Brain balance program

Does anyone have any feedback from a program called Brain Balance? It's supposed to be a program for children who have ADHD, Autism etc.. I took my son for testing on Monday in which they had him do exercises for 1.5hr to get scans of his brain activity. He has been diagnosed with ADHD since elementary school ( he's in 8th grade now). From my understanding ADHD was explained in a way that one side of his brain has to catch up with the other and the purpose of the program is to target the side of the brain that's lacking to catch up to the other. I've been so worried about his behavior as he has been going through so many changes in middle school and his attitude is outrageous. I'm trying everything I can. He's on meds, therapy once a week, and still inconsistent. I just don't want him to rely on medicine for the rest of his life and desire for him to be successful and be able to be self aware of his emotions as well as self sufficient. He has a hard time maintaining friendships as well.

This program cost $10,000. As a single mom, I do not have that to spare. I've literally cried this morning trying to figure out what to do. His behavior has not been improving lately and he will be in high school this year😭

Read more on Peanut

The views expressed in community are solely the opinions of participants, and do not reflect those of Peanut.

Learn more about our guidelines.
Add a comment
Avatar

We did the ā€œtestingā€ as well, we found it to be scammy. They didn’t provide any actual results and couldn’t share specific stuff they did with her. We took her to OT instead! Best of luck I know the challenge!

Avatar

Hi. As a child therapist who specialises in neurodivergence and as someone who is also diagnosed with ADHD I can tell you honestly this is not true, it’s a business model but will not help your son. There is no ā€œlackingā€ in adhd, there are biological reasons for adhd, and he will leave this world as a neurodivergent adult. Best thing you can do for your son is encourage what he is good at so he doesn’t feel ā€œlackingā€ , help him to regulate emotions and give him really clear and loving boundaries.

I’m in uk so I don’t know about US but here schools have to put in reasonable adjustments, which validate and support young people , rather than make them feel naughty or dumb because sitting still for 6 hours a day is difficult for them. ND young people have extra energy, they need more creative tasks, quieter spaces to work in OR an option to listen to music, for example. They also need more break times and opportunities to be physical.

Avatar

In summary (sorry adhd rant šŸ˜‚), the programme sounds like a sham

Avatar

I'm supposed to get the results on Monday. I have an online phone appointment with them to discuss the scans. I'm glad she was helpful and even gave me a book to read that gives further tips and pointers. I appreciate the feedback. What is OT?

Avatar

Yeah I saw the signs when he was younger especially once I made the connection that his father has ADHD. My son has an IEP education plan which accommodates him. In addition to therapy he also has a school therapist as well. Once he started 7th grade he started being very defiant towards me and has been challenged more since his school has structured him to branch out to be more independent ( get to class on time, have a locker etc..).I thank God everyday for his homeroom teacher because he loses his glasses, coats, items almost everyday and she keeps him on track. High school is more challenging and I'm glad that they honor his IEP plan for accommodations, however I desire for him to also take accountability as well to keep up with his items. I typically reward him when he's consistent with keeping up with his things. Academically he's a straight A student.

Avatar

I’m so glad you asked this. I reached out to them too. But haven’t followed up to actually set the appointment. They did seem persistent in a sales way. I am also a single mom and those prices seem high. Personally I think support that can be covered by insurance might be more beneficial. For example, OT (Occupational Therapy) as mentioned might be covered.

Avatar

You are right to be worried. It is quite hard as a parent of a neurodivergent teenager, as sometimes it gets harder due to their teenage hormones kicking in.
Sorry, but I do not know about this program. I personally would be wary of it, and avoid paying $10,000.
What exactly does he get for that money?
was right. Your son will leave this world as a neurodivergent adult.
I personally would recommend that this money should be invested in his social skills. Changing to high school can be very harsh for children with ASD. My son struggled a lot with this, and his ASD social and emotional health issues really came to the forefront. The harsh truth is that some other children can be really vicious/evil whatever word you want to call it.
Even the teachers say so. Build your son up in this area before he begins if you can. ā¤ļø

Avatar

I wanted to at least get the appointment done just to see what it's about as well as gain any additional information. I have a follow up appointment to discuss his results. I was very transparent and told the director that I cannot afford it. She originally said $17,000 but dropped the amount to $10,000 stating there is a scholarship available or a $7000 virtual option in which you will complete it yourself at home. That's still a lot of money that I cannot afford and health insurance is not accepted since it's holistic. He's currently in behavioral therapy once a week. I will ask his doctor her opinion on OT.

Avatar

Yeah once he turned 12 years old and started 7th grade things went downhill. I already accounted his hormones into the mix for the changes but the disrespect is ridiculous. The director gave me a book called " Disconnected Kids" to read so at least I got some sort of additional resource. Also she will discuss his results with me next week. The $10,000 apparently is for 3 sessions a week for 6 months. I told her right now I cannot afford it and will revisit the topic with her in April. In the meantime I am reading the book, asking his therapist for further input as well as his doctor. The only thing his doctor suggests is increasing his Adderall/ depression medicine prescription but I definitely want him to make steps of improvement without the meds. His medicine only helps a little. Right now I'm investing in him to attend a private high school which has a variety of classes that he's interested in. That way he will get more attention there.

Avatar

The disrespect is definitely a whole new level! šŸ‘€šŸ˜©
I have not heard of that book, so I will google it. The documentation for this program should be shown to your son’s therapist and doctor. Definitely show the results you get next week to them.
It might not be a bad program, but there are so many people out there trying take advantage of parents of neurodivergent children. Selling cures etc..
Some parents get so desperate, so they pay and get ripped off. Unfair and cruel!
The fact that the program dropped the price, might mean there is room for further negotiation. Your son is a straight A student, so use that to your advantage.
Delay that medication increase for as long as possible. The private high school is a fantastic investment, as they will have smaller classes and more time for your son. That private school may even be able to recommend programs previous students have successfully worked with in the past.
You are an exquisite mum and you will surely reap the best for you two.

Avatar

Yes!! I literally just took his phone privileges away for a week for inappropriate behavior towards another kid. He's being so manipulative trying to get it back immediately and has a hard time accepting consequences. So much so, he keeps saying he wants to harm himself. In the midst of this I am trying to get his electronics addiction under control. I'm glad you mentioned that because the director stated she will also send an email packet that I can share with his therapist/ doctor. It's such a shame that people do some of the worst schemes to take advantage of parents that are truly concerned about helping their children to live better lives.Thank you so much for the advice! I'm doing everything I can to give him a bright future ( even though he hates me in the process).

Read more on Peanut

Trending

in our community

Read more on Peanut