From a client’s mom:

“He is doing so great.  I have a science test that he took recently.  It was so hard!  He got a 108%!  I was super proud of him!”

“This young lad came up seven grade levels in reading in 18 months from 6.8 to 13.8 (grade level placement scores used by schools) and completely maxed the comprehension in a year! He started out at a sixth grade level there, too! He’s only 12 now!  He did not like reading or learning before and after 18 months he loved it!”  ~ from his ND who tested him, provided him with a neuro-developmental/educational program, and then re-tested him every 4 months. 

Reports like this are not unusual from our parents and teachers as they watch children who are on the Little Giant Steps Neuro-Educational Programs.  They have the fortunate vantage point to witness how our clients change and become academically successful when their brains become organized, their processing abilities improve, and their hemispheric dominance is firmly established.  It’s not really rocket science…. it’s what nature provides (demands) during those early years of neuro-development.  Unfortunately, we are doing things with our children in our society that has left many of them with gaps in their neuro-connections, and the mind-body communication doesn’t get the developmental stimuli it requires.  Sure our kids learn to cope and compensate, but by the time they reach 9 years of age, typically, you’ll see them begin to suffer academically, as they try and have failed enough times their frustration and feelings of failure cause them to turn away from all that is good about learning. They can’t function within the windows of opportunities  given in a school environment. No human being does well with a serving of failure each and every day.

Now, The Good News

And there is good news!  Little Giant Steps is here to make sure those learning difficulties are resolved, eliminated, and a new confident successful person emerges.  Please look at how fast these children achieve proficiency in math, word recognition, and comprehension by reviewing these tests of our clients.  If you know of a child, teen or even an adult struggling with learning, then you owe it to them to send them to this site.  We recognize we may not appeal to everyone, but more people than not, after they’ve investigated what Little Giant Steps does,  how we work, they take advantage of our screenings we do throughout the year, and most just call to make an appointment to be evaluated, because they know after reading our articles; they have found what they need.

How many times have we adults headed into another room to get something,  then by the time we are there, it has slipped our mind as to what we were to retrieve?  Quickly we try to retrieve the intent, the memory, the clues.  We trace our steps, we try to settle ourselves down, we get angry, we get frustrated. Some of us sit down and try to quiet ourselves with the hope our brains will adjust and we can “pull ourselves together”.  Little Giant Steps has the answer!

All of us know we live very “full” lives. Many of our stress levels are way too high to promote a safe and sane existence.  Living our lives in very demanding, unbalanced ways is just not good for us! Stress is a killer!  As my mother used to say,  ”If the well is dry, then the drinking stops!”  If we’ve not gotten enough sleep (and most of us don’t) then a state of deprivation sets in and its toll can be seen in our mental state, our mental agility and recall, not to mention the physical breakdown of our bodies and immune systems, which give rise to many of us having high blood pressure, eating & drinking too much, and a plethora of physical ailments that follow.  So, the first step is to make a plan right now to begin 2012 with getting 8 hours sleep.  It’s what every body needs!  If someone says differently, then they are either terribly misinformed, lying to themselves about what scientific proof and common sense has proclaimed as a “best-case scenario” for keeping yourself in top mental, spiritual, and physical shape!  Next, is we need to help our brain out by doing some easy brain “re-organizing” activities.

Not The End Of The Story….

What your brain needs besides good nutrition and sleep is some specific brain intervention techniques applied now, while you are noticing the decline of your receiving, storing, and recall of information.  Here’s a great place to start:  “It’s Never Too Late”.  I’d also ask you to check out the stats on how successful our programs are in getting those with processing, memory, and learning issues eliminated by seeing see our “Program Test Results”.   Let’s face it, today we have more resources to help us get through this life with all its stresses, demands, and still succeed.  Little Giant Steps Programs exits because of that deep desire to help those who struggle with learning, memory, and learning disabilities. We teach you how to stop living with lack of function, and restore yourself. In fact,  we are leading experts in the field of Neuro-Educational & Development.

It’s Your Choice

Now, do you want a better, stress-free life with a brain that functions efficiently?  Then do what we’ve offered to thousands of children, teens and adults.  Get more sleep and try our Memory & Motion if you are an adult.  2012 can be an improved and blessed year for you!  See for yourself!

 Little Giant Steps has the fortunate history of seeing children, teens and adults leave behind their  struggling with learning for almost 2o years.  We are very blessed to work in a field now called “neuroscience” of which we’ve called “neurodevelopment”.  The good news for this year and all of the years we’ve been helping families, is that we get to see the potential realized in their children along side the parents.  Getting the brain and body’s connections functioning efficiently is a matter of doing what was missed during early development.  Yes, there is a discipline one must follow in order to accomplish that goal, but it is very achievable!

Please take a moment and read some of the histories of those with whom we’ve worked.  Then make a New Year’s Resolution that this year will be the year to set your child free from learning disabilities!  God bless you and yours in the coming year.  Thanks and much gratitude to all those who support Little Giant Steps and our sister non-profit agency, Steps of Hope.

 Little Giant Steps knows the value of having a child who seemly has no self-control, despite the effort and good parenting that has been a part of his up-bringing, become a “normal” kid.  We also know a child will often mis-behave when his processing abilities are low, his brain is disorganized, or mixed dominance is going on due to the fact they have a few gaps in neuro-efficiency or neurodevelopment.  If you see the symptoms, then know there is a way to treat them without drugs or expensive intervention.  It’s a matter of development, and that is an opportunity for you to educate yourself and then get busy learning how to help change your and your child’s life for the better, just like this mom did!”  

“Kyle (age 9) has settled down a bit and really good news. We spent over 3 hrs getting our cells phones changed out and he didn’t do any of the personal body space invasion or intense attention getting antics he usually does when we are in a public place. He was just your typical bored 9 year-old. Woop woop! Thanks for everything!”

Little Giant Steps has been working with families for over 20 years showing them how they can be the “game-changer” when it comes to helping their child through math or reading difficulties.  In fact, over these many years, Jan Bedell, The Brain Coach, has been developing programs that not only help a child grasp the concepts of math, but work at helping the child process information much better.  A Neuro-Education Program, whether it’s addressing functional issues found in ADD, ADHD, Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Sensory Disorders, PDD, Down syndrome, or Special Needs, works on the foundation of learning at the root causes in the brain!  If the brain is not organized, and neuro-pathways are not complete, then the child may show signs of some or all of the learning disabilities mentioned above.

 Learning Disabilities or Difficulties Are Not A Life Sentence!

 Here are some parents  telling of their experiences who have taken advantage of our in-home programs (Developmental Foundations (5-Adult), Early Learning Foundations (2-5 yr.),or who’ve  had an Evaluation with Individualized Programs:

“When I was asked to use one word to describe my experience with Little Giant Steps, I said, life-changing. When our daughter started the program, she was highly frustrated, emotional, and her attention span was terrible. The only way she could focus on school work was in a totally quiet environment. She wanted to help and follow instructions but could not remember. She was also hyper-sensitive, we had to cut out all tags from her clothing. Megan improved two grade levels in math, word recognition and comprehension in one year.“  T.E., Plano, TX

“My son was 10 years old, in the 4th grade and having problems at school (and other places), becoming too emotional in class and causing problems with off-task behavior. When he did get really upset, it took him a very long time to calm down. He was brilliant at some times and totally absent-minded at others; having trouble recalling what he had mastered the day before. Focusing on tasks for 15 minutes was a real challenge and his work required constant supervision for him to complete assignments. He longed to play with other children but would withdraw when playmates were around. He was hypersensitive to touch and had trouble controlling his hands. There were other issues as well.

We took our son to an Educational Diagnostician and a Pediatric Neurologist. Both professionals agreed he was a bright child with mild ADHD. One advised medication and the other did not. Then, I heard a talk given on neurodevelopment and what kinds of problems it can correct. It was as if they were talking about our son. We had our son evaluated and began a Program of Neurodevelopment. By the end of 6 weeks, he began to be able to skip; he had never been able to do this. By the end of four months, he was going to the principal’s office less than once a week, before it had been 2 — 3 times a week. By the end of the school semester, at about 5 months, his interaction with his peers had dramatically changed and he was not so solitary as before.

During the summer, he surprised us by swimming in a straight line across the pool (without any coaching). In summers past, he always swam in a curve, since one side of his body would not do what the other side would (3 years of swimming lessons had been unable to correct this). This year, in the 5th grade, we have seen steady progress. Our son can now stay on task for hours a time and can remember much better what he has learned. He has not been to the principal’s office once!  This Neuro-Educational Program really works! Everyone is a lot happier at our house these days. Neurodevelopment is an answer to prayer.  Grateful in TX.

“I have been so excited to see how Jason has improved in his ability to interact, remember and even pay attention after just a month on the Little Giant Steps Neuro-Educational Program!

We are playing the processing games and doing the crawling activities that are on the program and working with his eye tracking and it seems to be producing such fast results, it’s hard to describe!  He seems more content and not so frustrated at every little thing.  At first, I thought it was just that he was getting more attention from me, which can never hurt, but it’s more than that.  He actually seems to be thinking differently and is not so impulsive and jumping from one extreme emotional state to another as much.

I believe we may be seeing the “brain organization” you were talking about and I just wanted to tell you we are so grateful we found Little Giant Steps and your programs. Our whole family is amazed with some of the things he’s saying and noticing, which would never have happened before.  In fact, his siblings tried to avoid him, because of his foul moods.  All I can say is a big “THANK YOU”!  We finally are seeing the son we knew was there, but couldn’t gain access to!  God bless, Jason’s Mom.”

Note: While Little Giant Steps is delighted with the progress Jason has made in such a short time, we cannot predict how long it will take for the body and mind to respond to the Neuro-Educational Program. Each child is different.  It really depends on the status of incompleteness the neuro-development is at the time the program is instituted and how faithful the family or tutor is to the program.  It sounds like much of Jason’s neuro-connections were ready to grow, and the program is finishing the job.  He’s gone from what seemed like a brain working on a dial-up connection to one with high-speed connections. We call it “neuro-efficiency” and that is what we pursue with all of our clients ~ an organized brain and neuro-efficiency!  That’s how learning becomes easy! Life becomes much better!

A Thankful Mom Writes:

We are so thrilled and are praising the Lord today in our house.  We have had a major breakthrough!  I never thought I would see the day that I would witness our daughter pick up a book just to read for pleasure.  It is like something just “clicked.”

I had asked her in times past why she did not read (because she could) but she said it was hard.  Still, every time we went to the bookstore I allowed her pick out a book for me to purchase for her.  There were even times that she went out and bought books on her own.  I could tell she really wanted to enjoy reading but never could.  Last night she told me that she was on chapter 6 of a book she began reading that morning.  This afternoon she is on chapter 11 of that book!  I just thank the Lord for Little Giant Steps and how it has helped her.  I also thank the Lord for the new problem we will have -getting her to put the book down long enough to help with doing the dishes! ~ Mom of a new reader!

#Little Giant Steps #(LGS) loves hearing about the success of those who have committed to working our programs.  When learning is hard, LGS is there to provide evaluations, in-home programs  Developmental Foundations(5-college), (Early Learning Foundation)for ages 2 – 5, or even for seniors (Memory & Motion).

If you have questions, please feel free to contact us.  We want your child to discover how learning can become easy, too!

 I thought I’d share a good resource for you and your child from Little Giant Steps. As you know, we talk about auditory processing a great deal, because it is such a key to learning. (Get a free Auditory Test Kit and see if your child is functioning at grade level.)  If they’re not up to speed, then there are so many games you can play by “practicing” while playing games with your child.  Here’s an excellent “auditory game”: To start, call out at least 4 numbers (monotone voice, with 1 second between each number) then having them give the numbers back to you after you’ve completed the sequence.  It doesn’t have to be numbers, it can be colors, favorite things they like, food, games, etc. Remember the more syllables when using words will make it more difficult, so start out with just one syllable words if they struggle.  If they two out of three correct, then give then additional number (item) and see if they can process 5 successfully, if they can’t just keep practicing on 5 until they get it! There are two things we consider cheating while playing this game. 1. If they are “chaining” ~ that’s trying to group the numbers so they can remember (generally you’ll see them darting eyes, moving head in a rythmn). 2. If they are trying to use visualization (like they are putting the information they hear on a bulletin board in their head) ~ you’ll see they eyes go up and to the side. Both, chaining and visualization, are coping and compensating behaviors that they’ve learned to try to help themselves. To become proficient in auditory processing, they must do it right until they get it.  Then, you go to the next level. We do have a computer program called Sequencing in A Flash, which works with both auditory and visual processing (for all ages), but it’s not nearly as fun as playing a game with mom or dad!

I like to have it be interactive.  First I give a series, they repeat it back, then they give a series and I repeat it back. What’s the goal?  A child should be able to hold in short term memory the same as their age. For instance, a 1 yr. old, should be able to repeat “one word or number” back. A 2 yr. old 2, 3 yr.old ~ 3, etc.  When they get to age 7, or above.. a minimum of digits they should be able to repeat back is 7.  If you wish to carry on a good conversation, and interact with people and teacher meaningfully, you need to be able to process 8 digits.  If you wish to retain college level material, then you must be able to process at least 9.  If a child or an adult has the ability to get to where they’re processing at 12, they would be doing exceptional! The main thing, is to keep this journey to better processing fun while you’re doing it.  Make it a game… it can be a game you and your family will play for the rest of your lives, as you get together to re-live wonderful growing-up memories.  The best part is that playing these kinds of “auditory processing games” will keep your brain sharp and clear, your comprehension will be very good, and your memory will be kept in fine order regardless of age, or I.Q,!

If #auditory processing# is low for your child (which is more the case than not these days) you are affected globally – areas of reading, writing, comprehending, and motor skills. To increase auditory processing abilities, the activities must be “listening.” Here’s a great publication and CD for those important “listening” times. Remember, you or your child can listen while in the car, while playing on the floor – building castles, playing with legos, racing cars or dressing up the dolls!

Meet Axel. from The Little Giant Steps website:

 Remember, your child loves it when you will sit down and focus on them and any activity you can do together. Too many children do not have parents who understand the vital part they play in the neuro-development of their children. It’s crucial that you be interested, interactive and especially to have FUN with your child.  Don’t let another day go by without making a fun and beneficial time-out for just the two of you.  Your life will improve dramatically, along with your child’s!  If you are aware your child is struggling in learning. Try #Developmental Foundations#.  It’s program that can also be very fun. And it will address the functional areas of the brain that are interfering with your child’s ability to: Receive, Comprehend, Store and Recall Information!  Everyone wins with this program.  Just do it a couple of times a day for no more than 5 minutes~ and you’ll see changes you won’t believe when your child’s brain gets organized and begins to have the needed connections (neuro-pathways) that gives them neuro-efficiency.   If you have a pre-schooler (3-5), then #Early Learning Foundations# is what you will want to order. 

 Now, go have a fun weekend with your children!  Take an “Intentional Break” with your child: Play, Laugh, and Make FUN Memories that will last a lifetime!

WHY is he so disorganized and messy? Uncoordinated? Forgetful?
WHY does he lack logical thinking? He know something one day but not the next?
WHY is everything seem so difficult for him?

Little Giant Steps has been righting these issues for the past twenty years, and we know it has  to do the the early stages of development.  We’ve become a society that takes so many things for granted. Our liberty, freedoms, lack of daily fear, physical comforts, conveniences.  The same is true with our small children.  We think once they get here, they will grow up.  The fact is infants have a great deal of requirements to have their growth cycle become successful.  They must have stimulation, interaction, opportunities to develop each of their systems. Visual, Auditory, Tactile, Motor Skills – Gross and Fine, Manuel, Language and Cognitive development are very dependent upon what opportunities they have had to experience the world, their parents nurturing, language, pressure, temperature, reflexes, responses and many more sensations that go into developing a “wholeness” in a child.

As a expert in the field of providing developmental intervention to students, Sally Goddard Blythe states it well,   “ Only last weekend, when I was running a training day for teachers in The Netherlands in how to recognize signs of  neuro-motor immaturity in the classroom and how to administer a developmental intervention program, one of the attendees remarked that these problems are now reaching “epidemic” proportions, not only in the United Kingdom, but in other parts of Europe, the U.S.  and the rest of the developed world.  As technology proceeds apace, and children are increasingly exposed to visual stimulation without motor integration we are in danger of creating a state of evolutionary  regression rather then progression in the motor and language skills needed to support reading, writing, spelling, maths and social integration. The foundations for these skills are laid down in the early years as a child’s brain and body learn to work together through activity. Until successive governments focus attention on developing the whole child instead of trying to treat the symptom, we will continue to see similar depressing statistics.”

Stay tuned, we’ll have more to say on this next time. ~ cj

It’s amazing that Little Giant Steps (LGS) is often times “pigeon holed” as a neuro-educational consulting group that only works with children, teens or adults with learning disabilities or brain trauma.  The fact is, the Neuro-Educational Programs they provide work for everyone!  Why? Because all of us have been raised in a society that began practices (40 some years ago) that were convenient, but not the best interest for our infants neuro-development. The truth is, each individual must go through vital steps and stages of development in order for the brains and bodies to be wired and functioning efficiently. What has happened is that we’ve hampered our off-spring from developing solid strong neuro-connections because we’ve taken them off their tummies during their waking hours, and placed them up-right, in seats that rob them of the neuro-stimuli they require.  They’ve been affected with less than ideal function neurologically, neuro-muscular development, vision (central vision development and tracking), auditory development, tactile and motor function.  Not to mention other factors  (food additives, genetic engineering of our foods, vaccinations, medications, etc.) that may play a part in the development of our neuro-connections.

Each individual  requires a sound auditory processing ability, which is part of the early learning experiences. Yet, today most of our children are functioning below grade level with a skill set that effects them globally. Auditory Processing can make the difference in a person’s ability to receive information, hold it in short-term memory, and then recall and utilize it. Here are a few other benefits of having an efficient auditory processing ability, because when I say globally, here’s  the areas affected:
* Phonetic Utilization
* Behavior
* Following Directions
* Comprehension
* Conceptual Thinking
* Conversational Language
* Staying On Task

Who needs an increase in critical thinking, memory, academic or work-related function?

The answer is everyone!

Can Little Giant Steps address the needs of businesses function?  YES!   When brain organization improves, so does organization of ones work and production.

Can Little Giant Steps address the needs of those who are gifted? YES!  Gifted people many times have such talent they can cope an compensate with unique quirkey learning, organizing, and behavior issues, but what we’ve seen over the years, is when they get the “coping and compensating monkey off their backs“  and they no longer deal with neuro-inefficiency ~ their true potential can be realized.

Can Little Giant Steps provide schools with improved reading, writing, and math scores and function? YES!                                                                                                                         According to a school principal, just last week,  reported that her middle school had been suffering from poor functioning in the area of math, math facts specifically.  They began utilizing Rapid Recall System (an LGS supplemental math facts program that works alongside the state approved curriculum),  and she said. “ their scores came up more than 100points.”   YES!!!  YES!!  All students can benefit from Little Giant Steps’ Neuro-Educational Programs!

Can Little Giant Steps address the needs of our seniors with their Memory and Motion program that helps with memory, comprehension, balance, and well being?  YES!

Can Little Giant Steps addres the needs for intervention with those who are incarcerated, born with mental challenges and learning disabilities?  YES!  YES! YES!

Share this information with your friends, it’s important.  Once you gain solid neuro-efficiency… it lasts a lifetime!