Derek’s program began with focusing on memory techniques and processing speed. Derek learned two fundamental memory techniques, linking and association, which he drilled using a few COGx exercises that target and strengthen these areas. For processing speed, Derek was tasked with completing various exercises that were timed or with the metronome. This motivated him to process information faster, made him more aware of his speed and gave him opportunities to learn strategies he can apply to improve and maintain his speed.

As Derek improved in his ability to apply memory techniques and complete tasks at a faster pace, a time component was incorporated to his memory exercises. He also was introduced to more complex memory techniques and was taught strategies to facilitate recalling information he had stored with the techniques.

Derek’s program was also customized to ensure specific transfer goals, specifically processing speed issues that affected his writing ability. Derek was given writing drills on topics of interest to him and related to his classes. When doing these, it quickly became evident that Derek’s struggles with writing were not limited to processing speed. He struggled with anxiety and perfectionism, wanting the words that would exactly capture what he wants to say. When he could not find the perfect word, he would get stuck and drop the activity. To address this, we discussed how perfectionism involves ‘irrational thinking’ and identified and practiced different strategies to combat procrastination and perfectionism such as the pomodoro technique, chunking & checklists, outlines & brainstorming.