Arrowsmith Program

What is the Arrowsmith Program?

The Arrowsmith Program is a globally recognized, science-based approach to cognitive transformation. It strengthens the brain functions that underlie learning and attention.

Unlike tutoring or accommodations that work around a difficulty, Arrowsmith targets the root of the challenge by training specific cognitive functions through structured, research-informed exercises.

Patient care consultation at The Hartman Center

“What I’m most happy about here is that we’re looking at everything and starting to narrowing it down to what is still driving the body’s capacity to not heal. For the first time, I feel I have a doctor who’s going to try his absolute best to go through everything, come to the root cause, and help the body heal again.”

– Ida Rudel

Key outcomes we target

  • Improved working memory, processing speed, and mental stamina
  • Better reading, writing, math, and comprehension
  • Stronger executive skills such as planning, organization, and follow-through
  • Easier focus in complex or distracting environments
  • More consistent emotional regulation and stress tolerance

Who This Program Helps

The Arrowsmith Program can benefit children, teens, and adults who experience:

  • Attention regulation or ADHD traits
  • Reading, writing, or math difficulties
  • Dyslexia, dysgraphia, or dyscalculia
  • Executive function challenges as planning and organization
  • Auditory or visual processing inefficiencies
  • Memory and information retrieval difficulties
  • Concussion or brain injury recovery that affects learning
  • Emotional regulation and sensory overwhelm

How the Program Works at The Hartman Center

  1. 01

    Evaluation and Intake

    • Clinical history, learning profile, and goals
    • Baseline cognitive function inventory
    • Functional neurology screening
  2. 02

    Precision Diagnostics

    • VNG Assessment: Measures eye movements related to attention and reading
    • Autonomic and Heart Rate Variability Screening: Identifies regulatory load that impacts stamina
    • Optional Tests: Visual and auditory processing, balance, and coordination
  3. 03

    Personalized Training Plan

    • Selection of Arrowsmith cognitive exercises matched to your needs
    • Weekly dosage and progression plan
    • Lifestyle support for sleep, stress, and brain health
  4. 04

    Ongoing Training and Coaching

    • Instructor-led sessions in person or hybrid
    • Clear targets for accuracy and effort
    • Regular progress reviews with data
  5. 05

    Progress Reviews

    • Formal check-ins to adjust training
    • Parent or client meetings to connect gains with daily life

Program Formats

Your plan is designed around your goals, schedule, and readiness.

  • Full-Time

    Daily training for maximum change within a school year

  • Part-Time

    3 to 5 sessions per week alongside school or work

  • Intensive Blocks

    Short, high-focus sessions during breaks

  • Hybrid Options

    Short, high-focus sessions during breaks

Core Cognitive Functions We Target

Each exercise focuses on one or more of the following functions:

  • Symbol Relations (reasoning, logic, and memory)
  • Planning, Sequencing, and Decision-Making
  • Processing Speed and Focus
  • Auditory and Visual Memory
  • Abstract Reasoning (problem solving and flexible thinking)
  • Mechanical Reasoning (cause-and-effect understanding)
  • Object Recognition (visual memory and spatial awareness)
Core Cognitive Functions We Target

What to Expect: Timeline

  • Weeks 0–2

    Weeks 0–2

    Intake, diagnostics, and plan

  • Weeks 3–6

    Weeks 3–6

    Onboarding to exercises and routine

  • Weeks 6–12

    Weeks 6–12

    Early gains in accuracy and stamina

  • Months 3–6

    Months 3–6

    Translation of gains into school, work, and daily life

  • Ongoing

    Ongoing

    Adjustments and progress reviews

Visual Progress You Can Track

Patients and families receive real-time cognitive progress updates to stay informed and encouraged throughout the program:

  • Visual Progress You Can Track

    Monthly reports covering key cognitive domains

  • Visual Progress You Can Track

    Dashboards that show measurable improvement over time

  • Visual Progress You Can Track

    Goal-setting and coaching to guide each phase of training

  • Visual Progress You Can Track

    Optional review meetings with family, school, or employer

  • Visual Progress You Can Track

    Comprehensive mid-point and final progress evaluations

The Hartman Center Difference

  • Clinical precision

    Using VNG and autonomic profiling

  • Whole-Person Care

    Focus on sleep, stress, nutrition, and movement

  • Clear Outcomes

    Progress reviews and data tracking

  • Collaboration

    With schools, clinicians, and therapists when requested

Frequently Asked Questions

Unlike tutoring or accommodations that work around a difficulty, Arrowsmith targets the root of the challenge by training specific cognitive functions through structured, research-informed exercises.

The Arrowsmith Program has been implemented internationally for more than two decades, with published outcomes showing improvement in learning, performance, and daily living. Families are encouraged to review program research and connect with our team about how we measure progress.

Early gains in accuracy and stamina often appear between weeks 6 and 12. Translation of those gains into school, work, and daily life typically unfolds over months 3 to 6, with ongoing adjustments and progress reviews.

Yes. The program adapts for children, teens, and adults who want to strengthen learning, attention, and performance — whether you are a student, a professional, or returning after injury.

Yes. The program can benefit people recovering from concussion or brain injury when learning, attention, memory, or processing have been affected.

Yes. We frequently collaborate with schools, clinicians, and therapists when requested, so training can complement existing care and support continuity.

Enrollment and Next Steps

  • 02 · Baseline evaluation to map cognitive strengths and weak spots, paired with VNG with the NOTC Pro+ Rotary Chair, posturography, and quantitative autonomic testing as clinically indicated.

  • 03 · Choose your format and begin training: In-Person Cognitive Training, four hours a week in small groups; Independent Check-In, with two facilitator check-ins each month.

  • 04 · Re-test and adjust on the same instruments at 90 days, 6 months, and 12 months, so progress is measured, not assumed.

Accessibility and Accommodations

Our center is accessible and offers flexible scheduling. Please let us know any specific accommodations during intake.

Consulting an Expert on the Arrowsmith Program

Consulting an Expert on the Arrowsmith Program

Strengthen the brain systems behind learning, focus, and emotional regulation with the Arrowsmith Program at The Hartman Center. If you’re ready to move beyond short-term workarounds and address cognitive challenges at their source, our team will guide you through a personalized evaluation and training plan built around your goals.

Trusted by Patients. Backed by Science.

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