HemiStim vs Visual Attention Therapy Lite

Hemistim can be used as a visual stimulation of areas of the frontal, parietal, occipital, and temporal lobes hemispherically. It is a specific brain stimulation which is rarely used in conjunction with other treatments but can be used as a portion of a home-based program or an office-based program. Such usage may lead to improved hemispheric connectivity specific, targeted areas of the brain and its connections to the parietal/temporal or frontal cortices. Hemistim provides a visual stimulation through utilizing color patterns and eye tracking that can be used for specific left or right visual exercise. The stimulus is recognized and  interpreted by the contralateral (opposite) occipital lobe. Pursuit and saccadic eye movements are created by targeting on the moving object. Pursuit away from and saccade towards the alternating squares are initiated by the ipsilateral (same side) parietal and frontal cortex, respectively.  This gives the doctor the ability to work the frontal, parietal, occipital, and temporal lobes hemispherically.  HemStim is easy to use. Swipe left or right to select a different colored pattern. Multiple patterns are available. Tap a pattern to make it begin blinking. The pattern will blink until the timer stops it. Double tapping the pattern will also make it stop. The blink rate and timer can be changed using the sliders. Target motion is controlled by the tapping the small target to the right of the speed control. Choose among no motion, saccade, and pursuit by successive taps on the small target. Exterior motion is indicated by purple arrows on the target and interior motion by white arrows. The new Saccades screen only displays target motion. Drag the purple target with one finger to set the direction and length of its motion. Tap the screen once simultaneously with two fingers to switch between saccades, a dashed line, and pursuits, a solid line. Tap the screen once with one finger to start the saccades or pursuits. Double tap the screen with one finger to stop the target motion. HemiStim automatically tracks therapy sessions, recording all pertinent information about each one. Maintain close communication between clinician and patient via email.

Visual Attention Therapy helps brain injury and stroke survivors, as well as struggling students, to improve scanning abilities. It also helps rehab professionals to assess for neglect and provide more efficient and effective therapy for attention deficits. Visual Attention Therapy Lite gives you a free taste of the customization and utility of the full app: Visual Attention Therapy. This lite version lets you try Test and Practice modes with one level and layout, but is otherwise a fully functional app, allowing you to try 1 or 2 targets, all the signal and target colors and styles, and send e-mail reports. Practicing scanning from left to right across a page helps retrain the brain to move the eyes correctly. Strengthening this essential skill can improve reading, concentration, memory, attention to detail, and speed of processing. Using two targets at once can help users with working memory and alternating attention. 1) Use the Test mode to help determine if a scanning or attention deficit exists. 2) Use the Practice mode to train scanning to find targets in order. _______________________ CANCELLATION TASKS JUST GOT BETTER This professional cognitive training app takes traditional cancellation exercises, the evidence-based standard for testing and treating visuospatial neglect, and enhances them with benefits that are only available through technology: * Targets must be tapped from left to right, top to bottom in Practice mode, training users to slow down and scan the entire screen before they can move forward. * Sidebar signal can flash in a variety of colors to draw attention to the left or right. * Auditory and a variety of visual cues give instant feedback and keep users engaged. * Timed exercises increase motivation to work quickly and accurately. * No need to spend time counting errors. Automated scoring includes data for accuracy by quadrant, time for completion, and mistakes in professional e-mailed reports. * Adjustable layouts and 10 levels of difficulty allow you to customize the experience to meet changing needs or multiple users. * An endless variety of combinations eliminates the need to photocopy exercises and saves paper. Visual Attention Therapy was developed by a certified Speech-Language Pathologist and is used worldwide by SLPs, occupational therapists, vision specialists, and neuropsychologists to help adults and children with dyslexia, dementia, and attentional deficits. People of all ages enjoy racing against the clock to challenge themselves to improve on their scores while improving their cognitive and reading skills. Levels featuring letters can support literacy goals, while symbol-based levels challenge visual memory skills. _______________________ WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING “This app takes a simple, familiar format and turns it into a dynamic, interactive tool with the ability to be age appropriate for anyone from preschoolers to elderly adults.” —SLP “Visual Attention Therapy is guaranteed to be one of those beautiful apps that, when you see it and try it out, will make you exclaim 'Finally!' We were this close to hugging it, to be honest. Thanks for yet another amazing release, Tactus Therapy.” —SLP “I was not sure if children would be motivated to use this app, but the 'no nonsense' approach really seemed to help the children with their attention & task persistence. They especially enjoyed the immediate feedback they got regarding their speed & accuracy. I recommend this app for school-aged children having difficulty with visual scanning/tracking, reading, working memory, & copying skills.”—OT _______________________ This app contains no outside ads or in-app purchases, does not collect or transmit personal data, and links can be deactivated. Supporting evidence for the design of this app can be found at www.tactustherapy.com.