Dr. Hoffmann conducted original research from 1970 through 1984, funded by grants from the David and Lucille Packard Foundation. During that time she discovered a direct link between low sensory processing and low academic performance. Being a Resource Specialist Teacher, Dr. Hoffmann knew that some students consistently fail to learn and score at the lowest levels year after year, regardless of how many special programs they complete. She also knew their learning difficulties were not related to intelligence, since some of her students were gifted. She put together a series of exercises and drills designed to improve sensory processing as well as strengthen and integrate core learning skills; memory, attention, processing and sequencing. Because of the correlation between sensory processing and academic performance, improved sensory processing translated to improved academic performance.
In 08/09 a study was conducted on the campus of the University of California at Santa Cruz with re-entry students. HIP training was administered by an undergraduate student trained in HIP methods for the purposes of determining if there a need for a core learning skills program at the university level, and whether or not that need can be filled by HIP training. Many students were assessed for need. Results indicated that even at this level weaknesses in core learning skills are apparent and can be remediated through HIP training.
HIP training is also in the third year of a study at Bidwell Jr. High School in Chico, CA.
The latest issue of Scientific American Mind, March/April 2010, highlights on its cover a Special Report: Better Paths to Learning. The article on page 32 is titled, “A Sensory Fix for Problems in School.”
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=a-sensory-fix-for-problems-at-school
Hello,
I would like to know how this would work for dsylexia and if it works for any aged person and does this work HAVE to have an instuctor – is there a self directed program for older adults available ? – to purchase – ? My son is 40, he is unable to travel to Chico.
Sincerely,
Ellen Henry
The good news is, yes, it does work with adults. The bad news is we don’t yet have a program for self-use. Hopefully, if we can get the funding we need to expand, that will be one of the projects we develop.
In the mean time your son can do some simple exercises that will help. He can practice walking on a balance beam. It must be done in a specific manner. Each step must be done by placing the heal of the advancing foot directly in front of the back foot, with the heal and toe touching. Also do puzzles and tangrams. These are activities that help the brain coordinate and integrate its mechanisms, strengthening its neural connections.