Support for Learning Difficulties Through Brain-Based Cognitive Training

Empowering Lives delivers the Arrowsmith Program online, providing brain-based cognitive training to help children, teens and adults with learning difficulties strengthen skills such as reading, attention, memory and processing.​
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We support students experiencing reading and spelling challenges, slow processing speed or difficulty keeping up despite tutoring.

Delivered online from Brisbane to families across Australia and internationally.​
🧠 Neuroplasticity-Based Learning
​Transform Learning by
​Strengthening the Brain
​The Arrowsmith Program strengthens the brain’s weak cognitive functions - the root causes behind many learning challenges. Rather than teaching students to work around challenges, we help strengthen the underlying brain functions that support lasting change.

​⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐​ Trusted by families and educators worldwide
Discover whether strengthening cognitive skills could help your child learn with greater confidence.​
Evidence-Based Results
Backed by over 40 years of research and development
Personalised Programs
designed for measurable, lasting change
40+
Years Research
​​​​
❤️ Strengthening brains. Transforming lives.​
🔗 Explore our research and evidence
Why Choose Empowering Lives
Empowering Lives focuses on strengthening the cognitive skills that support lasting improvement in learning, confidence and independence.​

An authorised provider of the Arrowsmith Program.
  • ​Brain-based support for learning difficulties, not traditional tutoring
  • Backed by over 40 years of research and global development
  • Personalised cognitive training for children, teens and adults
  • Structured online programs with guided support throughout the journey
  • ​Supporting families across Australia and internationally
​Backed by Science, Proven by Results
How Brain-Based Cognitive Training Helps Learning Difficulties

Empowering Lives delivers the Arrowsmith Program, a structured cognitive training approach based on neuroplasticity.

Rather than teaching students to work around challenges, the program strengthens the specific brain processes that make learning possible. These are known as cognitive functions and they influence memory, comprehension, attention, reasoning and more.

When these cognitive skills strengthen, students often experience improved confidence, learning efficiency and academic progress.

​💬 Curios what cognitive functions are?  👉 Explore them here
Real Outcomes from Brain-Based Cognitive Training
When underlying cognitive skills strengthen, learning, confidence and independence often improve in measurable and meaningful ways.
Improved reading and comprehension​
Faster processing and learning efficiency
Stronger attention and working memory​
Greater confidence and independence​
Built on over 40 years of research and global program development.
Discover whether strengthening cognitive skills could support your child’s learning.
Explore the neuroscience, research and results behind the Arrowsmith brain-based cognitive training program.
Getting Started is Simple
A simple step-by-step process to understand learning strengths, identify challenges and determine whether brain-based cognitive training is the right fit.​
Step 1
Complete a Short Learning Questionnaire
Share information about learning challenges and strengths so we can better understand the cognitive profile.
Step 2
Book a Call
​with Our Team
Share your child’s learning experiences, ask questions and explore whether brain-based cognitive training is the right fit.​
Step 3
Begin
​Your Journey
If appropriate, we will guide you through enrolment and support you as your program begins.
No obligation. Just clarity about whether brain-based cognitive training is the right fit.
​Need more details? Learn more about our enrolment process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers about our online Arrowsmith Program.

Where can the online program be accessed from?

Empowering Lives delivers the Arrowsmith Program online from Brisbane to students across Australia and internationally, including New Zealand and parts of Asia. Sessions run within our Brisbane class timetable and we work with families in different time zones to find a suitable class.

What time zone do online classes run in?

Our online classes run to our Brisbane timetable. Most sessions fall within typical daytime and early evening hours in Brisbane time. If you are outside Queensland, we will help you choose a class time that works for your location.

Who is this program suitable for?

The program supports children, teens and adults who want to strengthen cognitive skills that impact learning. This can include reading and spelling challenges, slow processing speed, attention difficulties and working memory challenges. Suitability is confirmed through an initial questionnaire and consultation.

How long does cognitive training take?

Timeframes vary depending on individual needs and goals. Many students participate for between 6 and 24 months. Your recommended plan is based on assessment, ongoing progress monitoring and the specific cognitive skills being strengthened.

Is brain-based cognitive training evidence based?

The Arrowsmith Program is grounded in neuroplasticity and has over 40 years of research and development behind it. We encourage families to review published research, explore outcomes and speak with our team about what progress can look like.

Can learning difficulties improve with cognitive training?

Many students experience improvements when the underlying cognitive skills that support learning strengthen. This can include gains in reading, attention, memory and processing efficiency. Results vary and progress is tracked over time through structured program targets.

How is this different from tutoring?

Tutoring often focuses on subject content and strategies. Brain-based cognitive training targets the underlying brain processes that make learning possible. Rather than practising around challenges, students work on strengthening the cognitive functions that support skills like reading, comprehension and reasoning.

Still have questions?

Contact our team
Real Stories. Real Change.
Families often come to us feeling unsure or discouraged. Many leave more confident and hopeful about learning.

 I can now remember information more clearly and make faster decisions.

Studying used to feel exhausting because I struggled to retain what I learned. Now I feel more confident completing my course.

Kathryn
My son Jamie is calmer and focusing better thanks to Empowering Lives.

The team is committed and caring, and I’ve seen real progress in his learning. We’re so grateful for the support.
​
Yannie
The Arrowsmith Program has been life-changing for my son.

His thinking, focus, and problem-solving have all improved — and we’re not even finished yet. I highly recommend this to other parents.​

Kerrie
Ready to explore whether this could help your child?
Who is The Arrowsmith Program For?
Online delivery of the Arrowsmith Program for ADHD, dyslexia and other learning difficulties — ages 6 to adult.
Personalised online and at home programs
NDIS funding options available. Start anytime.
Who We Help
Empowering Lives delivers structured cognitive training to strengthen the brain functions that support learning, attention and memory.
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• Children and teens building cognitive skills for reading, writing and school success
• Adults strengthening memory, focus and learning efficiency
• Students with diagnosed or suspected learning difficulties, including ADHD and dyslexia
Program Features:
​• Personalised cognitive training plans based on assessment
• Delivered online with structured support
• Ongoing progress monitoring
• NDIS funding options available​
🎥  ​See how the Arrowsmith Program strengthens the brain functions that support learning.
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​If you’re wondering whether cognitive training could support your child’s learning difficulties, the first step is a conversation.
Start your journey with a free consultation.
Want to explore your child’s cognitive strengths?

Why It Works

Based on Neuroscience. Built for Transformation.
The Arrowsmith Program is grounded in neuroplasticity and strengthens the cognitive skills that support reading, attention, memory and learning.
How Does Arrowsmith Strengthen the Brain?
A Proven Approach Built on Neuroplasticity
The Arrowsmith Program has been running for over 40 years and is grounded in the science of neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to change, adapt and rewire itself.​

​More Than Coping—It’s Real Change
Rather than compensating for learning difficulties, Arrowsmith strengthens the underlying brain processes that contribute to them.

​Tailored Cognitive Programs for Every Learner
Each student begins with a cognitive questionnaire, allowing us to personalise a program that targets the specific cognitive skills affecting learning.​

​​​Measured Progress Over Time
Students often experience improvements in memory, reasoning, attention and problem-solving. As cognitive skills strengthen, learning and confidence improve.
“The fact that Arrowsmith trains the brain processes that make reasoning and rational thinking possible is one of the most important positive developments in modern neuroscience.”​
Norman Doidge, Author of “The Brain That Changes Itself”, Psychiatrist and Researcher
​For families seeking support for learning difficulties, understanding how cognitive skills develop can be the first step.
Curious which cognitive skill may be affecting your child’s learning?
​No obligation. Just clarity about your child’s learning profile.
Want to understand how the brain can change?
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Recognised Globally
The Arrowsmith Program has been featured in major international media and publications.
Barbara Arrowsmith-Young's book introduced the world to the science behind the Arrowsmith Program and the concept of strengthening cognitive functions.
Featured in 60 Minutes, BBC, TED and other leading global media.
Talk to us about how your learning journey can change.
Explore more media coverage here
A Stronger Brain Starts with a Single Step
Thousands of students have transformed their learning and confidence with the Arrowsmith Program. Take the first step to find what’s right for you or your child.
Is Arrowsmith right
​for me?
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Start with a free consultation to discuss your goals or learning challenges.​
How does the
​program work?
Learn how our brain-based
​approach works
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Ready to
​get started?
View enrolment steps, assessments,
​and timelines.
Empowering Lives is an initiative of 
Teen Challenge Queensland​




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