October LSAC eKeynote: Barbara Arrowsmith-Young, "Neuroscience, Neuroplasticity & Learning Difficulties Through a Cognitive Lens"

  • 27 Oct 2020
  • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
  • Online (Zoom link to be sent day of event)

Registration is closed

eKeynote Description:

In this presentation, Barbara Arrowsmith-Young discusses her journey of discovery and the lines of research she combined to create a cognitive program to identify and address learning difficulties.  A cognitive function framework of understanding learning disabilities will be explained, insights into learning difficulties from current imaging research and research outcomes of a neuroplastic approach to addressing learning difficulties will be presented.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Understanding of a range of cognitive functions which underlie learning and behaviour
  • Viewing learning disabilities through a cognitive lens, going under the label to understand function
  • Insights into learning difficulties from imaging research
  • Research outcomes of a neuroplastic approach to addressing learning difficulties

Barbara Arrowsmith-Young Biography: 

 ‘Barbara’s story is truly heroic, on par with the achievements of Helen Keller.’  Norman Doidge M.D. author of the New York Times Bestseller The Brain that Changes Itself. 

 Barbara 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, which has been delivered for 40+ years throughout the world. 

 Her work, begun in 1978, has been recognized as one of the first examples of the practical application of neuroplasticity which, simply put, is the ability of the brain to change and rewire itself over one’s lifetime. As the Director of Arrowsmith School and Arrowsmith Program, she continues to develop and refine programs for students with learning difficulties.  

 Her vision is that all students struggling with learning will have the opportunity to benefit from cognitive programs utilizing the principles of neuroplasticity, programs that change the brain’s capacity to learn and open to these learners a world of possibilities.  

 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 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 86 educational organizations in 9 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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