Targeted Cognitive Development for Qualifying Young Adults
The Arrowsmith Program at OPTIONS is a specialized cognitive training pathway designed for young adults with identified underlying cognitive weaknesses impacting learning and independence.
It is structured, intensive, and offered only when clinically appropriate.
Why Arrowsmith?
Some learning challenges persist despite strong effort, high intelligence, and appropriate accommodations.
These challenges often stem from inefficiencies in specific cognitive functions — not motivation.
The Arrowsmith Program targets those underlying cognitive processes through structured, repetitive exercises designed to strengthen learning capacity over time.
Participation is based on readiness and fit — not diagnosis alone.
What Makes It Different
• Not tutoring
• Not accommodation support
• Not remediation
Arrowsmith is cognitive training focused on strengthening the brain functions that drive learning.
Arrowsmith Within the OPTIONS Model
Arrowsmith does not operate in isolation at OPTIONS.
Cognitive training is reinforced across:
Academics
Vocational Experiences
Speech & Language
Executive Function Coaching
Independent Living
This integrated model supports real-world generalization — the essential bridge to adult independence.
Hear How Arrowsmith Strengthens the Brain
“The Arrowsmith Program applies principles of neuroplasticity to help strengthen underlying cognitive functions that support learning, independence, and daily functioning. Watch this short video to understand how and why it works.”
Is Arrowsmith the Right Fit?
Appropriate Fit
Arrowsmith May Be Appropriate If:
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Identified cognitive weaknesses are impacting learning
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The student can engage in repetitive, structured practice
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Motivation is present with coaching
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Long-term cognitive strengthening is a goal
Not Always Appropriate
Arrowsmith may not be appropriate for students who:
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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
Fit is determined collaboratively through assessment and observation.
Click on a Cognitive Functions to learn more.
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.
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.
The Genesis of the Arrowsmith Program
Founded by Barbara Arrowsmith-Young, the program emerged from her own experience addressing severe learning challenges through cognitive development.
Her work is detailed in The Woman Who Changed Her Brain, highlighting the role of neuroplasticity in strengthening cognitive function.
A Distinctive Partnership
OPTIONS and Brehm Preparatory School are among a small number of programs worldwide implementing Arrowsmith within a fully immersive educational and residential model.
This ensures:
- Fidelity to the Arrowsmith method
- Trained and supervised instructors
- Ongoing progress monitoring
- Continuous reinforcement across environments
Is Arrowsmith Right for Your Young Adult?
Arrowsmith is a powerful option — when it is the right fit. Our team works closely with families to assess cognitive needs, readiness, and alignment with overall transition goals.