Lindamood-Bell has partnered with the Autism Brain Imaging Research Laboratory (ABIRL) at the University of Alabama at Birmingham to conduct research of brain functioning among individuals with autism spectrum disorders. Students taking part in the study will undergo functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans before and after receiving instruction in Lindamood-Bell’s Visualizing and Verbalizing® (V/V®) program.
Current medical research indicates that there are distinct neurological differences between individuals who have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders and those who have not. Different regions of the brain are utilized in reading and understanding language, and these areas must connect reliably in order to effectively process language. Brain scans of individuals on the autism spectrum evidence lower levels of connectivity between various regions in the brain.
The Visualizing and Verbalizing® program has shown significant results in improving language-processing skills for individuals with wide ranges of ability. The joint Lindamood-Bell-ABIRL study, with its combination of state-of-the-art medical technology and cutting-edge educational techniques, may yield new insight into the working of the brain. Evidence of improved brain connectivity following V/V® instruction would provide further scientific validation of the role of imagery in cognition, a central tenet of Lindamood-Bell’s educational framework. This could lead to improvement in the lives of countless students with autism spectrum disorders.
My niece has Aspergers syndrome. She could not read at age 8 and her school could not accommodate improving this in any way. She attended a speech pathologist who practices the Lindamood-bell process. In 8 weeks she could read and comprehend all. At the age of 17, the same girl achieved an HSC score of 99.3 and was awarded the best all round academic achievement in the State of NSW, Australia!