Over the summer, PNLab member Catherine Archambault published an article, “Assessing the feasibility of a classroom-based visual attention training program targeting academics for students with extremely low IQ” in Pilot and Feasibility Studies. Catherine collaborated on this paper with fellow PNLab members Domenico Tullo and Emma Clark, PNLab Director Armando Bertone, and Dr. Faubert, the inventor of Neurotracker and director of the Faubert Lab at l’Université de Montréal. This study examined the feasibility of delivering a cognitive training program, the NeuroTracker, to adolescents with significant cognitive impairments. The intervention, which consists of a game where participants track moving spheres on a tablet, was presented to teens 3 times per week for 5 weeks in their classroom. Catherine and the research team found that all participants in the study were able to engage with the game during each training session. In addition, half of the participants showed improved performance on the game after 5 weeks. The results of this project provide support for the feasibility of conducting a larger study to determine the effects of this intervention on attention and academic skills such as reading and math. Great work Catherine and team!
This September, the PNLab is welcoming new member Taryn Perelmiter who is beginning her Master’s degree in the School/Applied Child Psychology Program. Prior to starting her graduate studies at McGill, Taryn was an exceptional Research Coordinator at the Summit Center for Education, Research, and Training. Through her role at SCERT, Taryn supported many research projects affiliated with the PNLab. Though she will be missed by faculty and students at Summit, we are thrilled to have Taryn continue her research work with the PNLab. Welcome Taryn!