluation and treatment program should call 718-997-3248 or email contact@chipslab.org.