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What is brain mapping, and how does Recovery Advocates do it?

The fQEEG (similar to fMRI) brain map measurements are based on what the brain is actually doing while performing specific cognitive tasks such as math, reading, attention/concentration and higher level cognitive thinking. This battery of tests outlines the brain's processing strengths and deficits, and inherited addiction tendencies.

The objective is to discover any possible physical underpinnings related to addiction issues and/or deficits in cognitive expressions (addiction tendencies, learning issues, loss of mental faculties). Once this has been identified, a program can be implemented which incorporates treatments for healing the body and repairing brain function.

The assessments begin with a very thorough testing cycle to determine how the brain is functioning from a functional-cognitive point of view. The brain's cognitive strengths and weaknesses are assessed through objective (science based) measures that focus on that individuals overall cognitive performance abilities including learning differences. These methods measure neurofunction and processing which helps determine the stability of the brain as well as the interaction between the brain and body systems as it relates to problems people experience. In other words, we need to determine what is coming from the body/brain vs. bad learned habits. If any systems are out of balance or impaired then many different issues can result, including addiction, depression, anxiety, and impairment of focus, memory, perception, comprehension, behavior and so on.

The brain mapping process step by step

Step 1: QEEG Neuro-imaging: An objective, highly accurate, non-invasive FDA-approved measurement. A qEEG compares the client's brain wave signatures to an FDA approved database of age appropriate norms. This part of the assessment determines which part of the central nervous system is functioning within normal and abnormal ranges for that age group.

Step 2: Auditory Assessments: Additional assessments include an objective measurement of hearing/listening for auditory processing. With a thorough listening evaluation, specific listening and auditory processing problems can be pinpointed, identified and treated. Slow, auditory processing is often mistaken for ADD/ADHD or the individual "just not paying attention,"- when in fact information is not being processed appropriately and therefore information is missing.

Step 3: Neurodevelopmental Profile: This profile looks at the overall development of the brain, including short term and intermediate memory disorders. Memory disorders may result in the appearance of inattention or focus, including the inability to remember a sequence of steps or directions. This may be mistaken for the individual not paying attention or listening.

Step 4: Functional-development Evaluation: This evaluation looks at the receptive areas of visual, auditory, and tactile competence, and the expressive areas of language, mobility, and manual competence.

Step 5: Physical Evaluation: A complete physical evaluation by a physician evaluates physiological and neuron-chemical disorders along with diet, nutrition and allergy issues. Allergies (food, chemical and environmental) can effect concentration, focus and attention. Neurotransmitter testing evaluates how well the body manufactures the appropriate amounts of specific neurotransmitters. Amino acids and hormones are also evaluated.

From the results of the assessments, an individualized program is designed that addresses deficits, imbalances and neurological processing dysfunctions. The programs vary depending on the client and the complexity of their issues. There is no one-size-fits-all, nor is there a magic bullet to correcting neurodevelopmental issues. The program includes exercises for the following:

• Neuro-development
• Neuro-processing
• Neuro-function
• Vision
• Hearing
• Tactility
• Attention and Concentration Function
• Processing Control (ability to maintain and sustain focus and concentration)
• Expression Control (ability to self regulate)
• Executive Function and Memory
• Educational Development
• Social Development
• Behavior Management
• Metacognitive Activation and Higher Order Function (ability to understand concepts, problem solve, develop concrete expressions, develop divergent and creative thinking models, and most importantly, put it all together).

The data collected from the evaluation is reviewed and analyzed. A detailed and very specific home-based and in-lab program for the client is then created.