FAQ
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Frequently asked questions
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- What is kSero?
- Why is the brain so important?
- What is cognitive training?
- Why should you call kSero?
- Do you have a newsletter?
- How much does it cost?
- Does insurance help?
- How long does it take?
- Can I drop my child off at kSero?
- What does the center look and feel like?
- How do we differ from "learning centers"?
What is kSero?
kSero (“I know” in Greek) began in 2002 in the Virginia Biotechnology Research Park in Richmond, Virginia under the leadership and vision of Dr. Susan Hardwicke, founder of the online educational testing company, Edutest, Inc.; and Dr. Donald Abraham, former chair of Medicinal Chemistry at Virginia Commonwealth University. We help clients increase their brain power through customized programs that include some combination of cognitive training, diet and exercise, reduction in rapid electronic stimulation (primarily TV and video games) and, for young clients, parent training. We work with scientific and medical professionals and critically review the latest brain research. We understand the problem, we design a program, we deliver it, we measure it, and we keep working on it until the problem is solved.
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Why is the brain so important?
The brain’s relationship to the body and performance in life is like the central processing unit (CPU)’s relationship to a computer. Learning, activities, health systems, and emotional systems are monitored and to a great extent controlled by the brain. People today understand the importance of physical fitness, but much less so the importance of the brain. Old notions of the brain that have been disproved by brain imaging and other research continue to be popular: that we only use 10% of our brains; that brain patterns are fixed early in life and cannot be changed; that we lose 10,000 brain cells each day and they aren’t replaced; that we necessarily lose intelligence after it peaks at age 19. The reality is that the brain can be changed so that learning and life performance can be better for nearly everyone.
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What is cognitive training?
Cognitive training consists of activities that build and strengthen neural pathways in the brain. Over the last decade, research has shown that the brain continues to develop well into adulthood. Dr. Susan Hardwicke, Director of kSero, developed and patented a Cognitive Skills Model that analyzes and explains the processes that can be strengthened through cognitive training. Cognitive training is NOT medical treatment.
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Why should you call kSero?
At kSero, we solve problems and meet improvement goals. we develop foundational skills instead of teaching content. We get to the root of whatever is causing a learning or mental performance problem or weakness, and design a plan to address it. We have our own diagnostics, not the typical battery of standardized tests that can’t help with finding causes of problems and don’t imply any solution. We give our clients strategies and solutions. We give our clients confidence. We give our clients improvement and success.
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Do you have a newsletter?
Yes, we send email newsletters on a variety of topics: our and others' research findings, news that is important for our clients, and commentaries on various topics by our staff and advisors. These include authors, physicians, and scientists.
Back to topHow much does it cost?
Our costs vary considerably depending on the client’s situation. There is a charge for the initial observation, which may depend on the amount of history that we need to review. We will inform you of all costs after we have conducted our complete evaluation.
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Does insurance help?
No. Insurance does not cover these costs.
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How long does it take?
Our approach should not be considered a “silver bullet”. Some clients experience a substantial increase in performance in a few weeks, and others may require much longer (six months or more). The visits to our center typically take 90 minutes and clients should plan to come in at least once a week.
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Can I drop my child off at kSero?
Absolutely. One of the benefits of our location is the proximity to good restaurants and shopping areas. We would like for you to briefly speak with your child’s counselor before and after your child’s appointment to apprise us of any new developments and follow the progress of our work. But during the appointment, feel free to enjoy our waiting area or head out the door to run your errands or enjoy a break in your day. Parking is readily available.
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What does the center look and feel like?
Our center is a calm, safe environment for our clients of all ages. From our nature-oriented meditation room to our large salt-water aquarium, our clients can relax and learn to train their brains in comfort.
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How do we differ from “learning centers”?
We do not teach content or perform tutoring. Unlike learning centers, we focus strictly on foundational skills. However, we do monitor school performance, and always assist parents with schoolwork and homework issues.
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