Что такое нейрокоррекция?

The number of children with developmental delays or learning difficulties is constantly growing. Various factors contribute to this, but correcting brain disorders can be difficult.

Neuropsychological correction is a modern and scientifically proven way to restore balance in the brain. It is not just exercises and training, but a fine-tuning of neural connections and work with the fundamental processes on which a child’s development depends.

Neurocorrection allows us to not “treat” symptoms, but to unlock existing potential, helping the brain to function smoothly, efficiently, and in accordance with age-related tasks. Therefore, in this article, we will take a closer look at what this method is, how it is carried out, and what results it can achieve in different clinical cases.

Neuropsychological correction – what is it?

Neurocorrection is a targeted effect on the human nervous system with the aim of restoring, forming, or improving the functioning of higher mental functions (attention, memory, speech, thinking, motor skills, perception, and emotions). The influence is exerted through the use of specialized exercises, techniques, and methods based on the principles of brain neuroplasticity — its ability to change and adapt in response to external and internal stimuli.

Neurocorrection is a set of scientifically based approaches aimed at correcting disorders in the central nervous system caused by congenital developmental abnormalities, past illnesses, injuries, emotional overload, or stressful conditions. The sessions are designed to target specific brain structures and activate underdeveloped or weakened neural connections. In addition, they promote the formation of new, more stable neural pathways, which ensures the restoration or compensation of lost functions.

Neurocorrection requires preliminary neuropsychological diagnosis and the selection of an individual therapeutic program. It may include exercises to develop cognitive functions, sensorimotor practices, psycho-emotional training, work with a speech therapist, and other forms of psychocorrectional intervention.

What is neurocorrection for?

Neurocorrection is designed to restore, develop, and normalize brain functions that are impaired or not sufficiently developed. The main goal of this technique is to help the child better adapt to the surrounding world, increase their ability to learn, improve behavior, speech, thinking, and emotional state.

Neuropsychological correction successfully solves the following problems:

1. Restoration or development of cognitive functions such as attention, memory, thinking, speech, and imagination.
2. Improvement of behavior and emotional state: reduction of anxiety, irritability, aggression, and increase in self-control and stress resistance.
3. Eliminating the consequences of speech, mental, and motor development delays.
4. Improving the ability to learn and perceive information, forming an interest in the learning process.
5. Improving school adaptation: developing perseverance, organization, and motivation to study.
6. Reduction of symptoms in neurological and mental disorders (ADHD, ASD, tics, stuttering, neuroses).
7. Support for social adaptation: development of communication skills, improvement of interaction with peers and adults.
8. Increased self-confidence and formation of a positive self-image.

The comprehensive approach is aimed at activating the body’s own resources, forming mature mental functions, and improving the overall quality of the child’s life.

How can the brain “learn” and correct itself?

Neuropsychological correction is based on the neuroplasticity of the brain. This is a unique property that allows the human brain to “learn” and adapt. It is the ability of the nervous system to change under the influence of experience, learning, or to recover after damage. Neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s ability to create and strengthen neural connections, as well as to get rid of unused pathways.

When a person learns a new skill (reading, writing, playing an instrument), new connections are formed between certain neurons. The more often an action is repeated, the stronger the connection becomes — according to the “use it or lose it” principle. Repetition and practice strengthen the connections between neurons. This is called long-term potentiation, a mechanism underlying long-term memory and learning.

With the help of neurocorrection, it is possible to retrain the brain. It is important to choose the right methods of influence, taking into account the characteristics of the brain, which is why an individual approach is necessary when developing a correction program.

Indications for neurocorrection

The decision on the need for a neurocorrection program is made by a neuropsychologist after a comprehensive diagnosis, which helps assess the child’s level of development and its compliance with generally accepted norms. All preschool-aged children should be seen by a specialist so that measures can be taken in a timely manner and preparations can be made for their upcoming schooling. In some cases, such as when a number of symptoms appear, it is best not to delay a visit to a neuropsychologist.

Diseases

Neurocorrection in children is recommended for various neurological, mental, and neuropsychological disorders, especially those accompanied by impaired cognitive, speech, motor, and emotional-volitional functions.

The main indications for neuropsychological correction include the following conditions and pathologies:

• cerebral palsy (CP) — with preserved intelligence or mild mental retardation;
• mental development delay (MDD);
• minimal brain dysfunction (MBD);
• autism spectrum disorders (ASD);
• attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD);
• general speech underdevelopment (GSD);
• anxiety disorders, neuroses, phobias;
• tics of various origins;
• stuttering associated with neurotic causes;
• speech development delay (SDD) and speech-motor development delay (SMDD);
• sensory-motor alalia, dysarthria, aphasia;
• perinatal damage to the central nervous system (CNS);
• consequences of traumatic brain injury (TBI).

In addition, neurocorrection is recommended for learning disabilities:

• dyslexia — reading disorder;
• dysgraphia — writing disorder;
• dyscalculia — difficulty with counting.

Main symptoms

Neurocorrection in children is performed when there are symptoms indicating abnormalities in the development of the nervous system, cognitive, behavioral, motor, or emotional disorders. These manifestations can be both pronounced and subtle, especially in the early stages.

The most common symptoms and conditions for which neurocorrection is indicated are

• difficulty maintaining attention and concentration (the child is easily distracted, “has their head in the clouds”)
• poor memory (quickly forgets material, has difficulty learning new things)
• delayed speech development (poor vocabulary, does not pronounce words correctly, does not construct sentences appropriate for their age);
• impaired logical thinking, inability to understand cause-and-effect relationships;
• mental development delay (MDD, MDR);
• impulsiveness, inability to control their actions;
• frequent outbursts of aggression or irritability for no apparent reason;
• withdrawn, difficulty communicating with peers;
• fears, anxiety, hypersensitivity;
• sleep disorders, night terrors, enuresis (bedwetting);
• fine motor skills disorders (difficulty holding a pencil, buttoning buttons, modeling, etc.);
• clumsiness, poor coordination, frequent falls;
• problems with perceiving information through the senses.

Neurocorrection may also be necessary for learning difficulties, particularly in cases where a child has poor academic performance without objective reasons, difficulties with counting, reading, or writing.

Contraindications and possible limitations

Neuropsychological correction is a gentle and safe method, but there are contraindications and limitations that are important to consider when planning sessions:

• acute mental state (acute psychosis, hallucinations, severe anxiety);
• epilepsy, especially in the acute stage;
• hemiplasia (loss of voluntary movement in the limbs).

Neurocorrection is also not used in cases of severe mental retardation, when the arms or legs do not work, as the exercises will not produce the desired result. In other words, resources and time will be wasted. In cases of severe somatic diseases and in the postoperative period, sessions are postponed until the body has fully recovered.

At what age is it best to start neurocorrection?

It is best to start neurocorrection at an early age, around 3 years old, when the child’s brain is most plastic and actively developing. During this period, the nervous system is particularly receptive to external influences, and corrective work can have the most pronounced and lasting effect.

The exact age to start therapy depends on a number of factors:

• the specific developmental characteristics of the child;
• the severity of symptoms;
• the diagnosis;
• the recommendations of specialists (neurologist, psychologist, neuropsychologist).

Optimal age periods:

1. 3-5 years — a time of active formation of basic mental functions (attention, speech, coordination), an important period for the prevention and correction of existing disorders.
2. 6-7 years — preparation for school: voluntary actions, thinking, and memory develop; it is important to correct difficulties in a timely manner.
3. 8-10 years and older — an effective stage for in-depth neurocorrection if difficulties were previously overlooked or appeared later, especially during school education.

The earlier disorders are identified and work to overcome them begins, the greater the chances of helping the child adapt, unlock their potential, and prevent problems from becoming entrenched for many years.

Incidentally, neuropsychological correction can be used not only for children but also for adults who have suffered a stroke, traumatic brain injury, or lost cognitive functions for other reasons.

Stages of neurocorrection

The main stages of neuropsychological correction include consistent and well-thought-out work aimed at diagnosis, motivation, active elimination of existing disorders, and evaluation of results. Each stage has its own goal and is important for the sustainable and profound development of the child:

1. Diagnostic stage. A neuropsychologist conducts a comprehensive diagnosis to identify the level of development of the child’s basic skills and abilities, as well as to determine possible neurophysiological or psychological disorders that could lead to difficulties in learning, behavior, or adaptation.
2. The introductory stage. The main goal is to help the child develop a positive attitude toward the work ahead. The specialist helps reduce anxiety, build self-confidence, develop interest in the activities, and build trust. The neuropsychologist also talks with the parents, explaining the meaning of each type of exercise and the overall structure of the upcoming corrective program.
3. Corrective stage. This consists of several phases, each of which addresses specific tasks:

• The first phase involves a gentle introduction to the work: cerebral blood circulation is activated, psychophysiological processes are stabilized, and overall performance is improved.
• In the second phase, the main focus is on the development of the motor sphere, gross and fine motor skills, as well as the harmonization of the interaction between the right and left hemispheres of the brain.
• In the third phase, the emphasis is on the development of volition, self-control, and the ability to plan and maintain goals.

Classes are held in different body positions (lying down, sitting, on all fours, standing), which helps to gradually build up neurophysiological and cognitive functions.

1. Effectiveness assessment stage. The course can only be completed after a stable positive result has been achieved, not just the disappearance of symptoms.
2. A neuropsychologist monitors the dynamics to rule out the return of clinical manifestations and ensure that the improvements have become part of the child’s stable condition. Sometimes a repeat course may be necessary, for example, after severe stress, illness, or social changes.
3. This stage also includes preventive support to consolidate the results achieved and prevent new disorders.

What exercises are used for neurocorrection?

Neurocorrection uses a variety of exercises that are selected individually by a neuropsychologist, taking into account the child’s age, level of development, and existing difficulties.

The goal of these exercises is to activate all functional blocks of the brain: energy, information, and regulatory. Classes cover key levels of development: from basic movements to the formation of voluntary self-regulation.

The following exercises are most commonly used in neurocorrection practice:

1. Breathing exercises. Aimed at stabilizing the nervous system, reducing anxiety, improving concentration, and the child’s overall psycho-emotional state.
2. Exercises for eye movement activity. Help to establish coordination between the eyes and the body, develop visual perception, attention, and spatial orientation.
3. Stretching and body awareness exercises. These help improve muscle tone, body coordination, and interhemispheric interaction.
4. Motor activity, including crawling and cross-movement exercises. These develop the motor base, which affects cognitive functions and learning ability.
5. Exercises for developing spatial awareness. Help the child better navigate the world around them, understand directions, and relate objects to each other.
6. Tasks for developing spontaneity and self-control. Develop the ability to plan actions, maintain attention, follow instructions, and regulate one’s own behavior.
7. Emotional and volitional correction. Aimed at developing the ability to recognize and express emotions, cope with frustration, and form internal stability.
8. Tasks for coordination of movements and balance. Develop motor precision, synchrony, rhythm, and balance, which are important for both the body and thought processes.

All these exercises together activate different areas of the brain — from the subcortical structures to the prefrontal lobes, which are responsible for conscious planning and control. Thus, neurocorrection helps the child not just to “brush up” on individual skills, but to systematically develop their brain activity, improve learning, behavior, and social adaptation.

Results of neurocorrection

At our medical center, neurocorrection is tailored to each child, which allows us to achieve significant and lasting improvements in the development of basic skills and abilities. With regular sessions, the following results can be achieved:

1. Improved attention and memory. The child becomes more focused, able to stay on task longer, remembers information better, and reproduces it more effectively.
2. Improved speech. Pronunciation normalizes, vocabulary increases, coherent speech develops, and understanding of spoken language improves.
3. Development of motor skills and coordination. Movement accuracy increases, coordination improves, and awkwardness in actions disappears.
4. Formation of spatial concepts. The child begins to better orient themselves in the surrounding space, understand directions, and correlate objects with each other.
5. Strengthening of self-control and volition. The ability to plan, control one’s actions, follow rules, and complete tasks is formed.
6. Reduction of anxiety and aggression. The child becomes more emotionally stable, and levels of fear, irritability, and capriciousness decrease.
7. Improved motivation to learn. Interest in learning increases, children become more willing to complete tasks, feel a sense of success and confidence in their abilities.
8. Social adaptation. Children find it easier to establish contact with peers and adults, better perceive norms of behavior in a group, and become more self-confident.

Neuropsychological correction does not eliminate symptoms “mechanically,” but helps to restructure the brain so that the child learns to cope with difficulties independently and develop harmoniously in different areas of life.

Advantages of neuropsychological correction

An important advantage of neurocorrection is its safety and naturalness, since it does not involve medication. All effects are achieved through exercises and movements, and the sessions are conducted in a playful manner and do not harm the child’s body or cause negative consequences or complications.

The neurocorrection program is developed by a neuropsychologist, taking into account the age, level of development, specific disorders, and needs of the individual child. The sessions cover all three functional blocks of the brain: energy (attention, alertness), information processing (memory, perception), and control and regulation (thinking, planning).

This forms a balanced and harmonious flow of all cognitive processes.

Other advantages of neurocorrection include the following:

1. Unlike many superficial methods, neurocorrection is aimed at eliminating the root causes of difficulties — disorders in the functioning of certain areas of the brain. This achieves lasting and profound changes.
2. Along with the development of memory, attention, and thinking, stress resistance, self-regulation, self-confidence, and reduced anxiety are formed.
3. Highly effective for various disorders, including ADHD, ZPR, learning difficulties, dysgraphia, dyslexia, autism, tic disorders, and other conditions.
4. The method helps not only to correct existing difficulties, but also to prevent the development of secondary problems such as school failure, social isolation, and behavioral problems in the future.

As a result of comprehensive and consistent sessions, the child becomes more organized, calm, teachable, better adapted to the group and family, experiences positive emotions from their own successes, and their overall quality of life improves.

If your child has been diagnosed with ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, mental development delay, or is experiencing difficulties at school, sign up for a consultation with our neuropsychologist. The doctor will conduct a diagnosis and select effective correction methods.

Frequently asked questions about neurocorrection

How does a neurocorrection session work?

The session consists of a set of exercises, including breathing practices, coordination tasks, eye movement exercises, and work on developing spatial thinking, memory, speech, and attention. All stages are conducted in a playful manner to keep the child interested and comfortable.

How many sessions are needed to see the results of neurocorrection?

The first positive changes are usually noticeable after 8-10 sessions. However, it may take 3 to 6 months of regular sessions to achieve lasting results. The exact number of sessions depends on the child’s initial condition, age, and the intensity of the program.

Can neurocorrection be performed at home?

After diagnosis and recommendations from a specialist, parents can and should perform some of the exercises at home to consolidate and enhance the therapeutic effect. However, it is not recommended to select tasks independently without professional assessment — an individual approach is important.

What methods can be combined with neurocorrection?

Neuropsychological correction is effectively combined with speech therapy, sensory integration, ABA, cognitive-behavioral therapy, art therapy, and exercise therapy. A comprehensive approach allows you to accelerate your child’s development and achieve more sustainable results.