WMQ Case Studies

Alfie, 6 years old

Alfie is a 6 year old boy, living in the UK. He used the WMQ Program (Tester & Trainer). Here is his story as his dad tells it.

“Tonight I have read an article, [it] reports on your research findings regarding poor memory. I was immediately drawn to the article as my son Alfie is struggling at school and receives some extra help from the school’s SENCO [Special Needs Coordinator], the school are very supportive. She feels he exhibits dyslexic and dyspraxic tendencies but we also both feel that his biggest barrier to learning is his poor short term memory. This affects all areas of his learning. His long term memory for places visited, people he has met etc is fantastic yet he can get no further then the first line of nursery rhymes he has heard since birth. Since reading the article I have been trying to find out more information on the internet about your research and the checklist and computer program cited in the article, in fact anything that could help me to understand Alfie’s difficulties more. He tries so hard but learning spellings and acting on instructions is a real struggle for him.

After the WMQ Program Thanks so much for this, we were up late last night reading! You seem to have summed Alfie and his difficulties and I am sure the school will find the report helpful too. Looking forward to starting the WMQ trainer.”

Annie, 9 years old

Annie is a 9 year old girl and lives in the UK. She used the WMQ Program (Tester & Trainer). Here is her story as her grandmother tells it.

“I have been searching the web to find recent information about learning differences and weak working memory. I am a retired teacher and our granddaughter [Annie] has been assessed as having a weak working memory. Recommendations to provide help for her within the classroom have been given to the school. However the school do not consider her to have learning problems because reading, spelling, and writing assessments showed that although these results were  below her  verbal ability, they were still within the average range. She has always been unhappy about going to school. Without any recognition of the problems that poor working memory has when processing information in learning situations, I feel very concerned for her future progress and happiness. Needless to say her self image is also poor.

After the WMQ Program What is of most value is that building on Annie’s strengths can maximize her WM skills and I really do appreciate the help that we have been given to do so. Annie and I are continuing to follow the program of activities recommended for Annie through the online assessment she did. Wherever possible I link them to her homework as it is not always easy to get her to do the additional activities as well as homework through the week. I am pleased to say that Annie is gaining confidence in herself as a learner and goes to school happily, in part, thanks to a sympathetic and understanding teacher to whom we gave a copy of the assessment results and recommendations. ”

Josh, 4 years old

Josh is a 4 year old boy, living in California. He used the WMQ Expert Consultation. Here is his story, told by his mom.

“I am looking for someone that has worked on the tie between learning and working memory. It is the difference in my child’s life. My son has Autism and he was dropped from funding because they said he does not have a delay in learning. They are NOT looking at the tie between learning and working memory, they are only basing their decision on his IQ. He tested in the 2% range for working memory. If we can prove that he has an issue in the area of learning, it will change his life.

I have done so much research to find someone in CA (or the US) that has done extensive research on working memory and learning. When I read your publications…it all makes so much sense. Thank you again from the bottom of my heart for corresponding with me. It really means so much to my family.

After the WMQ Expert Consultation I have great news! Our case settled (part of it did). They received our exhibits and decided to qualify him. I believe it has everything do to with your report and information your supplied us and the fact that you were willing to testify for us. Thank you so much. You have helped in making a difference in Josh’s life.”