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Meet Barbara Arrowsmith-Young

Neuroeducation, Cognitive Strengthening for Learning Difficulties

An innovator and author in the field of neuroeducation, Ms. Arrowsmith-Young’s work utilizing the principles of neuroplasticity is used worldwide to enhance cognitive functioning.  Her vision is to put the "Brain in the Education Equation". Her work, which began in 1978 is recognized as one of the first examples of the practical application of neuroplasticity to address learning difficulties and is now used worldwide, including at SEK.  Ms. Arrowsmith-Young is the Founder of the Arrowsmith Program, an assessment process and a suite of cognitive exercises designed to stimulate and strengthen weak areas of cognitive functioning that underlie a range of learning difficulties.

The genesis of the Arrowsmith Program’s cognitive exercises lies in Barbara Arrowsmith-Young's journey of discovery and innovation to overcome her severe learning disabilities. Her inspirational book The Woman who Changed Her Brain has become an international bestseller and a third edition updated with new research was published in December 2019.  Barbara’s personal story is truly heroic, on par with the achievements of Helen Keller,’  states Norman Doidge M.D., author of the New York Times Bestseller The Brain that Changes Itself.  Barbara is the recipient of the 2019 Leaders and Legends Innovation Award from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto for her outstanding contributions to education in Ontario. 

About the Arrowsmith Program 

The Arrowsmith Program has been recognized by Sharp Brains as the Most Innovative Special Education Program of its kind, identifying and strengthening the weak cognitive functions that underlie specific learning difficulties.  The Arrowsmith Program is offered in over 90 educational organizations in 12 countries.  Ongoing research with neuroscientists, neuropsychologists and psychologists is demonstrating that the program not only changes the brain, cognitive functioning, and academic achievement but also leads to social-emotional well-being. 

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