Executive Function refers to a set of cognitive processes that are crucial for controlling behaviour, making decisions, managing time and achieving our individual educational and professional goals.
These functions include working memory, cognitive flexibility and inhibitory control. For individuals with Executive Functioning difficulties, everyday tasks such as organizing activities, following conversations, taking notes and multitasking can become daunting challenges.
Here at Arrowsmith, we understand that by harnessing the power of neuroplasticity through specifically targeted cognitive exercises, we can strengthen an individual’s brain and help them to overcome learning disabilities such as Executive Function difficulties.
In this case study, we look at Michael's story and how he overcame his difficulties in Executive Function by enrolling in the Arrowsmith Program.
Age: 29
Learning Difficulty: Executive Functioning
Program Type: Symbol Relations, Independent Check-In
Time in Program: 18 months
Location: Canada
Michael struggled with Executive Functioning throughout his life. His inability to focus on multiple tasks, keep up with conversations, and stay organized not only affected his academic performance but also caused significant anxiety and low self-esteem.
In fact, his difficulties were evident from an early age. Throughout his school years, he struggled with learning, and these challenges persisted into adulthood as he struggled to stay organized, take notes, and follow along in conversations.
These challenges affected Michael’s professional life. As a Finance Manager, he found it difficult to focus and struggled to manage more than one project at a time. Michael's inability to compartmentalize tasks and focus on multiple activities simultaneously led to constant anxiety and a feeling of helplessness.
Michael’s struggles throughout his life included:
You know, you have a conversation with me. I can follow a few bits of it for a few minutes and then I'm lost. I feel like I'm drowning. I cannot keep up. I cannot focus. I could focus on one thing at a time, and that's it. I can't compartmentalize anything else.
On a walk, we stumbled upon a book called The Woman Who Changed Her Brain. So, after doing my cognitive evaluation [with Arrowsmith], it was determined the program that for me was going to help change my brain was called Symbol Relations. I started this program on March 17th, 2021. Now in June 2022, I'm currently on level ten, but I can tell you right now it has changed my life. I cannot tell you what it's done to my confidence and organization and focus!
Michael's journey towards improving his Executive Function began with reading The Woman Who Changed Her Brain by Barbara Arrowsmith-Young, the Founder of Arrowsmith. This book introduced him to the concept of neuroplasticity and the potential for the brain to reorganize itself - and strengthen - through targeted cognitive exercises.
Intrigued by the possibilities, Michael completed the Arrowsmith Cognitive Assessment (which shows individuals their unique cognitive profile) and enrolled in the Symbol Relations Independent Check-In Program in March 2021.
The Arrowsmith Program is based on the principles of neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to change and adapt in response to new experiences and learning. By strengthening the brain’s ability to perform, Arrowsmith is able to transform lives and help individuals to take full advantage of their cognitive capabilities.
By engaging in the Symbol Relations cognitive exercise designed to strengthen underperforming areas of his brain, Michael was able to improve his Executive Functioning and say goodbye to many of the struggles which he had experienced throughout his life.
After 18 months in the Symbol Relations program, Michael experienced profound improvements in his Executive Functioning abilities.
He developed the skills to focus, organize, and compartmentalize tasks more effectively. For the first time in his life, he was able to independently plan and organize his days, weeks, and months without external guidance.
Professionally, Michael's transformation was remarkable. He went from only being able to manage one project at any given time, to overseeing eight different projects simultaneously - a feat that seemed impossible to him before.
His ability to take organized and relevant notes while listening improved significantly, enhancing his overall learning capabilities. Moreover, the reduction in anxiety and the boost in confidence further empowered him to tackle new challenges with ease.
Michael’s outcomes of participating in The Arrowsmith Program included:
Currently in my life I’m a Finance Manager. When I started in my role due to my capacity, I was only able to manage one entity. I now manage eight entities. I’ve grown, I’ve increased by 8x my capacity in my role since starting Arrowsmith. My anxiety, which I have suffered with my entire life, has tremendously decreased. My confidence has risen since I have been on this journey.
Finally, after 29 years, I'm able to learn anything new pretty quickly, and I can take notes for the first time after listening to someone in an organized manner and in a compartmentalized, siloed way. This has been a game changer in my life and I cannot tell you how much suffering I have done without having this skill. This is a skill that I didn’t know I could accomplish. I’m 29 and I’ve just gotten it now, and I’m so grateful for it.
