Barbara Arrowsmith-Young: The Woman Who Changed Her Brain
Her Journey & Discovery
Barbara Arrowsmith-Young grew up facing significant learning challenges. Reading and writing were painfully slow, she mixed up symbols and concepts, and even telling time was confusing. Yet she had a remarkable memory and a determination to understand how her brain worked.
As a young adult Barbara encountered the pioneering research of Dr. Alexander Luria and Dr. Mark Rosenzweig, which showed that the brain can change and form new connections - a principle now known as neuroplasticity. Inspired, she created her own series of cognitive exercises to strengthen the areas where she struggled. Step by step, she improved her abilities and transformed her life.
As a young adult Barbara encountered the pioneering research of Dr. Alexander Luria and Dr. Mark Rosenzweig, which showed that the brain can change and form new connections - a principle now known as neuroplasticity. Inspired, she created her own series of cognitive exercises to strengthen the areas where she struggled. Step by step, she improved her abilities and transformed her life.
Founding the Arrowsmith Program
In 1980 Barbara opened the first Arrowsmith School in Toronto to share what she had discovered. The program she developed targets specific cognitive functions - the brain processes that enable learning, reasoning, memory, and problem-solving.
Instead of teaching students to work around their difficulties, the Arrowsmith Program focuses on strengthening the underlying brain networks so learners can build lasting skills and independence.
Instead of teaching students to work around their difficulties, the Arrowsmith Program focuses on strengthening the underlying brain networks so learners can build lasting skills and independence.
Global Impact
Over the decades, Barbara’s work has reached thousands of children, teens, adults, and older learners around the world. Schools and learning centres in Canada, the United States, Australia, and beyond now offer the Arrowsmith Program, helping people overcome challenges once thought permanent.
Her bestselling book The Woman Who Changed Her Brain shares inspiring stories of students who unlocked new potential through targeted cognitive training. Barbara continues to speak internationally, advocate for brain-based education, and advance the understanding that the brain can change at any age.
Her bestselling book The Woman Who Changed Her Brain shares inspiring stories of students who unlocked new potential through targeted cognitive training. Barbara continues to speak internationally, advocate for brain-based education, and advance the understanding that the brain can change at any age.
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You can read about Barbara's journey in her book "The Woman Who Changed Her Brain"
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