By Erica Fox FOX 5 San Diego Reporter
4:42 p.m. PST, November 21, 2011
ENCINITAS, Calif. - For many, seeing a child crawl is common-place, but according to some educators in Encinitas it's crucial to brain development.
"We believe that the brain can change and best of all we can teach parents how they can facilitate that change with their kids," said Nancy Green, director and founder of Brain Highways in Encinitas.Brain Highways in Encinitas is an unconventional educational program for kids ages three to 15 struggling with a variety of issues including autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The program involves two eight week courses where movement is key.
"They basically are going back and paralleling how we used to move how we used to play," she said.The idea is this - if a baby moves too fast through a significant stage of development, like crawling, it may interrupt the natural brain organization causing problems later in life.
"It seems to be that the brain has a very natural way that it likes to get organized and it's like we unknowingly create obstacles," said Green. "The cool thing is you can go back at any time at any age and get the work done if you didn't get it done the first time."
An average class involves a series of exercises and games like bean bag tossing, trampoline jumping, push-ups, pillow fights, creeping and crawling. The kids also learn how their brain works and why the movements are key to its development. Parents are also present during the class and integral to its success.
"You understand why your child is doing certain behaviors and what you can do to help develop their brain and give them the skills that they need to be who they were meant to be," said Catherine Deitchman whose six year old son Luke is enrolled in the program.
Rayna, 8, came to Brain Highways because she struggled with what was diagnosed as "distorted fears." "(She was not) able to go upstairs alone ever. She hasn't slept alone in her bedroom, not until probably 2, 3 weeks ago," said her mom Joty Vallandingham. "Now, she's sleeping on her own. She goes upstairs whenever I tell her to go."
Vallandinham said she has also seen improvements in her daughter's math and reading skills. Rayna credits what she has learned at Brain Highways for the breakthrough. "(It happened) by doing my swords, creeping and crawling with confidence just knowing that there's nothing in the house to be scared of," said Rayna.
Emory, 8, went through seven schools in five years keeping him from learning to read and write.
"(He had) severe behavior issues and as parents we ran out of options," said Emory's mother Jonette Burk.
Now Burk said he is in school and performing at grade level.
"Really what we say we're doing is putting families back together," said Green to summarize her program. "We're letting kids be who they're supposed to be, letting parents be who they're supposed to be."
Brain Highways has been operating for nearly 13 years. They are now enrolling for January classes which cost $675. Free screenings are offered to assess each child's need.
Copyright © 2011, KSWB-TV
LRofRamona at 7:29 AM November 24, 2011 This program is amazing for any child with learning disabilities, behavior issues, or on the autism spectrum...changed my son's life and our family's life forever and now his Kindergarten teacher says he is her "star student" academically and behaviorally...I truly give brainhighways all the credit and I recommend to any parent wanting to enhance their child's brain and life! brainhighways.com
palmermommy at 11:09 PM November 29, 2011 You don't have to live in Encinitas to benefit from Brain Highways. Our son who was labeled, "impulsive, very active, disorganized, etc.." has tremendously benefitted from Brain Highways through their online program. He has made significant progress and continues to do so everyday through his hard work and positive attitude. We are proud of our champion and love BH!
MindyC at 10:28 PM November 21, 2011
Brain Highways has been life-changing for our austic and developmentally delayed son and our family. It was hard to believe that simple movement exercises could add pathways to our son's brain, but we saw changes within days. I tell someone new about Brain Highways almost every day.
vicross at 11:14 AM November 22, 2011
Wonderful story! I can personally attest to the transformative power of the Brain Highways program. My daughter, Ruby, was adopted from China, and was prone to night terrors and highly disruptive activities. WIth a few weeks of starting BH, those activities tapered off, and the real Ruby started shining through. The program also brought us closer together, as I did many of the exercises at home with her. Today, Ruby is doing really well in middle school, and is the most organized member of the family! She's also really proud of the fact that she built her own highways. Nancy and her staff really "get" kids, and connect with them at so many levels...with amazing results!
EBJBsMOM at 12:13 PM November 23, 2011
Thank you Erica Fox for coming out to do this story. My prayer is that this story reaches other families that are struggling and are looking for solutions like we once were. We were introduced to Brain Highways by word of mouth. My husband was on a job and his customer explained how Brain Highways program transformed her neighbor's son. Immediately we called Brain Highways to set up our initial meeting. Upon arrival our son refused to exit the car. The staff came to the car to talk, my son followed her in as if she were a 'child whisperer'. My story is long and amazing. Huge transformations have taken place in our home, and we Thank Brain Higways for these beautiful changes. Our sons confidence level is high, and a new approach and belief system are in place, as well as a better parenting style that meets our sons needs. Yes, all this and more were learned in the Brain Highways programs.
Aalia R. at 11:20 AM November 22, 2011
My two boys started building their brain highways a week ago and we already see some positive changes. Way to go!
JMc at 7:55 PM November 21, 2011
Thanks Fox News for featuring Brain Highways. I have seen positive behavioral and academic changes in my students who have participated in the program. It was a great story.
Dani A. at 7:22 PM November 21, 2011
Thank you Fox News for doing such a great story on Brain Highways. Another thank you to all the parents and kids that have believed and proven that THE BRAIN CAN CHANGE!
tj1 at 8:59 AM November 22, 2011
Working with the kids and their families at Brain Highways in Denver, Colorado has been such an amazing experience! It is so exciting to see this on the news! Way to go Brain Highways San Diego! It is such a life changing experience for me to even work there. Watching the kids not only change, but be excited about the changes happening in their lives is my favorite part, as well as watching the parents enjoying some quality time with their children! Participating in the program myself has helped me with my anxiety and helps me to battle those stresses of everyday life! Thanks Fox News!