How Simply Smarter Works · by NACD
A clear, structured program. Not a collection of random games.
Simply Smarter is a guided cognitive training program built on 45 years of NACD’s direct clinical practice. 79 activities across two structured progressions, personalized from day one, 10–15 minutes a day. Here’s exactly how it works.
How it works
Three simple steps.
Every Simply Smarter journey follows the same structure — regardless of age, ability, or starting point.
Step 1
Take the Baseline Test.
It takes 10–15 minutes and determines your processing level across 5 possible starting points. The test adapts as you go — stopping when it finds your ceiling. Whether you start on Kick-Start or Advanced, your path is personalized from minute one. One test. Taken once. Your entire program built from that foundation.
Step 2
Train for 10–15 minutes a day.
Each daily session targets sequential processing, working memory, processing speed, and auditory/visual processing. 79 activities total — each one adaptive, each one designed to push you just past your current level. This is where neuroplasticity happens. Sessions should be done with good energy and focus, not when tired.
Step 3
Watch your progress grow.
Your dashboard tracks everything: processing scores over time, activities completed, streaks, and badges. For families, the parent dashboard shows every member. For schools, the admin dashboard provides classroom and individual tracking. The data tells the story — steady, measurable growth. Starting on Step 3 of either progression, you can redo activities to improve scores.
Two Paths. One Program.
The right starting point for every learner.
The Baseline Test determines which progression is right for you — and where in that progression to begin. No guessing, no wasted time.
Ages 3+
Kick-Start
For younger children (ages 3+), teens with learning differences, or anyone who needs a supported starting point. Features the Brain Guy animated character, verbal reinforcers, movement breaks. 2 levels with 6 steps each. Parent-guided for youngest learners. When you complete Kick-Start, you graduate into Advanced.
Ages 9–Adult
Advanced
For the average teen or adult. 3 levels — the first two with 6 steps each, building progressively. Level 3 is Extraordinary Minds — the most advanced activities, no ceiling, continue indefinitely. Plus Spatial Processing activities and Reward Games earned through your work.
Both progressions include Processing Speed activities. Starting on Step 3, you can redo completed activities to improve scores. The Baseline Test determines which progression and starting point is right — no guessing, no wasted time.
The core of every session
What you’ll train.
Every Simply Smarter activity targets one or more of these four foundational capacities — the building blocks of all learning and cognition.
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Sequential Processing
The brain’s ability to receive, hold, and use information in order. The foundation of reading, following instructions, and building knowledge. NACD’s core insight — the single capacity that most determines how well you learn, communicate, and think.
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Working Memory
The brain’s mental workspace — how much information you can hold and manipulate at once. Research shows it’s a stronger predictor of academic success than IQ. And unlike IQ, it responds to training.
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Processing Speed
How quickly your brain receives and responds to information. Faster processing means quicker reading, better conversation tracking, and more efficient learning at every level.
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Auditory & Visual Processing
The ability to accurately receive and interpret information through hearing and sight. Both channels are trained — because real-world learning requires both, often simultaneously.
Tech Requirements
Simply Smarter includes a built-in Video Library — animated support videos by NACD founder Bob Doman and the team, covering Frequency, Intensity, Duration, Visualization, and the most commonly asked questions about the program. Help is always available inside the app.
See how it works for yourself.
The Baseline Test takes 10–15 minutes. You’ll know your starting point immediately.