HFS® Hope Focus System Research & Results
1. Understanding the Science
Neurology of ASD and ADHD
Learn how brain differences affect focus, attention, and behavior in children with ASD and ADHD.
Brain Differences in ASD and ADHD
ASD and ADHD share neurological features that influence thinking and behavior. Areas like the fronto-striatal circuitry may show reduced activity, which can affect attention, emotional regulation, and coordination. Differences in sound and language processing may also impact communication. Understanding these patterns helps inform effective training approaches like HFS®.
HFS®: A Whole-Child Approach
The Hope Focus System (HFS®) is designed to support brain development through engaging, child-centered methods.
Hope Focus System (HFS®)
HFS® is a comprehensive training program for children with ADHD and ASD, ages 5 to 18. It combines three key elements:
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Strength-Based Coaching: Building on your child’s natural abilities.
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Auditory Processing Activities: Supporting cognitive and sensory development.
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Skill-Building Exercises: Promoting coordination and motor skills.
Personalized Training Sessions
Each HFS® session is customized using adaptive technology. This approach works with the brain's natural plasticity during key developmental years, helping maintain engagement and motivation. By balancing these components, HFS® supports steady skill development in a supportive environment.
2. Effective Training Methods
Building Connections with HFS® Coaches
Trained coaches create a supportive environment for positive development.
HFS® Coach: Connection and Growth
A strong coach-child relationship helps foster emotional regulation, social skills, and confidence.
HFS Coaches complete specialized training in Cogleap’s program and use a child-centered approach. They follow the 5-Step Cycle of Excellence framework, designed for neurodiverse children, providing personalized support for emotional and social growth.
Music for Focus
Music-based activities can support attention and emotional balance.
Auditory Processing Activities
Music experiences may help social skills, communication, and emotional regulation by engaging neural networks involved in auditory processing.
HFS® delivers specially auditory experiences using bone-conduction headphones, providing direct stimulation while keeping ears open to surroundings.
Learning Through Movement
Skill-building activities help children develop focus, coordination, and confidence.
Skill-Building Exercises
Movement activities offer benefits for children with ADHD and ASD, supporting cognitive, behavioral, and social-emotional development.
HFS® includes nine categories of skill-building exercises, each supporting specific developmental areas.
Breathing
Balance
Core Strength
Hand-Eye Coordination
Crossing Midline
Body Coordination
Dexterity
Flexibility
Aerobic Endurance
These exercises are designed to enhance your child's physical abilities while supporting their overall development in a fun and engaging way.
3. Documented Outcomes
Enhanced Cognitive and Behavioral Skills
After an average of 40 sessions, participants showed measurable progress in key areas:
• Sensorimotor skills
• Social skills
• Memory
These positive trends demonstrate how HFS supports children's development.
Supporting Attention and Focus
After about 50 sessions, participants typically experience improvements in:
• Attention accuracy
• Activity regulation
• Physical control
These results highlight HFS's effectiveness in supporting attention and self-regulation.
On average, after participating in 40 HFS sessions, children show noticeable growth in the following areas:
• Improved emotional self-control
• Increased attention and sustained focus
• Better participation and task engagement
• Enhanced ability to express themselves clearly
These changes help children become more confident, motivated, and socially connected in daily life.
Summary of Research on Virtual Reality in Assessing Attention in Children
vCAT Assessment Tool
Virtual Reality (VR) offers new ways to evaluate attention processes in realistic settings.
Attention Assessment Research
A study of 837 neurotypical children (ages 6-13) established baseline attention performance in a VR classroom environment. Results showed that vCAT sensitively detects attention patterns that change with age, with differences noted between boys and girls in activity measures.
vCAT provides a systematic approach to understanding attention, offering insights beyond traditional assessments.
Transforming Lives of Neurodiverse Children Using Human-Centered AI
Cogleap’s Presentation at
Stanford Medicine Neurodiversity Global Event
Host: Dr. Lawrence Fung, MD.
Stanford Medicine
Speaker: Dr. Crystal Goh
Director of R&D at Cogleap