Faq

Fast ForWord was developed in 1996 by four scientists. When their work intersected, their collaboration proved that the underlying cognitive processes that influence speech and language problems could be identified—and permanently improved. These scientists are:

• Dr Michael M Merzenich has been described as the world’s leading researcher on brain plasticity. He is an elected member of the National Academy of Sciences for his work on brain plasticity, has been awarded more than 50 patents and has contributed his software development skills to several therapeutic training programs. Among his awards are the international IPSEN and Zülch Prizes.
• Dr Paula A Tallal is a cognitive neuroscientist and board-certified clinical psychologist who has authored over 200 professional publications and holds several patents. She is considered an expert in phonological processing and her research into dyslexia and other word encoding disorders has led to the publication of over 150 papers on the topic of language and learning and earned the Thomas Alva Edison Patent Prize for her work leading to the development of Fast ForWord software. Dr Tallal is also a Rutgers Board of Governors Professor of Neuroscience and co-director of the Centre for Molecular and Behavioural Neuroscience (CMBN) at Rutgers University in Newark, New Jersey.
• Dr William M Jenkins is an expert in learning-based brain plasticity, behavioural algorithms and psychophysical methods, as well as an expert in multimedia and internet technology. He is an author or co-author of more than 100 publications and holds 40 U.S. patents and 12 foreign patents as well as authoring or co-authoring numerous commercial software products. Dr Jenkins was recognized by Discovery Magazine in its annual Awards for Technology Innovations and received the Year 2000 Thomas Alva Edison Patent Award.
• Dr Steven L Miller is a neuropsychologist who served on the research faculty at the Centre for Molecular and Behavioural Neuroscience at Rutgers University with Dr Tallal. He is an expert in the assessment and treatment of developmental language and reading impairments. He also has extensive experience in organizing clinical studies and conducting longitudinal studies of children and adults with such disabilities. His work has resulted in many publications and awards.