Arrowsmith

What is Neuroplasticity?

Neuroscientists used to think that our brain was fixed and unchangeable from birth. It was believed that our intellectual capacity was fixed – the brain with which we were born, was the brain we had for life.  

Our scientific knowledge has significantly advanced over the last several decades and research on brain development reveals the opposite. 

We now know that the brain is a highly active and malleable organ across a person’s lifespan. This powerful capacity for change is called neuroplasticity. 

When students enter the Arrowsmith Program, many believe that their brain is fixed. Students come to us thinking that they will never perform academic exercises or life skills such as reading an analogue clock, following directions and understanding conversations.

However, through neuroplasticity, we witness the changes in our students over time. Our students begin to discover that their brain isn’t ‘broken’ but able to complete complex tasks. For some students, the changes are noticeable, while others may experience small but permanent changes over the course of the program. As educators and parents, it is important that we notice and celebrate the changes, however they may manifest and appear.

Wayne Stagg

Head of Arrowsmith