One year ago, we knew we had to do something for our son, who was 9 at the time. We had just started 4th grade and the anxiety and “self-hatred” attacks (as I call them) were getting out of control. The month leading up to 4th grade had seen the most melt downs and inconsolable debates that we had ever experienced. Nights where he would cry and tell us how stupid and ugly he was. He wished that he was dead. I couldn’t take it any more. I did what I always do….Google.
You can read more about our research and decision, starting exercises and starting therapy here. This is our 6 month follow up after finishing the Brain Balance program.
Working the program
We started in September 2017 doing at home exercises. We decided to delay his start because of activities the kids were involved in. When we finally began going to the center in December 2017, we were already starting to see results from the at-home exercises.
We went to the center in Louisville, KY. It was 1.5 hour drive each way, 3x week for 36 sessions. We would check him in and then we would run errands. Mostly to pick up dinner and on occasion go shopping. By the time we were finished, it’d be time to pick him up. Each month they did an assessment to check his progression and adjust his program based on the results. Each time we saw positive results. Not only in his assessments, but also his attitude, school work, demeanor and focus.
This is a letter I wrote to the Brain Balance director about improvements we had noticed as he was in his final month of the program.
2/28/18: We’ve really noticed some great improvement with Drew since starting Brain balance. He’s more confident.
- Last week he dropped one of his extra reading services. His teacher doesn’t think he needed them anymore and said that she’s very please with the work he is doing.
- His speech teacher is noticing he is getting better at explaining the meanings of words and has seen improvement in their sessions.
- Last week, his cub scout leader mentioned that he was interacting and laughing more with the men at the nursing home and his peers. Normally he would have been uncomfortable and maybe even cried because he would be sad for the people at the nursing home. “Whatever you are doing, keep it up!” from leader
- He raised his hand, and ran up to volunteer for a demonstration. He never would have raised his hand before, he’d be too embarrassed. Not only that, but while he was up there, he did a little twirl and danced (having fun!). I looked at my husband and said, did you just see what he did? He was surprised too.
- He came home last week and said that he had to explain a poster he made in front of the class. And that he had to speak loud or else he wouldn’t get a good grade. I asked how he did, and he said “Good I guess”. I can recall a time not too long ago that he would have cried and said how horrible he was at everything because he was afraid of what everyone thought.
- He ordered his own food at a restaurant
- He asked for change (at the counter by himself) at a game place
- My family commented on how much less shy he seems
- No meltdowns in weeks
- He had a sleepover this weekend and normally would have been grouchy. He was somewhat, but he also held it together when he would have before melted down
- His handwriting is better
- He had to read a book for class. Normally he needs us there right by his side in case he doesn’t know a word. Also he had to have complete quiet so we had to huddle away somewhere. We started this way, but after a few weeks, he finished the last 3 chapters by himself. Without our help. And while his siblings were talking with us and playing. Really amazed at that one.
- He just seems to be handling situations better.
Since then, he has continued to grow and improve. We can see his has regressed in some areas. We were to continue doing the at-home exercises for a year after his program ended in March. Were were doing about 80% this summer, but since school has started back up, we have not been doing them.
Concerns
My initial worries were, of course, the money. There are no guarantees for the time and money spent on this program. I even had a family member tell me it was a scam and there was no such thing as the diagnosis that they gave my son. As a working school psychologist, she very adamantly told me they were just trying to get my money. That was a fun “discussion”….
I was also worried about the time. My husband has been known to work late hours and we have two other children. 4 hours of evenings 3 nights a week was a lot.
I ultimately decided this was the best time for us to make this commitment because we did have extra money. It was saved for something else, but if this was a chance to make a better life for my son, I couldn’t pass it up.
What we loved
We were initially concerned over the drive back and forth, 3 hours a night. But it ended up being really fun. My husband and I took turns. We would do homework in the car, and then we would listen to audiobooks the rest of the way. My son was super pumped when he got out of therapy so it would be fun to talk to him while we ate dinner and then listen to our audiobooks the rest of the way home. We all really enjoyed the 1 on 1 time. I do miss that since we’ve finished the program.
The center was always very helpful and courteous. They were just as, or even more excited, about our child’s progress as we were. We were cautiously optimistic, where as they were all in 100% excited about his progress.
What we hated
The diet was extremely difficult. All of my children are extremely picky. The center said this would probably go away as he progressed through the program. Unfortunately it did not. I’m not going to lie, it was most likely unsuccessful because I did not push the issue as much as I could have. I gave it a good college try and tried to improve as much as I could, but 100% disclosure, our diet did not change that much. He still had milk with his sugary cereal, corn dogs and Halloween candy.
The at-home exercises were difficult to get in. Not only time wise, but after having spent 4 hours away from home 3x a week, and hours of homework on the other days, he just wanted to relax when he got home. Most nights he was a trooper, other nights we had to fight him.
Finishing the program
He finished in March of 2018. We saw a lot of growth. He was still not up to age level, but very close. They recommended another 3 months of the program. In an ideal world, we would have done this. But we all were very happy with his results and continue to be happy. ***Side note, the day that I wrote this post, we had our worst day of meltdowns since leaving brain balance.
Being at the center, we saw that our son was a very mild case, and this was the perfect solution for him. There were a lot more severe kids in there, and I heard so many stories of the wonderful progress they were making. I’m so grateful that we found the program and decided to make the leap and enroll. It was so worth it. I know that it doesn’t work for everyone, but my attitude going in was that if it helps even a little, it’s worth it.
Follow up
My intention for these posts were to document our journey and possibly help any other parents that are searching for answers for their child. It was helpful for me to read about other people’s journey through Brain Balance. If you have questions or would like to chat, please feel free to contact me!
Leave a Reply