Simply Smarter for Special Needs · by NACD

Every brain can grow. Every child deserves the chance to show what they’re capable of.

When NACD helps a child with Down syndrome function at the top of their typical classroom — top of the class in reading and math — the message is clear: we place limitations on potential that don’t need to be there. NACD has worked directly with children with Down syndrome, autism, brain injury, and developmental delays for 45 years. Simply Smarter includes the Kickstart track — a structured entry-level program no other product in the market has. Because NACD knows some learners need a gentler starting point, and no one else has ever built one.

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NACD’s Special Needs Heritage

This is where NACD started. And it’s still where our heart is.

NACD was founded in 1979 by Robert J. Doman Jr. Within a year, NACD had ten chapters across the United States and a caseload of 500 children — from brain injured to typical. They worked with whole children, designing comprehensive programs and teaching parents to implement them daily. This created a living laboratory: hundreds of families applying techniques five days a week, providing immediate feedback on what worked and for whom.

What NACD learned from their special needs children transformed everything. The insights that helped children with developmental delays became the approaches that help typical and gifted children too. At the core is neuroplasticity — the understanding that the brain can change, at any age, in response to the right stimulation. For children with special needs, this means there is always more potential to reach.

A Starting Point for Every Learner

Kickstart: the only entry-level brain training track on the market.

Kickstart is structured into 2 levels with 6 steps each. The Brain Guy animated character guides learners through each session with verbal reinforcement. Movement breaks between activities help young learners reset their focus. Parents are encouraged to guide younger children at the keyboard. Starting on Step 3, learners can redo completed activities to build confidence. When they complete Kickstart, they graduate into the Advanced progression — same account, same dashboard, new level of challenge.

What Parents Are Saying

“NACD’s program has provided our daughter with a great foundation for entering the public school environment. Despite the challenges that come with a Down syndrome diagnosis, at the young age of two, she’s learned her letters, numbers and has started to learn to read.”

— Becky, Arizona · Individual results may vary.

“When I saw NACD I thought, ‘This is it. This is what’s going to help my child and help my entire family.’ Five years later, Elaina, now 12, is near grade-level performance.”

— Claribel P. · Individual results may vary.

Common Questions

Yes. NACD has worked with thousands of individuals with Down syndrome over 45 years. The Kickstart track is designed specifically for supported starting points — meeting learners where they are and building from there.

Kickstart includes activities that don’t require verbal response. Some full-program exercises do. Contact simplysmarter@nacd.org for guidance on the right fit for your child.

Kickstart is designed for age 3 and up, or whenever a child can operate a keyboard and mouse with parental help. Parent-guided sessions are built into the Kickstart design for the youngest learners.

No. Simply Smarter complements OT, speech, ABA, and other services — it builds the cognitive processing foundation that helps those interventions work more effectively. Many NACD families use it alongside their broader program.

Absolutely. Simply Smarter was originally built as a tool for NACD program clients. Ask your NACD evaluator about adding it to your program.

Fully. All activities, audio, videos, and the interface are completely available in Spanish at no extra cost. Each user selects their language independently.

Your child’s potential is waiting. Start today.

14-day free trial. No credit card. Built on 45 years of working directly with children like yours.

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