Is It Possible to Change the Brain?

January is the month of change! Every New Year, droves of people set out to change their diets, their exercise habits, their income levels, and seemingly anything else you can dream of - but for adults and children with learning difficulties, one question remains: Is it possible to change the brain?

There are two competing schools of thought surrounding this topic, one being neurodiversity, and the other being neuroplasticity. The theory of neurodiversity posits that everyone’s brain is inherently different - and that the best way to deal with these differences is to help and accommodate those differences. In other words, proponents of neurodiversity believe that people with learning disabilities can’t (and shouldn’t have to) try and improve their cognitive abilities. 

The science behind neuroplasticity puts forth shows that, although everyone’s brain is indeed different, it is also possible to change the brain over time. People can learn new skills, new languages, and also improve their cognitive abilities with the right kind of support and training. Supporters of neuroplasticity firmly believe that people with learning disabilities shouldn’t have to struggle forever, and that they should have the opportunity to improve. 

At Eaton Arrowsmith, we stand behind 40 years of research and 15 years of educational experience demonstrating that the brain does indeed have the ability to improve its capacity to pay attention, remember, reason, and process. Our students with dyslexia, dyscalculia, ADHD, and other learning disabilities build proficient reading, writing, math, and social skills through engagement with our cognitive exercises. 

What’s more is that these proficiencies also help students build confidence, pride, and hope for a better future that is not just centered around “coping” with a learning disability. In fact, students with learning disabilities who embrace neuroplasticity can go on to earn Bachelor’s Degrees, Master’s Degrees, succeed in business… and even start schools to help others with learning disabilities - just like our Founder, Howard Eaton.