OPTIONS Transitions to Independence is proud to be affiliated with the Arrowsmith Program, partnering to provide an even greater force for positive change in the lives of our students with complex learning disabilities and differences.
For over 20 years, OPTIONS has empowered post-secondary young adults to recognize and optimize their full potential. The Arrowsmith Program has more than 30 years of experience demonstrating how it is possible for individuals to “rewire” the brain and strengthen the weak cognitive capacities underlying learning dysfunctions. By joining these two powerful programs, thrilling opportunities are available for young adults with complex learning disabilities. OPTIONS Transitions to Independence and its affiliate, Brehm School, are currently the only boarding programs in the world implementing the Arrowsmith Program.
Arrowsmith’s Origin
The Arrowsmith Program methodology began to develop in 1978, as the founder, Barbara Arrowsmith-Young, embarked on her journey of discovery and innovation to overcome the severe learning disabilities that she faced. Barbara’s inspiring story is detailed in her book, “The Woman Who Changed Her Brain.”
Discover why your child struggles at school – Take Arrowsmith’s Cognitive Questionnaire
The Arrowsmith Program is founded on two lines of research, one of which established that different areas of the brain working together are responsible for complex mental activities (such as reading, writing, and processing), and a weakness in one brain area can affect several different learning processes.
The other line of research investigated the principle of neuroplasticity, which is the ability of the brain to physically change in response to stimuli and activity, develop new neuronal/synaptic interconnections, and develop and adapt new functions and roles believed to be the physical mechanism of learning. Neuroplasticity refers to structural and functional changes in the brain that are brought about by training and experience.
Top Ten Cognitive Functions Arrowmith addresses
Motor Symbol Recognition
Symbol Relations
Memory for Information and Instructions
Predicative Speech
Broca's Speech Pronunciation
Symbol Thinking
Symbol Recognition
Lexical Memory
Non-Verbal Thinking (Artifactual Thinking)
Quantification Sense
Lexical Memory
Non-Verbal Thinking (Artifactual Thinking)
Quantification Sense
