Arrowsmith Cognitive Training for Young Adults
The Arrowsmith Program at OPTIONS is an intensive cognitive development program designed for young adults whose learning challenges stem from underlying cognitive processing weaknesses.
Using principles of Neuroplasticity, the program targets specific brain functions that influence learning, reasoning, language processing, and executive functioning.
Through structured and repetitive cognitive exercises, students work to strengthen the cognitive processes that support reading, writing, comprehension, and problem-solving.
Participation in the Arrowsmith Program is carefully evaluated to ensure the program is appropriate for each student's learning profile and transition goals.
Why Arrowsmith?
Some learning challenges persist despite strong effort, high intelligence, and appropriate academic accommodations.
These challenges are often not caused by motivation or effort, but by inefficiencies in specific cognitive processes that support learning.
The Arrowsmith Program targets those underlying cognitive functions through structured exercises designed to strengthen the brain’s ability to process information more effectively over time.
Participation is based on readiness and fit — not diagnosis alone.
What Makes the Arrowsmith Program Different
The Arrowsmith Program focuses on strengthening the cognitive functions that support learning.
It is different from many traditional educational supports.
Arrowsmith is:
• Cognitive training, not tutoring
• Brain-based development, not short-term remediation
• Focused on underlying cognitive processes, not just academic performance
• Designed to strengthen learning capacity over time
By targeting the cognitive processes that support learning, students can develop stronger foundations for academic success and independence.
• Not tutoring
• Not accommodation support
• Not remediation
Arrowsmith is cognitive training focused on strengthening the brain functions that drive learning.
What Makes the Arrowsmith Program Different
The Arrowsmith Program focuses on strengthening the cognitive functions that support learning.
It is different from traditional educational supports.
Arrowsmith is:
-
cognitive training, not tutoring
-
brain-based development, not short-term remediation
-
focused on underlying cognitive processes, not just academic performance
-
designed to strengthen learning capacity over time
By strengthening the brain processes that support learning, students can develop stronger foundations for academic success and independence.
How the Arrowsmith Program Strengthens Cognitive Functions
The Arrowsmith Program applies principles of Neuroplasticity to strengthen specific cognitive functions involved in learning.
Through structured and repetitive cognitive exercises, the program targets underlying brain processes that support reading, writing, comprehension, reasoning, and problem solving.
Watch this short video to understand how the program works and why strengthening cognitive functions can improve learning capacity over time.
Arrowsmith Within the OPTIONS Model
Cognitive development does not happen in isolation.
At OPTIONS, Arrowsmith training is reinforced across the full transition program, including:
Vocational training and internships
This integrated structure helps students apply cognitive improvements across real-life environments.
How the Arrowsmith Program Strengthens Cognitive Functions
The Arrowsmith Program targets specific cognitive functions that influence learning and reasoning.
Weaknesses in these functions can affect reading comprehension, written expression, language processing, reasoning, and problem solving.
Students complete structured cognitive exercises designed to strengthen functions such as:
Motor Symbol Recognition
The cognitive function responsible for accurately recognizing symbols and coordinating the motor output required to reproduce them.
This function supports handwriting, spelling, copying, and written fluency by enabling symbols to be produced efficiently and accurately.
Symbol Relations
The ability to understand how symbols relate to one another based on rules, order, and structure.
This function underlies grammar, syntax, mathematical operations, logical reasoning, and understanding relationships between concepts.
Memory for Information and Instructions
The capacity to hold, process, and recall information and sequences of instructions.
This function is critical for following directions, note-taking, learning new material, and completing tasks that require multiple steps.
Predicative Speech
The ability to generate language by anticipating and organizing what comes next in spoken or written expression.
This function supports sentence formulation, reading comprehension, verbal fluency, and coherent communication.
Broca’s Speech Pronunciation
The cognitive function involved in planning and producing accurate speech sounds.
This function affects clarity of speech, verbal fluency, and the ability to express thoughts smoothly and efficiently.
Symbol Thinking
The ability to mentally manipulate symbols and ideas without relying on concrete or physical references.
This function supports abstract reasoning, conceptual thinking, higher-level mathematics, and advanced written expression.
Symbol Recognition
The ability to visually identify and discriminate between symbols quickly and accurately.
This function supports reading accuracy, spelling, mathematical notation, and efficient visual processing of written information.
Non-Verbal (Artifactual) Thinking
The ability to reason using non-verbal, visual-spatial, and practical information.
This function supports understanding diagrams, spatial relationships, mechanical reasoning, and problem-solving without words.
Lexical Memory
The capacity to store, retrieve, and use words and their meanings efficiently.
This function supports vocabulary development, reading fluency, verbal expression, and written communication.
Quantification Sense
The cognitive capacity to understand quantity, magnitude, and numerical relationships intuitively.
This function supports number sense, estimation, mathematical reasoning, and the application of quantitative concepts in daily life.
Strengthening these functions can improve the efficiency and accuracy of learning processes across academic and daily life tasks.
The Arrowsmith Program targets specific cognitive functions that may underlie learning challenges.
By strengthening these functions, students can improve the efficiency and accuracy of skills related to reading, writing, math, language processing, reasoning, and executive functioning.
Understanding the Science Behind Arrowsmith
The Arrowsmith Program is built on the concept of Neuroplasticity — the brain’s ability to change and strengthen through targeted training and repetition.
The program was developed by Barbara Arrowsmith-Young, whose work exploring cognitive development and neuroplasticity led to the creation of a structured program designed to strengthen specific brain functions involved in learning.
Her work is detailed in the book The Woman Who Changed Her Brain, which describes the development of the Arrowsmith Program and the role of neuroplasticity in cognitive growth.
A Distinctive Partnership
OPTIONS and Brehm Preparatory School are among a small number of educational programs worldwide implementing the Arrowsmith Program within a fully immersive academic and residential environment.
This partnership ensures:
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fidelity to the Arrowsmith methodology
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trained and supervised instructors
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ongoing progress monitoring
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reinforcement across academic and residential environments
This immersive structure helps students translate cognitive improvements into everyday functioning and independence.
Is Arrowsmith the Right Fit?
Arrowsmith May Be Appropriate If
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underlying cognitive weaknesses are affecting learning
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the student can engage in structured, repetitive practice
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motivation is present with coaching and support
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long-term cognitive strengthening is a goal
Arrowsmith May Not Be Appropriate If
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immediate academic remediation is the primary need
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sustained cognitive intensity is not currently manageable
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short-term accommodation support is sufficient
Determining fit involves careful assessment, observation, and collaboration between the OPTIONS team and the family.
Is Arrowsmith Right for Your Young Adult?
The Arrowsmith Program can be a powerful pathway for students whose learning challenges stem from underlying cognitive processing weaknesses.
Our team works closely with families to evaluate cognitive profiles, readiness, and long-term transition goals.
Together we determine whether the Arrowsmith Program is the right fit within the broader OPTIONS transition program.