This is the story and work of a remarkable woman. Though she began life severely learning disabled, she built herself a better brain and a brain training program that has helped thousands of others do the same.

Writing this book was a labour of love and was a collaborative process amongst three people – Barbara Arrowsmith-Young, Annette Goodman, and Larry Scanlan.

Barbara Arrowsmith-Young was born with severe learning disabilities. Undaunted, she used her strengths to develop brain exercises to overcome her neurological deficits. She has gone on to change countless lives.

In the past five years, the idea that self-improvement can happen in the brain has caught hold and inspired new hope. Now, thanks to brilliant path breakers such as Barbara, rather than worrying about how our brains shape us, we can focus on shaping our brains. Young’s work is one of the first examples of the extensive and practical application of “neuroplasticity.” As the individuals described in this book change their brains, readers see how the brain works and what a profound impact improved mental capacity has on how we can participate in the world. Here her personal story is interwoven with fascinating accounts of the clinical mysteries and triumphant stories that Barbara has encountered during her career.

The Arrowsmith cognitive training program originated in Toronto in 1978, but is now being implemented in schools in Canada and in the U.S. in New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and California.

Barbara Arrowsmith-Young is the Director of Arrowsmith School and Arrowsmith Program. She holds a B.A.Sc. in Child Studies from the University of Guelph and a Master’s degree in School Psychology from the University of Toronto (Ontario Institute for Studies in Education).