Fast ForWord is an online intervention program developed by neuroscientists to address the underlying causes of language and reading difficulties.
It specifically targets weak auditory processing, a core issue for many struggling readers, by retraining the brain to process speech sounds more accurately and efficiently.
The program includes exercises that resemble video games to improve cognitive skills such as memory, attention, auditory processing, and sequencing, while simultaneously developing English grammar and reading abilities.
Why Fast ForWord Works
Decades of research show that weak auditory processing is at the root of most reading struggles. Fast ForWord leverages this by enhancing auditory temporal processing—the ability to perceive rapidly changing speech sounds. This skill is crucial for distinguishing subtle differences in sounds, essential for reading and language development .
Proven Effectiveness
Fast ForWord's effectiveness is supported by more than 55 patents and over 250 research studies. The program helps the brain reorganize itself through neuroplasticity, forming new neural connections that enhance auditory processing and cognitive skills.
This often results in significant improvements in reading and language skills, with many students achieving 1-2 years of reading gains in just 40-60 hours of use .
Physiological Changes
Functional MRI scans have shown that Fast ForWord can result in physiological changes in the brain, making the brain activity of struggling readers more similar to that of typical readers. These changes have been observed in as little as eight weeks of using the program.
Key Skill Development
Fast ForWord enhances:
1. Memory: Helps students hold information in working memory while retrieving long-term memory associations.
2. Attention: Develops the ability to focus on multiple tasks and ignore distractions.
3. Processing Speed: Strengthens auditory and linguistic processing rates, enabling quick discrimination of phonemes and comprehension of words and sentences.
4. Sequencing: Improves the ability to recognize and remember the order of sounds, words, and instructions.
Support for Dyslexia
Fast ForWord is particularly beneficial for children with dyslexia, addressing common auditory processing deficits in this population.
While not recommended as a standalone treatment for dyslexia, it can significantly accelerate progress when used alongside a multisensory dyslexia therapy program.
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References
1. Tallal, P., et al. (1996). Language comprehension in language-learning impaired children improved with acoustically modified speech. *Science, 271*(5245), 81-84.
2. Merzenich, M. M., et al. (1996). Temporal processing deficits of language-learning impaired children ameliorated by training. *Science, 271*(5245), 77-81.
3. Gillam, R. B., et al. (2008). Language change following computer-assisted language instruction in children with specific language impairment. *Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, 51*(1), 116-129.
4. Loeb, D. F., et al. (2009). Effects of Fast ForWord training on children with specific language impairment. *American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 18*(4), 315-328.
5. Temple, E., et al. (2003). Neural deficits in children with dyslexia ameliorated by behavioral remediation: Evidence from functional MRI. *Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 100*(5), 2860-2865.
6. Gaab, N., et al. (2007). Neural correlates of rapid auditory processing are disrupted in children with developmental dyslexia and ameliorated with training: An fMRI study. *Restorative Neurology and Neuroscience, 25*(3-4), 295-310.
7. Russo, N., et al. (2005). Auditory processing in children with specific language impairment: Relations between electrophysiology and behavior. *Brain and Language, 94*(1), 57-73.
Written by: CL Hub Team.