Shammi Kapoor was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, and Depression, and struggled until age 20. Through brain training programs in Dubai, he conquered challenges, actively engaging in home and social life. Inspired, he interned at the centre, becoming a professional brain trainer. In 2015, he founded 'Brain Abilitiez', earning recognition as a Student Entrepreneur Champion. Here’s his exclusive interview with Asian Voice:
Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, Depression - being diagnosed with all these conditions, how much did you understand them as a young person - and what was your first plan of action once you discovered you needed assistance?
I did not know anything about it when I was younger. I knew from my first day of school that I was different. I just lived a life where I was unable to participate in society, attacked because of my disabilities (whether verbally or physically beaten at school, by extended family members or when unable to follow certain protocols in public transport). On top of this, I was unable to communicate and was misunderstood by my family, and my powerlessness became helplessness.
I only found out about my diagnosis when I asked my mum what my doctor was saying about me in a meeting when I was 18 or 19. (This is because I was unable to process or follow anything they were saying to each other in our regular meetings.)
What magically changed at the brain training centre for you? Please tell our readers, emphasising how and why help should be sought for conditions like Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, and Depression - and that there’s a way to manage them.
After a particular concept of brain training for 6 months, my attention skills improved, and I was able to read, I was able to speak better and communicate with my family. My short-term memory also improved. I was able to remember up to 20 things at a time. I also improved in sports, being able to see things faster. At the time I got my first ever A's in formal education. Before I was a W or an F student. This boost in self-esteem is what helped my depression. I was able to come off the ADHD medication and other medications for sleep and depression.
Years ago, solutions were not available for all these diagnoses that could help neurodiverse individuals gain tools to navigate life better. There were only pieces of paper that gave a label which was not understood by society. Now there are solutions, and brain training actually changes how your brain functions. If you improve brain ability, then learning becomes easier. For example, you can grasp information more efficiently if you have better attention and memory skills. And if your attention improves, you may not need to rely on medication for focus, resulting in fewer side effects.
What is the role of a ‘brain trainer’?
Almost the same role as a Personal Trainer. Based on what you need to improve, a brain trainer is someone who gives you exercises that target different areas of your intelligence. For example, if you have strong Attention, but weak Working Memory (WM), they will target your WM. If you have strong Auditory Processing, but weak Visual Processing (VP), they will target and improve your VP.
How game-changing can cognitive development centres like Brain Abilitiez be?
It is the best concept in the world for targeting and improving the brain's core ability to function and perform. This is not a sales pitch, it is a fact. For example, in 5416 clients that came with a diagnosis of ADHD between the years of 2010-2015, the average pre-test IQ score was 96, and the average post-test IQ score was 110. Out of 2112 clients that came with a diagnosis of Dyslexia, the average age-equivalent skill gain in cognitive ability was 3.6 years in one program. If you can improve an individual's mental performance by 20%, that is life-changing.
What kind of help is available for children and others with these conditions, especially in the South Asian context where most families do not understand the terms properly?
We keep our concept and values in alignment with empowering the general population with what can be done. Many do not want to be labelled with a 'disorder', especially in South Asian communities. We fully understand that. Labels don't solve anything. Rather than focusing on which box to throw someone in, we focus on what can be done in order to succeed. Therefore, many people love that we do not even need a diagnosis to help someone. We assess, and then work out a personalised brain training plan for each individual. You don't have to have studied neuroscience for 15 years to know how to empower yourself. All you need to know is that we have enough proof and over 35 years of research to showcase that brain performance and ability can be improved.
Could you share one or two more case studies from BA?
Because we are Brain Abilitiez, and deal with the A to Z of abilities, we have trained people from all backgrounds. We have had entrepreneurs, teachers, doctors, lawyers, pharmacists, bankers and so on coming in to improve their focus, memory, and productivity. This includes a pharmacist who was forced to retire because of his cognitive decline. However, after our training, he was able to get sharper, perform better, pass his exams, and go back to work. (He did not want to retire.) We have many testimonials on our website. We help adults and children. Here is a testimonial from the parent of a 9-year-old who completed our personalised brain training programme:
"We would like to thank the team at Brain Abilitiez. Our daughter has struggled with school exams, in particular maths. The team have worked with her to equip her with the skills that will help her not in just maths but in all aspects of her life. We noticed several weeks into the course our daughter's attention and focus had greatly improved. She bonded really well with the team and looked forward to her lessons, in particular the ones with Sanita. Would recommend this course. Thanks to all the team at Brain Abilitiez." - Maya
