Fast ForWord

Fast ForWord is an educational program designed to improve language and literacy skills through computer-based exercises. It is often used with children who have learning difficulties, including those with autism. The program targets foundational cognitive skills like memory, attention, processing speed, and sequencing, which are critical for language development. The programs are based on the hypothesis that oral language difficulties often arise from a rapid auditory temporal processing deficit that compromises the development of phonological representations. Studies indicated that there was no significant effect of Fast ForWord on any outcome measure in comparison to active or untreated control groups. There is no evidence that Fast ForWord is effective as a treatment for children’s oral language or reading difficulties.