Welcome to the Long Island Spectrum Center's Neuro-Enhancement Therapy (N.E.T.) Program. N.E.T. an intensive program that has been carefully designed to evaluate the CAUSE of many neurological disorders. Our outstanding staff of specialists will examine you (or your family member) with the intention of identifying the location of specific nervous system dysfunctions. Once this is accomplished, a plan of intensive neuro-rehabilitation is employed, aimed at correcting that dysfunction.
N.E.T. is a combination of therapeutic modalities designed to enhance the way the brain functions. These modalities include a cognitive approach, sensory-motor training, multi-sensory stimulation, bio-medical intervention and specific hemispheric brain stimulation, all designed to increase brain function and decrease dysfunction. NET is a unique protocol that is based on the most recent research in neuroscience and is completely drug-free.
** Neuro-Enhancement Therapy can be applied to many chronic disorders, such as depression, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, headaches, etc. However, here at the L.I. Spectrum Center, our focus is on children with ADD, ADHD, Learning Challenges and Autistic Spectrum Disorders.
IS THERE A PROBLEM IN THE BRAIN?
YES, the problem is in the brain! Although the brain is not diseased, there is a problem with the development and/or function of specific areas of the brain that control receiving, processing, and storing information. The result can be a child who is uncoordinated, has a learning disability, ADD/ADHD or Autism. It all depends on the extent of the dysfunction in the brain.
CAN YOU CHANGE THE BRAIN?
Understanding How the Brain Develops
The brain utilizes millions of little sensors or nerve endings called receptors that when stimulated they send an electrical signal to the brain. For example, when you smell something the receptors in your nose send a signal to your brain so you can interpret what you smell. Another example of these nerve sensors are in the muscles and joints so when you contract a muscle or move a joint, those tiny receptors signal or stimulate the brain. Those are just a couple of examples, but the receptors are everywhere - they're in your nose, your mouth, your ears for hearing, your eyes, your skin for touch and pain, in the muscles and so forth. Without these receptors, you would not be the person you are, and function the way you do.
Two Kinds of Receptors
There are two kinds of sensory receptors that are keeping your brain going; Non-Constant Receptors that can turn "on and off", and Constant Receptors that are always "on."
An example of Non-Constant Receptors are your eyes…when your eyes are closed, vision ceases. Your ears, tongue and nose are all in this category. They are there when you need them.
An example of Constant Receptors are your muscle spindles and joint receptors that fire every time you move your body and your inner ear receptors that determine your head position in space and balance.
Interestingly, the Earth's gravity is a constant force that works on our bodies. In order to sit, stand or walk, the body must counteract gravity through its musculoskeletal system. And for you to always know which way is up, your inner ear receptors are always firing. Therefore these two Constant Receptor Systems are ALWAYS feeding and powering up your brain. If these receptors decrease their signaling or firing, the brain becomes less efficient leading to dysfunction and disease. If the receptors are not working properly in an infant, neurological development can be impaired.
CAN YOU HELP ME?
YES! We know that there are underlying biochemical and neurological abnormalities in each of these kids. What we need to know is what is happing in your child. To do this we use do extensive case history, physical examination, sensory assessment, biochemical evaluations, listening profile and special education assessment.
Once the evaluation process is complete, we sit down with you and explain exactly what we found and what we feel will be the best approach to helping your child.
WE DO NOT TREAT LABELS.
Your child may have been given a diagnosis of: ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder), ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), PDD (Pervasive Developmental Disorder), OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder), LD (Learning Disability), SPD (Sensory Processing Disorder), Apraxia, Receptive or Expressive Language Disorder, Tourette's Syndrome, Autism or a host of others. That is important information for us to have, but it does not affect our assessment of the patient's condition. The reason is that the research has shown that many of these Autistic Spectrum Disorders have common characteristics and areas within the brain that are improperly functioning. Our primary focus is to find out where that dysfunction lies. Common areas of dysfunction include; the brainstem, Cerebellum, Basal Ganglia and Pre-Frontal Cortex. We refer to this altered function as a physiological "lesion".
HOW CAN THE NEURO-ENHANCEMENT THERAPY PROGRAM BENEFIT YOU OR YOUR FAMILY MEMBER?
Approximately 40% of all human nervous systems are exactly alike. However, there is about 60% that is unique to you. As a result, no two people will respond exactly the same way to a given therapy. (IE. some people like broccoli, some hate it - even though it is the same color, taste, texture - what differs is how our nervous system responds and interprets the information presented.) Because of this, all treatment needs to be customized to each individual and their own unique needs. That's what makes N.E.T. different.
We perform in-depth examinations to fully assess our patients' needs, and we then offer a customized treatment plan based on their individuality. Just because something worked (or didn't) with one person doesn't mean someone else will respond the same way.
For an even greater understanding of Autistic Spectrum Disorders, click here to read THE SCIENTIFIC BASIS FOR N.E.T.
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