The Power of Neuroplasticity – A Conversation with Barbara Arrowsmith-Young

When I first began my podcast, Living with an Invisible Learning Challenge, my goal was simple: to share stories, research, and resources about nonverbal learning disability (NLD) and other learning differences. Over time, the podcast has connected me with incredible people who are not only living with these challenges but also creating solutions that change lives.

One of the most inspiring conversations I’ve had was with Barbara Arrowsmith-Young, the creator of the Arrowsmith Program. If you’re not familiar with her, Barbara is known internationally for her pioneering work using the principles of neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to change and rewire itself—to help people with learning challenges. Her story and her program have brought hope to countless families, educators, and individuals.

Before diving into our conversation, let me briefly explain. The Arrowsmith Program, which began in Canada, now serves people worldwide. When the pandemic forced so many of us into remote learning, Barbara and her team adapted quickly, expanding into online platforms and making their cognitive training accessible internationally. Their mission is straightforward but profound: to help people strengthen the underlying cognitive functions that make learning—and life—more manageable.

Living in the Age of Neuroplasticity

Barbara began by reminding me that her work is “one piece of the puzzle.” No single approach can solve everything, but she has focused her life’s work on understanding how specific cognitive functions can be strengthened through targeted exercises. What excites her most is that we now live in a time when science consistently shows the brain’s remarkable capacity to change—not only in learning, but also in areas like chronic pain management, addiction recovery, and even healthy aging.

Her words struck a personal chord. For over eight years, I’ve lived with chronic migraines on top of NLD, and it sometimes feels like carrying two heavy burdens at once. I asked Barbara whether neuroplasticity-based programs might help people like me. She told me about resources that apply similar principles to chronic pain and shared that she knows individuals who have found success in managing migraines through these methods.

For me, that was a spark of hope.

Expanding Beyond Learning

Our conversation widened into the many areas where neuroplasticity is now being applied. Barbara shared stories from a study in Queensland, Australia, where her program is helping young adults in addiction treatment. Addiction, as she explained, rewires the brain in harmful ways. But through targeted cognitive exercises, individuals are regaining reasoning skills and insight—tools that make the rehabilitation process more effective.

She also spoke passionately about the potential for helping older adults. As we age, many of us notice slower processing speed or the all-too-familiar question, “Where did I leave my keys?” Barbara’s team is now exploring how neuroplasticity can keep the aging brain sharp, which not only preserves memory but also enhances quality of life.

And then, almost as an aside, she admitted to dreaming of applying these same methods to sports performance—helping athletes strengthen the brain capacities that allow them to see space, anticipate movement, and connect patterns. While her passion remains with those who struggle most, she enjoys imagining where else this work might grow.

Returning the Power to Dream

One of the most moving moments in our conversation came when Barbara told me about her students who once confessed they had stopped dreaming. Their challenges had made life feel so overwhelming that imagining a future seemed impossible. Through her program, many rediscovered not only the ability to dream but also the cognitive tools to pursue those dreams.

That statement gave me goosebumps. As someone living with NLD, I know how easy it is to let go of big dreams when every small step feels harder than it should. Hearing Barbara talk about rekindling hope for others felt like a reminder to me as well.

Accessing the Arrowsmith Program

For readers who may be wondering how to access these resources, Barbara explained that everything begins at their website: arrowsmithprogram.ca. From there, families, students, and adults can explore programs available both locally and online. No matter where you are in the world, there’s now a pathway to connect with their team, ask questions, and begin.

Final Reflections

As our conversation came to a close, I felt deep gratitude—not only for Barbara’s time, but for her vision. She reminded me that neuroplasticity is not just about strengthening weak spots in learning. It’s about unlocking possibilities: regaining health, restoring creativity, and reclaiming dreams.

For me, that’s what this podcast—and this book—is all about: amplifying voices and programs that give people with invisible learning challenges the tools and hope to live fuller lives.

If you’re interested in exploring more, I encourage you to visit my website www.livingwithmultilearningdifferences.net or connect with me on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube under the podcast title Living with an Invisible Learning Challenge. And if you know someone with NLD who might want to share their story, please reach out at livingwithNLD@gmail.com.

Most of all, I encourage you to take time to reflect on your own gifts and differences. Journal about them. Notice where they show up in your life. And ask yourself: How can I turn this challenge into an opportunity?

Because as Barbara reminded me, the brain—and the human spirit—are capable of far more than we often imagine.