Achieving Growth in the ADHD Brain
The creation of Cognitive Growth Academy is deeply personal and driven by a decade of working with students with ADHD and other learning challenges. After years of sitting across from parents in IEP meetings and witnessing the struggles of families searching for answers, I realized that traditional interventions and medication were not enough. As a school psychologist and now a licensed educational psychologist, I’ve seen firsthand the impact of ADHD on young minds—how it impedes learning, social interactions, and the ability to thrive in high school and beyond.
High school is a critical time when expectations shift, and students are required to manage increasing academic and social demands. Many incoming ninth graders with ADHD struggle to transition, often feeling lost, overwhelmed, and unsupported. Despite the array of accommodations and supports available, these are often reactive measures that come too late in a student’s educational journey. I created Cognitive Growth Academy to be a proactive solution, providing targeted cognitive and social skills training before high school begins, when it matters most.
My work as a licensed educational psychologist and my ongoing PhD research in psychology led me to discover Cognitive Enhancement Therapy (CET), a structured, evidence-based approach that combines cognitive training and social-cognitive therapy. I realized the potential CET had to fill a gap in ADHD treatment, offering a tangible, strategic intervention that prepares students for the next stage of their academic lives. The Cognitive Growth Academy was born from this discovery, adapted specifically to meet the needs of the students I see every day.
In the field of school psychology, we are often taught that cognitive scores, like IQ, are relatively fixed and that mental processes remain stable over time. But I believe strongly that our brains are capable of growth, adaptation, and improvement with the right training and support. This is especially true for children with ADHD, whose symptoms often mask their true potential. Through intentional, evidence-based cognitive training, I’ve seen firsthand how students can improve their attention, memory, and processing skills, allowing their true abilities to shine. Cognitive Growth Academy is built on this belief—that with targeted intervention, effort, and practice, we can help unlock the hidden potential within every child.
Every parent wants to give their child the best chance at success, but many feel stuck when traditional approaches like medication fall short or aren’t the right fit for their family. Cognitive Growth Academy offers an evidence-based, non-medication alternative that directly addresses the core symptoms of ADHD through Cognitive Enhancement Therapy. This is not just another program—it's a carefully crafted intervention designed to mold young minds, equip them with the skills they need, and empower families along the way.
Our program includes a sophisticated computer-assisted cognitive training component that feels engaging and interactive, often resembling fun video games. However, these games are strategically designed to target key cognitive skills that are crucial for academic success:
How It Works:
The cognitive training program begins with a detailed pre-assessment that identifies each student’s strengths and areas for improvement. Based on these results, a personalized cognitive training plan is developed, consisting of targeted exercises designed to improve specific brain functions. These sessions are engaging, data-driven, and tailored to each child’s unique cognitive profile.
ADHD often impacts a child’s ability to navigate social situations successfully. At Cognitive Growth Academy, we go beyond cognitive training by incorporating individualized social skills therapy sessions. These sessions are carefully crafted to address:
How It Works:
Social skills therapy is woven into each student’s program, with sessions designed to practice real-world scenarios through role-playing, guided discussions, and interactive activities. These personalized sessions help students build self-awareness, emotional regulation, and social confidence, setting them up for success in both academic and peer environments.
Cognitive Growth Academy is not just about immediate results—it’s about preparing students for the long-term challenges of high school and beyond. The transition to high school can be overwhelming for students with ADHD, where executive functioning skills and self-management become even more crucial. Our program equips students with the tools they need to:
To maintain the highest quality of personalized care, we limit enrollment to a small number of clients at a time, allowing us to focus on each child's unique growth journey. Our 12-week cohorts are carefully designed to foster measurable progress, helping students prepare for the next phase of their academic journey. Due to the specialized nature of our program, spaces often fill quickly. When fully booked, we offer a waitlist option, ensuring that interested families are prioritized as soon as spots become available.
Cognitive Growth Academy is more than a service; it’s a mission to provide children with severe ADHD a fighting chance at success. This program is designed to teach crucial skills during a formative period in their brain development, setting them up for high school and life beyond as confident, independent learners. I believe in each child’s ability to achieve their own potential, and I am here to guide them—and you—every step of the way.
Please reach us at jasmin@achievermaps.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.
Cognitive Growth Academy is specifically for 6th to 9th graders with severe ADHD who struggle with cognitive and social skills. It is designed for students who need intensive, personalized intervention to prepare for high school.
The program runs in 12-week cohorts, with weekly sessions tailored to each child’s needs. Depending on their mental energy and capacity, sessions may be focused on cognitive training, social skills development, or a combination of both.
We limit the program to five clients at a time to ensure the highest quality of care. Once spots are filled, a waitlist is established, and families are encouraged to join to secure a future spot.
Continuation of services may be an option based on availability and demonstrated progress. Families interested in continuing will undergo an application process to determine eligibility for further sessions.
The program is selective to ensure it is the right fit. During the application process, we assess the severity of ADHD symptoms and the impact on educational performance. Families will be clearly informed about whether the program meets their needs.
Progress is monitored through ongoing assessments and regular feedback sessions. Pre- and post-assessments provide measurable data on cognitive and social growth, and adjustments are made to the program as needed.
Weekly parent check-ins are a key component of the program. I will provide specific strategies and activities you can use at home to reinforce the skills your child is developing in the program.
We do not accept insurance, but we provide super bills with correct coding for you to submit to your insurance for potential reimbursement.
Licensed by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences LEP #4520
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