How Brainwave Helps

The Brainwave Programme aims to develop the maximum potential of each child by taking an integrated approach to their physical and cognitive development and by aiming to enhance a child's social skills and emotional well-being.  We provide two full days, with two therapists for an initial assessment, followed by one day reassessments every 4-6 months.

The first time our therapists meet you and your child we encourage you to discuss your child's development.  We will get to know and understand your child, their current abilities and the goals they will be aiming to achieve.  We welcome close liaison with all professionals involved with your child's development.

A key success of Brainwave has been our ability to recognise the impact having a child with additional needs has on their family and empowering them to deliver therapy to their child at home, as we believe the family home is where children respond best, with the people whose love and care is unparalleled.  To that end, we work with you to design programmes that can be followed at home and which meets the needs of each individual child and the family as a whole.  Our therapists teach parents/carers how to carry out each exercise, in what order, for how long and why.

The exercises we recommend for your child fit around the structure of your child's day and are intended to facilitate developmental progress and improve function.  You will be provided with a written programme and a DVD of the exercises.

Essential equipment required for the programme is provided free of charge.  Only when you and the therapy team are 100% confident the programme can be delivered successfully does each visit end.

How the Programme Works

The programme is based on the principle of neuroplasticity.  It aims to help the brain find new pathways in the 'neural network' by providing regular repetition of newly acquired skills.  The programme can cover physical, educational and social abilities.

We will also try to assist families to understand their child's behaviour and explain why they may behave in a certain way, providing some strategies to help families in everyday living.

The Children We Work With

There is no such thing as a typical child; children can have a range of disabilities and/or developmental delay.  This includes cerebral palsy, autism and genetic disorders such as Down's syndrome.  It is not unusual for a child to have difficulties in several areas and we have some families where children do not have a diagnosis.

The programme offers the most benefit to younger children, and we will see a child for an initial assessment from birth and up to 12 years of age, however, once a child follows a Brainwave Programme they only leave when the family feels the time is right.

Ongoing Support

Once you get home, our therapy team is available to you via phone calls and email.  Our team of Family Facilitators are also available to provide a listening ear, assist in sourcing volunteer help and continually research up-to-date local and national information for families. 

Next Steps

If you think we might be able to help you help your child to reach their potential, then please contact us.