3rd grader struggles with multi-step instructions, loses confidence to raise her hand in class

Age: 9
Gender: Female
Location: Concord, Massachusetts

Background: An exceptionally bright child, this young girl tested extremely wellin all areas of intelligence except working memory. Her inability to retain multi-step instruction left her bewildered in the classroom; “I just don’t get it” was the frequent refrain to her teachers. “Second grade was tough but by third grade she was becoming painfully shy and self-conscious” said the young girl’s mother. “She never wanted to raise her hand.” A local psychologist recognized how this girl’s working memory was holding her back and recommended Cogmed training to build that specific capacity.

Key challenges:

  • Could not remember multi-step instructions
  • Lacked confidence to speak up in class
  • Frustrated with inability stay focused
  • Lost desire to try in school, found it easier to disengage

Training outcomes:

  • Gained confidence in herself
  • “Rose to the occasion” through the tough training program
  • Began reading for enjoyment, without prompting
  • Experienced increased confidence in the classroom
  • Enjoyed answering questions in school
  • Worked her way to the top of her class
  • Caused teachers to be amazed, seeing a clear turn-around
*Photos above are not of the actual users whose experience we describe – we understand that poor working memory
is often a hidden weakness that impacts people in a very personal way.
Out of respect for their privacy, we have kept the identities of these people anonymous.