Call for Participants: High Functioning and Asperger children age 8-16 living in the Scotland Central Belt or London Areas.

Scientific research has shown that working memory—the ability to store and manipulate information—is the most important learning skill a student can have. Working memory is the foundation of good grades and a successful life beyond the classroom. Without it, students struggle in the classroom, and with it they can dramatically improve their classroom performance. In high-functioning ASD students, research has found a particular difficulty in verbal memory skills that are related to their difficulties in language and communication.

We are carrying out a project is to test the impact of cognitive training on learning outcomes in high-functioning ASD students. The training programme is supported by scientific evidence to improve IQ, working memory, reading and maths skills in just 8 weeks in students with learning disabilities. It was also recently featured in over 200 international news articles, including BBC TV, Channel 4 news, and SkyNews in the UK. The programme will be offered free to the participating students.

This project has the ethical approval of the Department of Psychology, University of Stirling. Children aged between 8 to 16 years are being asked to take part. The project involves:

•     Testing students on standardised tests of memory, IQ, and learning assessments. All tests will be carefully explained to the students in a one-to-one session with a qualified researcher. The session will last about 40 minutes. All tests are appropriate for this population and students will not be taken out during important lessons.

•     Students will be asked to participate in a training program for 20 minutes, four days a week, for 8 weeks. They can do the training program at home or at school.

•     Students will be retested on the same tests of memory, IQ, and learning assessments. The session will last about 40 minutes. Students will not be taken out during important lessons.

If you are interested in participating, please contact Vanessa Bibile on: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Dr. Tracy Packiam Alloway

Director, Centre for Memory & Learning in the Lifespan http://www.psychology.stir.ac.uk/staff/talloway/index.php

WINNER of the Joseph Lister Science Award http://www.externalrelations.stir.ac.uk/news/news_stories/index.php#listeraward

Note: This study is currently being analyzed and the outcome will be posted shortly!