# Simply Smarter by NACD — Full Content Index > Generated 2026-04-30. Full text content of major pages, intended for LLM context indexing. ## / Skip to content BY NACD · 45 YEARS OF DIRECT CLINICAL PRACTICE Every brain can grow. We’ve spent 45 years proving it. Simply Smarter is the cognitive training program built by NACD — from decades of working directly with children, adults, and families. Not a game. Not a shortcut. 79 activities that adapt to your level, personalized from day one. 10–15 minutes a day. Ages 3 to 103. English & Spanish. Start Your 14-Day Free Trial See How It Works → 0 Years of Clinical Practice 0 Adaptive Activities 14-Day Free Trial, No Card EN+ES English & Spanish 3–103 Every Age Served School Plans Available Family Dashboard 79 Adaptive Activities English & Spanish Kick-Start Track (Ages 3+) Backed by 80+ Studies WHAT MAKES SIMPLY SMARTER DIFFERENT Not a brain game. A clinical program. Most brain training apps are designed as casual entertainment. Simply Smarter is a structured cognitive development program built from 45 years of direct clinical work with tens of thousands of individuals. What NACD learned working with children with Down syndrome, brain injury, and developmental delays became the foundation that helps everyone. Learn what makes us different → Clinical Foundation Every exercise is grounded in NACD's direct clinical methodology — developed through hands-on practice with real individuals across four decades. Not adapted from academic papers. Built from over 1 million hours of direct clinical work. See our story → Built for Whole Families The only brain training program with a true family plan — one parent dashboard, multiple learner profiles, progress alerts, and individual tracking for every family member. From 3 to 103, on one account. See family plans → Powered by Neuroplasticity Your brain physically changes in response to the right kind of challenge. This is neuroplasticity — and it's the science behind every Simply Smarter exercise. Our adaptive program keeps your brain in the growth zone where new connections form. Learn about neuroplasticity → The Kick-Start Track The only entry-level cognitive training track for learners not yet ready for the full program. A gentle, structured on-ramp built because NACD knows some learners need a different starting point — and no one else has ever built one. About Kick-Start → WHO SIMPLY SMARTER IS BUILT FOR One program. Every learner. Every setting. Whether you're a parent at home, a teacher in a classroom, or an HR director building a wellness program — Simply Smarter builds the processing power that makes everything else work better. Families ADHD. Learning differences. Gifted. Special needs. Every child. Every age. Family plans with parent dashboard and multi-learner tracking. From $24.99/month. Explore family plans → Schools & Learning Centers Per-student pricing. Admin dashboards. Progress tracking. Fully available in English & Spanish. Dedicated onboarding session included. See school pricing → Organizations & Businesses Cognitive performance training for teams. 10–15 minutes a day. No IT deployment. Group admin tools and ROI reporting. See business plans → "Simply Smarter has really opened the door for academics to flourish. Then when academics flourished, their social skills and confidence really flourished. It really works." — Claire B., Homeschool Parent  ·  Individual results may vary. Read more stories → "What develops changes and what changes can be developed. We don't need to lose it — we can build it. Smarter is always better." RD Robert J. Doman Jr. Founder, NACD · Est. 1979 Read Bob's story → TRANSPARENT PRICING Clinical-grade training. Honest prices. In-person cognitive training programs can cost $1,500–$5,000+ per program. Simply Smarter starts at $12.42/month. Same clinical foundation — built for every family, every school, and every budget. Monthly Annual Save 25% Individual 1 user · Ages 3–103 $12.42/mo Billed at $149.99/year ✓ All 79 activities ✓ Personalized baseline assessment ✓ Adaptive difficulty progression ✓ Progress dashboard & scores ✓ Kick-Start + Advanced tracks ✓ English & Spanish included Start Free Trial RECOMMENDED FOR PARENTS Individual + Admin 1 user + 1 admin · Ages 3–103 $12.42/mo Billed at $149.99/year ✓ Everything in Individual ✓ Parent admin dashboard ✓ Child/user progress overview ✓ Progress email & SMS alerts ✓ Access billing separate from child ✓ FREE upgrade from Individual! Start Free Trial MOST POPULAR Family Up to 10 users + Family Admin $16.58/mo Billed at $199.99/year ✓ Everything in Individual ✓ Parent admin dashboard ✓ Up to 10 learner profiles ✓ Family-wide progress overview ✓ Progress email & SMS alerts ✓ Add learners anytime (+$2.99/mo ea.) Start Free Trial Schools 10+ students · classrooms Custom pricing Contact us for a tailored quote ✓ Per-student volume pricing ✓ Unlimited administrator accounts ✓ Teacher & coordinator access ✓ Student progress reporting ✓ Custom onboarding session ✓ Dedicated account manager Request a Demo Businesses 10+ users · teams & organizations Custom pricing Contact us for a tailored quote ✓ Per-user volume pricing ✓ Unlimited administrator accounts ✓ Supervisor access ✓ User progress reporting ✓ Custom onboarding session ✓ Dedicated account manager Request a Demo 14-day risk-free guarantee Full access, no charge until Day 14. Cancel anytime before then and pay absolutely nothing. Start your 14-day free trial today. No credit card. No commitment. 79 activities. English or Spanish. Just 14 days to experience what 45 years of clinical work feels like. Get Started Free → Brain training built on 45 years of clinical practice. Ages 3 to 103. simplysmarter@nacd.org Facebook YouTube Mail SITE How It Works For Families For Schools For Business Pricing Science NACD NACD.org NACD Store TSI Products Down Syndrome Resources NACD Foundation SUPPORT FAQ Contact Privacy Policy Terms of Use En Español © 2026 NACD's Simply Smarter - All rights reserved. ## /pricing/ Skip to content SIMPLY SMARTER PRICING Clinical-grade brain training. Transparent pricing. In-person cognitive training programs can cost $1,500–$5,000+. Simply Smarter starts at $12.42/month. Same clinical foundation — 79 activities built on 45 years of NACD practice. Every plan includes the full program, both progressions, English & Spanish, and a 14-day free trial. TRANSPARENT PRICING Clinical-grade training. Honest prices. In-person cognitive training programs can cost $1,500–$5,000+ per program. Simply Smarter starts at $12.42/month. Same clinical foundation — built for every family, every school, and every budget. Monthly Annual Save 25% Individual 1 user · Ages 3–103 $12.42/mo Billed at $149.99/year ✓ All 79 activities ✓ Personalized baseline assessment ✓ Adaptive difficulty progression ✓ Progress dashboard & scores ✓ Kick-Start + Advanced tracks ✓ English & Spanish included Start Free Trial RECOMMENDED FOR PARENTS Individual + Admin 1 user + 1 admin · Ages 3–103 $12.42/mo Billed at $149.99/year ✓ Everything in Individual ✓ Parent admin dashboard ✓ Child/user progress overview ✓ Progress email & SMS alerts ✓ Access billing separate from child ✓ FREE upgrade from Individual! Start Free Trial MOST POPULAR Family Up to 10 users + Family Admin $16.58/mo Billed at $199.99/year ✓ Everything in Individual ✓ Parent admin dashboard ✓ Up to 10 learner profiles ✓ Family-wide progress overview ✓ Progress email & SMS alerts ✓ Add learners anytime (+$2.99/mo ea.) Start Free Trial Schools 10+ students · classrooms Custom pricing Contact us for a tailored quote ✓ Per-student volume pricing ✓ Unlimited administrator accounts ✓ Teacher & coordinator access ✓ Student progress reporting ✓ Custom onboarding session ✓ Dedicated account manager Request a Demo Businesses 10+ users · teams & organizations Custom pricing Contact us for a tailored quote ✓ Per-user volume pricing ✓ Unlimited administrator accounts ✓ Supervisor access ✓ User progress reporting ✓ Custom onboarding session ✓ Dedicated account manager Request a Demo 14-day risk-free guarantee Full access, no charge until Day 14. Cancel anytime before then and pay absolutely nothing. EXISTING NACD CLIENTS Already working with NACD? Simply Smarter was originally built as a tool for NACD program clients. If you’re an existing NACD family, it’s available at a discounted rate. Look on your program for your code. If you do not see it there, ask your NACD evaluator about adding it to your program. Pricing FAQ Is there a free trial? Yes. 14 days, full access to everything. No credit card required. All 79 activities, both progressions, dashboard access, Baseline Test — no limitations. Can I switch plans? Is there a contract? Does the Family plan include parents? Can schools try it before committing? What’s included in the free trial? Is phone support available? Try it free. Decide later. No credit card. No commitment. 79 activities. English or Spanish. Just 14 days to experience what 45 years of clinical work feels like. Start Your 14-Day Free Trial → Brain training built on 45 years of clinical practice. Ages 3 to 103. simplysmarter@nacd.org Facebook YouTube Mail SITE How It Works For Families For Schools For Business Pricing Science NACD NACD.org NACD Store TSI Products Down Syndrome Resources NACD Foundation SUPPORT FAQ Contact Privacy Policy Terms of Use En Español © 2026 NACD's Simply Smarter - All rights reserved. ## /how-it-works/ Skip to content 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. 1 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. 2 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. 3 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. 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. Learn more → 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. Learn more → 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. 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 What devices does it work on? Desktop or laptop with keyboard and mouse. Chrome, Safari, or Firefox browsers. Windows, Mac, or ChromeOS. iPad with external keyboard/mouse (not officially supported). Not compatible with phones. What are the system requirements? Is it available in Spanish? Why desktop only? Why not mobile? 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. Start Your 14-Day Free Trial → Brain training built on 45 years of clinical practice. Ages 3 to 103. simplysmarter@nacd.org Facebook YouTube Mail SITE How It Works For Families For Schools For Business Pricing Science NACD NACD.org NACD Store TSI Products Down Syndrome Resources NACD Foundation SUPPORT FAQ Contact Privacy Policy Terms of Use En Español © 2026 NACD's Simply Smarter - All rights reserved. ## /science/ Skip to content THE SCIENCE BEHIND SIMPLY SMARTER 45 years of working directly with the brain. Not studying it from a distance. Simply Smarter isn’t built on theory. It’s built on practice — over 1 million hours of direct clinical application with tens of thousands of individuals, by the organization that has been doing this work since 1979. THE FOUNDER Robert J. Doman Jr. When Bob Doman went to college in 1965, he carried a gem from his father — a physician who worked with brain-injured children: you can change brains. He discovered no one else seemed to know this. His first experiment: could he significantly change his own “memory”? He worked at his digit spans, changed them significantly, and saw the results in his college work and his ability at 19 to develop a successful math program for special needs children. This began a sixty-year quest to understand how we learn, think, and function — and how to improve it. In 1979, he founded NACD. Within a year: ten chapters, 500 children, a living laboratory of daily practice. What emerged was an understanding that memory wasn’t really the right word. Short-term memory, working memory, executive function — these were all part of the brain’s ability to process information. Strengthen that processing, and everything else follows. “Our innate intelligence to the power of our processing ability plus education determines functional intelligence. Smarter is always better.” — Robert J. Doman Jr., Founder, NACD HOW NACD THINKS ABOUT THE BRAIN The foundation of all learning is the ability to process information. NACD works with whole children — all aspects of development, education, and daily function within the context of their family. Underlying everything is Bob’s understanding that “what develops changes and what changes can be developed.” With the understanding of how to actually apply the key components of neuroplasticity, NACD believes none of us are reaching our true, virtually unlimited potentials. What NACD learned from special needs children — helping a child with Down syndrome reach the top of their typical classroom, watching a child labeled ADHD and learning disabled excel and go to college at 14 — these became the approaches that help everyone. The processing activities that NACD developed and tested across an international caseload, applied five days a week by real families, became the foundation for Simply Smarter. Video Library Simply Smarter 2.0 includes a Video Library — animated videos by Bob Doman covering Frequency, Intensity, Duration, Visualization, Conceptualization, and more. The same philosophy and guidance NACD provides to its clients, built directly into the program. Research Library For the full body of research behind Simply Smarter’s methodology — 80+ peer-reviewed studies on working memory, processing speed, neuroplasticity, and cognitive training: Explore the Research Library → Experience what 45 years of clinical work feels like. 14-day free trial. No credit card. 79 activities built on 45 years of direct clinical practice. Start Your 14-Day Free Trial → Brain training built on 45 years of clinical practice. Ages 3 to 103. simplysmarter@nacd.org Facebook YouTube Mail SITE How It Works For Families For Schools For Business Pricing Science NACD NACD.org NACD Store TSI Products Down Syndrome Resources NACD Foundation SUPPORT FAQ Contact Privacy Policy Terms of Use En Español © 2026 NACD's Simply Smarter - All rights reserved. ## /neuroplasticity/ Skip to content NEUROPLASTICITY & BRAIN TRAINING · BY NACD Your brain is not fixed. It was never fixed. And it never will be. Bob Doman grew up with a gem his father gave him: you can change brains. His father, a physician who worked with brain-injured children, demonstrated this through his work decades before “neuroplasticity” entered the scientific vocabulary. When Bob went to college in 1965, he discovered that evidently no one else appeared to know that. Armed with this understanding, he looked at everything differently — and spent the next sixty years proving it. Start Your 14-Day Free Trial WHAT THE SCIENCE SAYS Neuroplasticity is now universally accepted in neuroscience. NACD understood it before it had a name. Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to physically reorganize itself in response to targeted stimulation. Provide it with the right kind of input, at the right frequency, intensity, and duration, and you can physically transform its structure and function. Not metaphorically. Physically. At every age — from 3 to 103. Within a year of creating NACD in 1979, Bob Doman had ten chapters across the United States and 500 children on his caseload — from brain-injured to typical. This created a living laboratory: hundreds of families applying techniques five days a week, providing immediate feedback on what worked and for whom. NACD could create a new technique and apply it to hundreds of clients who used it multiple times daily, learning quickly what produced results. From this laboratory came the insight that what had been perceived as separate pieces — short-term memory, working memory, long-term memory, executive function — are all part of the brain’s ability to process information. Strengthen that processing capacity, and everything downstream improves. This is neuroplasticity in action. Simply Smarter delivers it in 79 adaptive exercises, 10–15 minutes a day. Research confirms this: Brain imaging studies confirm measurable physical changes in the brain after cognitive training — in children, adults, and older adults alike. Neuroplasticity is one of the most well-established findings in modern neuroscience. See full research library → NEUROPLASTICITY AT EVERY AGE From 3 to 103 — the brain never stops being able to grow. In Children The young brain is extraordinarily plastic. Kickstart begins at age 3 because the earlier you start, the further you can go. In Teens & Young Adults Major brain development continues through the mid-20s. Bob’s first experiment was on himself in college — changing his digit spans and watching academic performance improve. In Adults NACD discovered that parents using their children’s program reported rapid, exceptional results. As long as you’re breathing, neuroplasticity works. In Seniors We typically start losing processing power after our 20s — but we don’t need to. The ACTIVE Study showed processing speed training benefits lasting 10 years in older adults. WHY SIMPLY SMARTER HARNESSES NEUROPLASTICITY BETTER Not all brain activity triggers meaningful neuroplastic change. Crossword puzzles exercise knowledge you already have. Casual brain games practice at your current level. Neither pushes the brain past its limits — which is where real change happens. Simply Smarter is adaptive: continuously adjusting difficulty to keep your brain in the growth zone. This isn’t accidental — it’s the result of 45 years of clinical observation. Popular apps optimize for engagement. Simply Smarter optimizes for neuroplastic change. Bob Doman on potential: “What develops changes and what changes can be developed. With the understanding of how to apply the key components of neuroplasticity, none of us are reaching our true, virtually unlimited potentials.” Robert J. Doman Jr., Founder, NACD Common Questions About Neuroplasticity What is neuroplasticity? Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to physically change its structure and function in response to experience and targeted stimulation. It means the brain can form new connections throughout life — not just in childhood. This is a well-established finding in modern neuroscience, confirmed by brain imaging studies. Is neuroplasticity scientifically proven? Does neuroplasticity work in older adults? How does Simply Smarter use neuroplasticity? How is this different from brain games? Your brain is ready to change. Give it the right challenge 79 activities. 10–15 minutes a day. Built on 45 years of clinical practice. Start your 14-day free trial today. Start Your Free Trial → Brain training built on 45 years of clinical practice. Ages 3 to 103. simplysmarter@nacd.org Facebook YouTube Mail SITE How It Works For Families For Schools For Business Pricing Science NACD NACD.org NACD Store TSI Products Down Syndrome Resources NACD Foundation SUPPORT FAQ Contact Privacy Policy Terms of Use En Español © 2026 NACD's Simply Smarter - All rights reserved. ## /faq/ Skip to content SIMPLY SMARTER · BY NACD Frequently Asked Questions Everything you need to know about Simply Smarter. Can’t find your answer? Email us at simplysmarter@nacd.org Getting Started What is Simply Smarter? Simply Smarter is a structured cognitive training program built by NACD from 45 years of direct clinical practice. It includes 79 adaptive activities across two progressions designed to strengthen sequential processing, working memory, processing speed, and auditory/visual processing. 10–15 minutes per day, ages 3 to 103, fully available in English and Spanish. How is this different from brain training apps? How long does it take to see results? What is the Baseline Test? Pricing & Plans How much does it cost? Individual: $19.99/month, or $149/year (billed annually — save 25%) Individual + Admin: Same price as Individual — the admin dashboard is a free upgrade. Family (up to 5 users): $24.99/month, or $199/year (billed annually — save 25%) Additional family members can be added at $3.99/month each, up to 10 users total. All consumer plans include a 14-day free trial — full access, no credit card required. Cancel before Day 14 and pay nothing. For school and business pricing, contact us or fill out the form on the For Schools or For Business pages to see your custom plan. Is there a free trial? Can I cancel anytime? Using the Program How often should I do the program? 10–15 minutes per day, 4–5 days per week is the recommended schedule. Consistency matters more than intensity. Missing a day or two is fine — the program adapts to your pace. What devices does it work on? Do I need headphones? Can I switch between English and Spanish? Technical Support What if I have technical issues? Email simplysmarter@nacd.org or use the live chat support found in the lower-right corner of the screen. We will reply to you as soon as we can. Most issues are browser or device-related and can be resolved quickly. I forgot my password. What do I do? Still have questions? Email us at simplysmarter@nacd.org or start a live chat during business hours. Or try it yourself — 14 days free, no credit card. Start Your Free Trial → Brain training built on 45 years of clinical practice. Ages 3 to 103. simplysmarter@nacd.org Facebook YouTube Mail SITE How It Works For Families For Schools For Business Pricing Science NACD NACD.org NACD Store TSI Products Down Syndrome Resources NACD Foundation SUPPORT FAQ Contact Privacy Policy Terms of Use En Español © 2026 NACD's Simply Smarter - All rights reserved. ## /contact/ Skip to content SIMPLY SMARTER · BY NACD Contact Us Have a question? Want to learn more? We’re here to help. Get in Touch Email: simplysmarter@nacd.org Live Chat: Available 8am–5pm MT, Monday–Friday Response Time: We typically respond within 24 hours Sales & Pricing For quotes, volume pricing, or school and business plans, email us with your requirements and we’ll get back to you with a custom proposal. Technical Support Having trouble with the platform? Email us with your device info (browser, operating system) and a description of the issue. Spanish Support NACD has native Spanish-speaking staff available for support and onboarding. Send Us a Message Fill out the form below and we’ll get back to you within 24 hours. Or email us directly at simplysmarter@nacd.org Full Name* Email* Topic* General Question Technical Support Sales & Pricing Schools, Organizations & Businesses Other (please explain below) Message* Submit We’d love to hear from you. 14-day free trial. No credit card. Start training today. Start Your Free Trial → Brain training built on 45 years of clinical practice. Ages 3 to 103. simplysmarter@nacd.org Facebook YouTube Mail SITE How It Works For Families For Schools For Business Pricing Science NACD NACD.org NACD Store TSI Products Down Syndrome Resources NACD Foundation SUPPORT FAQ Contact Privacy Policy Terms of Use En Español © 2026 NACD's Simply Smarter - All rights reserved. ## /for-families/ Skip to content Brain Training for the Whole Family From 3 to 103. One program. Every brain. Strengthen attention, memory, and processing for children and adults. 79 activities. 10–15 minutes a day. Built on 45 years of clinical practice. Start 14-Day Free Trial EVERY LEARNER. EVERY NEED. Who we help. Simply Smarter is built for every learner — from ages 3 to 103, across every ability level and learning profile. Children with ADHD Strengthen attention and working memory. Many families report improved focus and better school performance. Learn more → Learning Differences Reading and comprehension start with processing. Build the foundation that makes learning easier. Learn more → Special Needs From Down syndrome to autism to developmental delays. NACD has 45 years of experience with every ability level. Learn more → Gifted & Typical High-performing students can go higher. Typical students can become exceptional. Better is always better. Learn more → Young Children (3–7) Early intervention works. The Kick-Start track is designed for young learners with movement breaks and encouragement. Learn more → Adults & Seniors Your brain can grow at any age. Maintain cognitive performance, sharpen memory, stay mentally fit. Learn more → TRANSPARENT PRICING Plans for every family. All plans include a 14-day free trial — full access, no credit card required. Cancel before Day 14 and pay nothing. Monthly Annual Save 25% Individual 1 user · Ages 3–103 $12.42/mo Billed at $149.99/year ✓ All 79 activities ✓ Personalized baseline assessment ✓ Adaptive difficulty progression ✓ Progress dashboard & scores ✓ Kick-Start + Advanced tracks ✓ English & Spanish included Start Free Trial RECOMMENDED FOR PARENTS Individual + Admin 1 user + 1 admin · Ages 3–103 $12.42/mo Billed at $149.99/year ✓ Everything in Individual ✓ Parent admin dashboard ✓ Child/user progress overview ✓ Progress email & SMS alerts ✓ Access billing separate from child ✓ FREE upgrade from Individual! Start Free Trial MOST POPULAR Family Up to 10 users + Family Admin $16.58/mo Billed at $199.99/year ✓ Everything in Individual ✓ Parent admin dashboard ✓ Up to 10 learner profiles ✓ Family-wide progress overview ✓ Progress email & SMS alerts ✓ Add learners anytime (+$2.99/mo ea.) Start Free Trial 14-day risk-free guarantee Full access, no charge until Day 14. Cancel anytime before then and pay absolutely nothing. See full pricing & compare plans → Every brain can grow. Start your 14-day free trial. See what 45 years of clinical practice feels like. Start Free Trial Brain training built on 45 years of clinical practice. Ages 3 to 103. simplysmarter@nacd.org Facebook YouTube Mail SITE How It Works For Families For Schools For Business Pricing Science NACD NACD.org NACD Store TSI Products Down Syndrome Resources NACD Foundation SUPPORT FAQ Contact Privacy Policy Terms of Use En Español © 2026 NACD's Simply Smarter - All rights reserved. ## /for-schools/ Skip to content SIMPLY SMARTER FOR SCHOOLS · BY NACD Clinical-grade cognitive training. Built for classrooms. Simply Smarter brings 45 years of NACD’s clinical methodology into your school — with per-student pricing, admin tools, and a program that adapts to every learner in your building. 79 activities across two structured progressions. A 10–15 minute Baseline Test personalizes the program from day one — no teacher configuration needed. Fully available in English and Spanish at no extra cost. See School Pricing WHY SCHOOLS CHOOSE SIMPLY SMARTER More than a brain game. A program your school can measure. NACD has worked with whole children for 45 years — developing approaches with special needs learners that help every student. What they learned from children with Down syndrome achieving at the top of typical classrooms, from children labeled ADHD and learning disabled going to college at 14, became the foundation for a program that serves every ability level. Simply Smarter brings that methodology to your school. Admin Dashboard Full oversight of every student’s activity, scores, and progress. Unlimited admin and sub-admin accounts. See who’s working and who needs support — graphs, reports, and the ability to drill into individual progress. Adapts to Every Learner The Baseline Test places each student at one of 5 starting points. From the Kick-Start track for students with developmental delays to Advanced for typical and gifted students — one platform serves every ability level. Fully Available in Spanish The entire platform is localized: all 79 activities, audio, videos, and the interface. Not a partial translation — a complete Spanish experience. Admin dashboards work in English while students use Spanish. NACD has native Spanish-speaking staff for support. 45 Years of Applying Neuroplasticity Built by NACD, the organization that has applied the science of neuroplasticity directly with tens of thousands of individuals since 1979. Every exercise is grounded in the understanding that the brain physically changes in response to targeted stimulation. Research supports this: Children with low working memory are consistently identified by teachers as inattentive and underperforming. Adaptive working memory training in school settings has shown sustained cognitive improvements that transfer to classroom performance. Alloway & Gathercole (2009), Child Development; Holmes & Gathercole (2014), Educational Psychology · See full research library → See Your School’s Pricing Tell us about your school and we’ll show you the right plan instantly. Full Name* School/Org Name* Email* Phone (optional) Approx. Number of Students* 10-50 51-250 250+ Your Role* Principal Assistant Principal Special Ed Director Teacher Administrator IT Director Other Tell us about more about your school’s needs (optional) Submit & See Pricing Frequently Asked Questions How does pricing work? Volume pricing that scales with your school or district. The more students, the lower the per-student rate. Fill out the form above to see our School plans. Can we try it first? What admin tools are included? Does it work for special needs students? Is it available in Spanish? How long are sessions? What devices are required? Do parents get access? Want to see Simply Smarter in action? Our team will walk you through the platform, show you the admin dashboard, and help you find the right plan. Demos take about 20 minutes. Schedule a Demo → Brain training built on 45 years of clinical practice. Ages 3 to 103. simplysmarter@nacd.org Facebook YouTube Mail SITE How It Works For Families For Schools For Business Pricing Science NACD NACD.org NACD Store TSI Products Down Syndrome Resources NACD Foundation SUPPORT FAQ Contact Privacy Policy Terms of Use En Español © 2026 NACD's Simply Smarter - All rights reserved. ## /for-business/ Skip to content SIMPLY SMARTER FOR ORGANIZATIONS · BY NACD Sharper teams start with stronger brains. Simply Smarter brings NACD’s 45 years of clinical cognitive training into your workplace. 79 activities across structured progressions that strengthen processing speed, working memory, and focus. 10–15 minutes per day on any desktop browser. No software to install. No IT deployment. Fully available in English and Spanish — supporting diverse teams across your organization. See Team Pricing Clinical Foundation, Not Gamification While most ‘brain training’ tools are consumer games rebranded for the workplace, Simply Smarter is built on 45 years of NACD’s direct clinical methodology. NACD’s founder discovered that what changes the brain for children with developmental challenges works for everyone — because smarter is always better, regardless of your starting point. Admin Tools Built for Teams Group admin dashboard with team-level progress tracking, individual performance reports, and usage analytics. Built to give HR and wellness managers the visibility they need. Flexible Team Pricing Plans that scale from small teams to enterprise. No per-seat surprises. Volume discounts for larger organizations. See Your Team’s Pricing Tell us about your organization and we’ll show you the right plan instantly. Full Name* Business/Organization Name* Work Email* Work Phone (optional) Team Size* 5-25 26-100 100+ Your Role* HR Director Benefits Manager Wellness Coordinator Executive IT Director Other Tell us how we can best serve your business or any other comments you have for us: Submit & See Pricing WHY COGNITIVE WELLNESS MATTERS Your team’s cognitive fitness is a competitive advantage. NACD’s research and decades of clinical work show that processing power — how quickly and efficiently the brain handles information — typically begins declining after our 20s unless something specific is done to retain or develop it. We may learn more, but we don’t automatically get smarter. Simply Smarter reverses that trend. The science is neuroplasticity: the brain physically responds to targeted cognitive training at every age. Your team’s capacity isn’t fixed — it can be built. Common Questions How does team pricing work? Team plans are annual. Pricing scales with your organization size — the larger the team, the lower the per-employee rate. Fill out the form above and contact us for a custom quote. Can we try it before committing? What admin tools are included? What devices and tech requirements are there? Is it available in Spanish? Ready to invest in your team’s cognitive performance? 10–15 minutes a day. Built on 45 years of clinical practice. Fully available in English and Spanish. Talk to Our Team → Brain training built on 45 years of clinical practice. Ages 3 to 103. simplysmarter@nacd.org Facebook YouTube Mail SITE How It Works For Families For Schools For Business Pricing Science NACD NACD.org NACD Store TSI Products Down Syndrome Resources NACD Foundation SUPPORT FAQ Contact Privacy Policy Terms of Use En Español © 2026 NACD's Simply Smarter - All rights reserved. ## /adhd-attention/ Skip to content SIMPLY SMARTER FOR ADHD & ATTENTION · BY NACD Your child’s attention isn’t broken. Their processing just needs to be stronger. Children with ADHD and attention challenges often have the intelligence and desire to succeed — but their brains struggle to hold, organize, and use information efficiently. NACD has seen an eight-year-old labeled ADHD and learning disabled go on to college at fourteen. Not because the label was wrong, but because when you build the processing capacity, the child exceeds what anyone thought possible. Simply Smarter delivers that training — 79 activities, 10–15 minutes a day, personalized by a Baseline Test. Start Your 14-Day Free Trial THE CONNECTION BETWEEN PROCESSING AND ATTENTION Stronger processing. Stronger focus. Attention isn’t just willpower. It’s a function of how efficiently the brain processes information. When processing capacity is low, everything feels harder — following instructions, staying on task, remembering what was just said. The brain gets overwhelmed, and it looks like a child “isn’t paying attention.” NACD understood early that what had been perceived as separate pieces — short-term memory, working memory, executive function — are all part of the brain’s ability to process information. When you strengthen that underlying processing power, attention often improves as a natural result. Not because you’ve “treated” ADHD, but because you’ve given the brain more capacity to work with. This isn’t wishful thinking. The brain physically changes in response to targeted stimulation — neuroplasticity. NACD has been applying this principle for 45 years, long before the term was mainstream. Simply Smarter delivers that training in structured, 10–15 minute daily sessions with the Kickstart progression featuring movement breaks and the Brain Guy character to keep younger learners engaged. Research supports this: Children with ADHD show measurable deficits in visual-spatial working memory. Adaptive working memory training has shown sustained improvements in children with attention challenges. —Westerberg et al. (2004), Child Neuropsychology; Holmes et al. (2009), Developmental Science How Simply Smarter Helps Builds Processing Capacity Instead of coping strategies, Simply Smarter works on the root: building the brain’s ability to process and retain information. NACD calls it ‘making people smarter’ — and they’ve been doing it for 45 years. 10–15 Minutes a Day Sessions are structured and focused. The Kickstart progression includes movement breaks and verbal encouragers. Each exercise is brief. Your child builds cognitive strength without fatigue. Track Real Progress The parent dashboard shows processing scores, activity completion, and progress over time. You’ll see the changes in the data before you see them at the dinner table. And then you’ll see them there too. “Since we started doing the processing exercises consistently, Andrew is more assertive, able to express his thoughts much better, and is showing that he is thinking before making a decision.” — Kent & Melissa Mathis · Individual results may vary. Common Questions Is this a treatment for ADHD? No. Simply Smarter is a cognitive training program, not a medical treatment. It strengthens processing capacity, working memory, and sequential processing. Many families report improved focus. Individual results vary. How long before I see results? Can my child do this independently? How is this different from brain training apps? Give your child the processing power they need. 14-day free trial. No credit card. A real program built by people who’ve helped children like yours for 45 years. Start Your Free Trial → Brain training built on 45 years of clinical practice. Ages 3 to 103. simplysmarter@nacd.org Facebook YouTube Mail SITE How It Works For Families For Schools For Business Pricing Science NACD NACD.org NACD Store TSI Products Down Syndrome Resources NACD Foundation SUPPORT FAQ Contact Privacy Policy Terms of Use En Español © 2026 NACD's Simply Smarter - All rights reserved. ## /learning-differences/ Skip to content SIMPLY SMARTER FOR LEARNING DIFFERENCES · BY NACD Reading, comprehension, and learning start with how the brain processes information. When a child struggles to read or keep up in class, the issue often isn’t effort or intelligence — it’s processing. NACD’s founder discovered this in 1965 when he first experimented with changing digit spans and saw the results cascade into academic performance. Sixty years later, that insight drives every Simply Smarter exercise: strengthen the brain’s core processing capacity, and the learning follows. You can’t pour water faster than the glass can hold. Simply Smarter makes the glass bigger. Start Your 14-Day Free Trial WHY PROCESSING IS THE FOUNDATION You can’t pour water faster than the glass can hold. Sequential processing is the brain’s ability to receive, hold, and use pieces of information in order. It underpins reading, following instructions, and building knowledge. When capacity is low, tutoring and extra practice often feel like pushing harder on a system that doesn’t have the bandwidth. NACD’s approach is different: strengthen the processing capacity first, and the learning follows. Over 1 million hours of direct clinical work with tens of thousands of individuals. The brain physically changes in response to targeted training — that’s neuroplasticity, and it’s the foundation of everything Simply Smarter does. Research supports this: Working memory training has shown measurable improvements in reading skills in children with learning differences, including those with dyslexia. Dahlin (2010), Reading and Writing; Cherqaoui & El Haddadi (2024), Science Step Journal · See full research library → How Simply Smarter Helps Strengthens the Foundation for Reading Reading requires sequential processing. Simply Smarter trains exactly that — giving your child more capacity to decode, comprehend, and retain. Adapts to Your Child The Baseline Test finds your child’s real level. 5 possible starting points. Exercises adjust automatically. Always challenged, never overwhelmed. See Progress Objectively No more guessing. Processing scores over time — real, measurable data on the parent dashboard. “Two years ago, my daughter realized she couldn’t read like the other kids. By using our NACD program with a strong focus on processing every day, she has gone from remedial reading to grade level. Now she is searching out words to read everywhere she goes.” — Simply Smarter Parent · Individual results may vary. Strengthen the skills behind your child’s learning. 14-day free trial. No credit card. Built on 45 years of clinical practice. Start Your 14-Day Free Trial → Brain training built on 45 years of clinical practice. Ages 3 to 103. simplysmarter@nacd.org Facebook YouTube Mail SITE How It Works For Families For Schools For Business Pricing Science NACD NACD.org NACD Store TSI Products Down Syndrome Resources NACD Foundation SUPPORT FAQ Contact Privacy Policy Terms of Use En Español © 2026 NACD's Simply Smarter - All rights reserved. ## /special-needs/ Skip to content 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. Start Your 14-Day Free Trial 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 Is it appropriate for Down syndrome? 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. What if my child is non-verbal? What’s the youngest age? Is this a replacement for therapy? Can I use this with my NACD program? Is it available in Spanish? 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. Start Your 14-Day Free Trial → Brain training built on 45 years of clinical practice. Ages 3 to 103. simplysmarter@nacd.org Facebook YouTube Mail SITE How It Works For Families For Schools For Business Pricing Science NACD NACD.org NACD Store TSI Products Down Syndrome Resources NACD Foundation SUPPORT FAQ Contact Privacy Policy Terms of Use En Español © 2026 NACD's Simply Smarter - All rights reserved. ## /gifted-typical/ Skip to content SIMPLY SMARTER FOR GIFTED & TYPICAL KIDS · BY NACD Simply Smarter isn’t just for kids who are struggling. It’s for kids who want to fly. NACD’s founder says the greatest issue in education is a misperception of potential: “If we place limitations on ourselves it’s easy to achieve the goal.” Your child is doing fine in school. Maybe even great. But “fine” isn’t their ceiling. Simply Smarter strengthens the core processing that underlies every skill. In athletics, new records are being set constantly because the attitude is that the goal is to do so. Why should cognitive development be any different? Start Your 14-Day Free Trial THE CASE FOR TRAINING A BRAIN THAT’S ALREADY WORKING You wouldn’t stop training an athlete who’s already fast. Processing capacity isn’t fixed. Even children above grade level can build significantly stronger sequential processing and working memory. Neuroplasticity means the brain responds to challenge by growing — regardless of starting point. Simply Smarter’s adaptive difficulty ensures gifted children are always working at their real cognitive edge. The Advanced progression culminates in Extraordinary Minds — Level 3, where the most challenging activities are unlocked and there is no ceiling. Your child can continue indefinitely, always pursuing higher scores. There is no “finished.” There is always more. Smarter is always better. Why Gifted & Typical Kids Use Simply Smarter Raise the Ceiling More processing capacity = faster learning, better test performance, bigger cognitive foundation for everything ahead. Extraordinary Minds Level 3 of the Advanced progression. The most challenging activities. No ceiling. No ending. Always more. Measurable Growth Processing scores over time on the parent dashboard. Data-driven parenting. Don’t wait for a problem to start building a stronger brain. 14-day free trial. No credit card. 79 activities, personalized from day one. Start Your 14-Day Free Trial → Brain training built on 45 years of clinical practice. Ages 3 to 103. simplysmarter@nacd.org Facebook YouTube Mail SITE How It Works For Families For Schools For Business Pricing Science NACD NACD.org NACD Store TSI Products Down Syndrome Resources NACD Foundation SUPPORT FAQ Contact Privacy Policy Terms of Use En Español © 2026 NACD's Simply Smarter - All rights reserved. ## /adults-seniors/ Skip to content SIMPLY SMARTER FOR ADULTS & SENIORS · BY NACD Your brain never stops being able to grow. Simply Smarter helps keep it sharp — from 3 to 103. Here’s what NACD’s 45 years of clinical work has confirmed and what research now supports: we typically start losing processing power after our 20s unless something specific is done to retain or develop it. We may learn more and become wiser, but we don’t automatically become smarter. The good news: we don’t need to lose it. We can build it. Neuroplasticity — the brain’s ability to form new connections — doesn’t retire when you do. Simply Smarter provides the targeted stimulation that keeps it active. Start Your 14-Day Free Trial WHAT THE RESEARCH SAYS Use it or lose it is real. But “use it” has to mean the right thing. Crossword puzzles exercise skills you already have. Targeted cognitive training builds new capacity. The ACTIVE Study — the largest clinical trial on cognitive training in older adults, funded by the NIH — found that processing speed training produced benefits measurable 10 years later. Simply Smarter focuses on exactly the skills that matter most as we age: processing speed, sequential processing, and working memory. These determine how quickly you understand new information, how well you remember conversations, and how effectively you make decisions. 79 activities, 10–15 minutes a day, on any desktop browser. One of the unexpected discoveries in NACD’s history: parents started using their children’s program and reported rapid, exceptional results. That’s when Bob Doman realized that as long as you’re breathing, the principles of neuroplasticity can produce change. Smarter is always better — at every age. Research supports this: Processing speed training benefits were still measurable 10 years later in the largest cognitive training study ever conducted in older adults — including maintained daily function and independence. —Willis et al. (2006), JAMA; Rebok et al. (2014), 10-year follow-up · See full research library → Why Adults & Seniors Use Simply Smarter Processing Speed Processing speed naturally slows with age — but responds powerfully to training. Faster processing = sharper conversations, quicker decisions, more confidence. Working Memory The mental workspace that lets you follow a conversation, hold a phone number, solve problems. Simply Smarter trains it progressively. 10–15 Minutes a Day No hour-long commitments. Open your browser, log in, train. Like a morning walk builds physical fitness. Common Questions Am I too old to start? No. The brain retains plasticity throughout life. The ACTIVE Study showed measurable cognitive improvements in participants over 70 — and benefits that lasted 10 years. You are not too late. How is this different from crossword puzzles? What if I’m not comfortable with technology? Will this help with memory loss? What does it cost? Your brain doesn’t have a retirement age. We don’t need to lose it — we can build it. Start your 14-day free trial today. Start Your Free Trial → Brain training built on 45 years of clinical practice. Ages 3 to 103. simplysmarter@nacd.org Facebook YouTube Mail SITE How It Works For Families For Schools For Business Pricing Science NACD NACD.org NACD Store TSI Products Down Syndrome Resources NACD Foundation SUPPORT FAQ Contact Privacy Policy Terms of Use En Español © 2026 NACD's Simply Smarter - All rights reserved. ## /college-students/ Skip to content SIMPLY SMARTER FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS · BY NACD You can study harder. Or you can process faster. NACD’s founder Bob Doman’s first experiment was on himself — in college in 1965, he changed his own digit spans and watched the results show up in his academic work. Sixty years later, Simply Smarter delivers that same kind of targeted processing training: 79 activities, 10–15 minutes a day, adaptive to your level. Your brain is still highly plastic in your 20s — neuroplasticity means it responds powerfully to the right challenge. Less time than your morning coffee. More impact than any study app. Start Your 14-Day Free Trial Why College Students Use Simply Smarter Retain More, Faster Working memory determines how much you hold from lectures and readings. Simply Smarter trains it progressively. Focus That Lasts Processing speed and sequential processing keep you locked in during long study sessions. 10–15 Minutes Before class, between study blocks, before bed. Once a day when you have good focus. 79 activities that adapt to your level. Your brain is your most important tool in college. Train it. $19.99/mo or $149/year. Less than one textbook. 14-day free trial. Start Your Free Trial → Brain training built on 45 years of clinical practice. Ages 3 to 103. simplysmarter@nacd.org Facebook YouTube Mail SITE How It Works For Families For Schools For Business Pricing Science NACD NACD.org NACD Store TSI Products Down Syndrome Resources NACD Foundation SUPPORT FAQ Contact Privacy Policy Terms of Use En Español © 2026 NACD's Simply Smarter - All rights reserved. ## /young-children/ Skip to content SIMPLY SMARTER KICKSTART · AGES 3–7 · BY NACD The earlier you start building the brain, the further it can go. The young brain is the most plastic brain — neuroplasticity is at its peak in early childhood. That’s why Kickstart begins at age 3. Bob Doman’s father, a physician working with brain-injured children, proved you can change brains decades before neuroscience caught up. The Kickstart track applies that understanding to the youngest learners: structured, gentle, parent-guided activities featuring the Brain Guy character, verbal reinforcement, and movement breaks. 2 levels, 6 steps each. Fully available in English and Spanish. Start Your 14-Day Free Trial Why Kickstart Works for Young Learners Designed for Ages 3–7 Parent-guided, short sessions. Brain Guy animated character provides encouragement. Movement breaks between activities. Designed for short attention spans. Foundation for Reading & Math Auditory and visual processing are the cognitive skills that underpin reading and math. Kickstart develops these before your child sits down with a workbook. Bridge to Advanced When processing capacity grows, your child graduates into the Advanced progression. Same account. Same dashboard. New level of challenge. From 3 to 103. A note on devices: Simply Smarter requires a desktop or laptop with keyboard and mouse. For ages 3–5, parental guidance at the keyboard is expected — the activities are designed for you to do together. What Parents Are Saying “We cannot say enough as to how much the Simply Smarter system has enriched our girls’ lives. The daily exercises have improved their retention beyond what we had hoped for.” — Karen M., Utah · Individual results may vary. “Simply Smarter has really opened the door for academics to flourish. Then when academics flourished, their social skills and confidence really flourished. It really works.” — Claire B., Homeschool Parent · Individual results may vary. The best time to start building a stronger brain is right now. 14-day free trial. No credit card. Kickstart is included in every Simply Smarter plan. Start Your 14-Day Free Trial → Brain training built on 45 years of clinical practice. Ages 3 to 103. simplysmarter@nacd.org Facebook YouTube Mail SITE How It Works For Families For Schools For Business Pricing Science NACD NACD.org NACD Store TSI Products Down Syndrome Resources NACD Foundation SUPPORT FAQ Contact Privacy Policy Terms of Use En Español © 2026 NACD's Simply Smarter - All rights reserved. ## /research-library/ Skip to content SIMPLY SMARTER RESEARCH LIBRARY 80+ studies. One conclusion: the brain responds to training. Simply Smarter is built on NACD’s 45 years of direct clinical practice — and that practice is informed by decades of research. Below are the peer-reviewed studies organized by topic. This isn’t a marketing claim. It’s the scientific foundation. References List Working Memory & Intelligence (20+ studies) Working memory is the brain’s mental workspace — the capacity to hold and manipulate information in real time. Research consistently shows it is one of the strongest predictors of academic success, reasoning ability, and general intelligence. Unlike IQ, it responds directly to training. Baddeley, A. D., & Hitch, G. (1974). Working memory. In G. A. Bower (Ed.), The psychology of learning and motivation: Advances in research and theory (Vol. 8, pp. 47–89). New York: Academic Press. Baddeley, A. D. (1996). Exploring the central executive. Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology, 49A, 5–28. Baddeley, A. D. (2000). The episodic buffer: a new component of working memory? Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 4, 417–423. Conway, A., Kane, M. J., & Engle, R. W. (2003). Working memory capacity and its relation to general intelligence. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 7(12), 547–552. Cowan, N. (1998). Attention and memory: An integrated framework. New York: Oxford University Press. Cowan, N. (2008). What are the differences between long-term, short-term, and working memory? Progress in Brain Research, 169, 323–338. Cowan, N. (2013). Working memory underpins cognitive development, learning, and education. Educational Psychology Review, 26(2), 197–223. Dang, C., et al. (2013). Why is working memory related to intelligence? Different contributions from storage and processing. Memory, 22(4), 426–441. Engle, R. W. (2002). Working memory capacity as executive attention. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 11, 19–23. Cornoldi, C., & Mammarella, I. (2013). The structure of working memory and how it relates to intelligence in children. Intelligence. Flores-Mendoza, C. (2003). Working memory and intelligence. Personality and Individual Differences. Presti, G. L. (2014). The crucial role of working memory in intellectual functioning. European Psychologist. Rydzewska, K. (2016). Three functional aspects of working memory as strong predictors of early school achievements. Polish Psychological Bulletin. Spanoudis, G. (2016). Cognitive correlates of developing intelligence: The contribution of working memory, processing speed and attention. Intelligence. Süss, H.-M., et al. (2002). Working-memory capacity explains reasoning ability — and a little bit more. Intelligence, 30, 261–288. Wittmann, W. (2002). Working-memory capacity explains reasoning ability — and a little bit more. Intelligence. Wittmann, W. (2008). Which working memory functions predict intelligence? Intelligence. Working Memory Training & Academic Outcomes (15+ studies) Working Memory in the Classroom (10+ studies) Processing Speed & Auditory/Visual Processing (12+ studies) Neuroplasticity & Brain Structure Changes (8+ studies) ADHD, Attention & Executive Function (6+ studies) This list is not exhaustive. NACD’s clinical approach is informed by this research and by over 1 million hours of direct application with individuals across every ability level — from children with Down syndrome to gifted students to seniors. Questions or citation requests: simplysmarter@nacd.org Experience what 45 years of clinical work feels like. 14-day free trial. No credit card. 79 activities built on the same research foundation as this library. Start Your 14-Day Free Trial → Brain training built on 45 years of clinical practice. Ages 3 to 103. simplysmarter@nacd.org Facebook YouTube Mail SITE How It Works For Families For Schools For Business Pricing Science NACD NACD.org NACD Store TSI Products Down Syndrome Resources NACD Foundation SUPPORT FAQ Contact Privacy Policy Terms of Use En Español © 2026 NACD's Simply Smarter - All rights reserved. ## /sequential-processing/ Skip to content SEQUENTIAL PROCESSING · BY NACD The foundation of all learning is the ability to process information in sequence. Bob Doman realized early that “memory” wasn’t the right word. What NACD discovered over 45 years is that short-term memory, working memory, and executive function are all part of one system: the brain’s ability to sequentially process information — to take in what we see and hear, hold it, manipulate it, and use it. Start Your 14-Day Free Trial WHAT IS SEQUENTIAL PROCESSING? The single capacity most responsible for how well you learn, communicate, and think. Sequential processing is the capacity that determines how well you read (letters → words → sentences → meaning), follow multi-step instructions, and build knowledge over time. When it’s weak, everything downstream struggles. When it’s strengthened, learning becomes easier, faster, and more natural. NACD has identified sequential processing as the foundational component of cognitive function. It underpins reading, following instructions, building knowledge — everything we associate with intelligence and learning. Simply Smarter trains it directly, adaptively, every session. Weak sequential processing shows up as difficulty reading fluently, losing track of multi-step directions, struggling with math sequences, reversing letters or numbers, or difficulty following conversations. These aren’t signs of low intelligence — they’re signs of a processing system that needs to be strengthened. Research supports this: Auditory short-term memory and visual sequential memory are significant predictors of academic achievement — even after controlling for general intelligence. Plessis & Maree (2019); Kunnath (2016) · See full research library → HOW SIMPLY SMARTER TRAINS SEQUENTIAL PROCESSING Adaptive. Progressive. Every session. Simply Smarter strengthens sequential processing through 79 adaptive activities that continuously push the brain just past its current limit — the zone where new neural connections form. Each session is calibrated to keep you in the growth zone. Not too easy, not overwhelming. Always advancing. Auditory Sequential Processing Activities that train the brain to accurately receive, hold, and use information heard in sequence. The foundation of following instructions and understanding spoken language. Visual Sequential Processing Activities that train the brain to accurately receive, hold, and use visual information in order. Directly connected to reading, pattern recognition, and spatial reasoning. Adaptive Difficulty Every activity adjusts to your current level. The Baseline Test places you at one of 5 starting points — then the program builds from there, always advancing, never plateauing. 45 YEARS OF WORKING WITH THIS DIRECTLY NACD didn’t read about sequential processing in a study. They developed it in the field. NACD’s 45 years of direct clinical work — applying techniques five days a week with real families, getting immediate feedback on what worked — produced the insight that sequential processing is the core capacity underlying all learning. Not a symptom. Not a side effect. The root. When NACD helped a child with Down syndrome reach the top of their typical classroom in reading and math, it was sequential processing that moved. When a child labeled ADHD and learning disabled went to college at 14, the underlying change was processing capacity. Simply Smarter puts that same training in your hands — 10–15 minutes a day. Strengthen the foundation. Everything else follows. 14-day free trial. No credit card. 79 activities, personalized from day one. Start Your 14-Day Free Trial → Brain training built on 45 years of clinical practice. Ages 3 to 103. simplysmarter@nacd.org Facebook YouTube Mail SITE How It Works For Families For Schools For Business Pricing Science NACD NACD.org NACD Store TSI Products Down Syndrome Resources NACD Foundation SUPPORT FAQ Contact Privacy Policy Terms of Use En Español © 2026 NACD's Simply Smarter - All rights reserved. ## /working-memory/ Skip to content WORKING MEMORY · BY NACD Your brain’s mental workspace. And the skill that matters more than IQ. Working memory is how much information your brain can hold and manipulate at the same time. It’s what lets you follow a conversation, remember instructions, solve a math problem in your head, or read a paragraph and understand what it means. Start Your 14-Day Free Trial WHY WORKING MEMORY MATTERS MORE THAN IQ The strongest predictor of academic success — and it responds to training. Research shows working memory is one of the strongest predictors of academic success — stronger than IQ in many studies. And unlike IQ, it responds to training. Bob Doman proved this on himself in 1965 and has been applying it to tens of thousands of individuals ever since. NACD’s understanding goes deeper: working memory isn’t a standalone skill. It’s part of the brain’s processing system — interconnected with sequential processing, executive function, and long-term memory formation. Simply Smarter trains the whole system, not just one piece. Weak working memory shows up as forgetting instructions immediately after hearing them, losing track while reading, struggling with mental math, difficulty following multi-step directions, or losing the thread of a conversation. These aren’t signs of low intelligence — they’re signs of a processing capacity that can be built. Research supports this: Working memory capacity is a stronger predictor of academic and life success than IQ — and adaptive training has been shown to improve fluid intelligence in controlled studies. Conway et al. (2003); Jaeggi et al. (2008), PNAS · See full research library → How Simply Smarter Trains Working Memory Progressive Capacity Building Activities that gradually increase how much information you can hold and manipulate — always pushing just past your current limit, where new neural connections form. The Whole Processing System Working memory doesn’t exist in isolation. Simply Smarter trains it alongside sequential processing, auditory processing, visual processing, and processing speed — the full system, not just one piece. Measurable Progress Processing scores tracked over time on your dashboard. You’ll see the numbers move before you notice the change in daily life — and then you’ll notice the change in daily life. 45 YEARS OF APPLYING THIS INSIGHT Bob Doman proved this on himself. Then on thousands of others. In 1965, Bob Doman went to college carrying an insight from his father — that you can change the brain. His first experiment: work at his own digit spans until they changed significantly, then watch what happens. The results showed up in his college work and in his ability to develop programs for special needs children. That experiment became a 60-year career. What NACD discovered over decades of direct clinical work is that what had been perceived as separate things — short-term memory, working memory, long-term memory, executive function — are all part of one system: the brain’s processing capacity. Train that capacity, and everything else improves. Simply Smarter delivers that training in 10–15 minutes a day. Build the skill that matters more than IQ. 14-day free trial. No credit card. 79 activities, personalized from day one. Start Your 14-Day Free Trial → Brain training built on 45 years of clinical practice. Ages 3 to 103. simplysmarter@nacd.org Facebook YouTube Mail SITE How It Works For Families For Schools For Business Pricing Science NACD NACD.org NACD Store TSI Products Down Syndrome Resources NACD Foundation SUPPORT FAQ Contact Privacy Policy Terms of Use En Español © 2026 NACD's Simply Smarter - All rights reserved. ## /kick-start/ Skip to content THE KICKSTART TRACK · BY NACD No other brain training product has this. Because no one else has 45 years of working with the children who need it most. The young brain is the most plastic brain — neuroplasticity is at its peak in early childhood. That’s why Kickstart begins at age 3. Bob Doman’s father, a physician working with brain-injured children, proved you can change brains decades before neuroscience caught up. The Kickstart track applies that understanding to the youngest learners: structured, gentle, parent-guided activities featuring the Brain Guy character, verbal reinforcement, and movement breaks. 2 levels, 6 steps each. Fully available in English and Spanish. Start Your 14-Day Free Trial Who Kickstart Is For Young Children (3–7) Children who haven’t yet developed the processing baseline for the full program. Parent-guided, age-appropriate activities. Designed for short attention spans. Developmental Delays Down syndrome, autism, brain injury, other developmental challenges. Meets learners where they are. NACD has 45 years of direct work with individuals at every ability level. Bridge Learners Anyone who needs a gentler starting point. As processing grows, they graduate into Advanced. Same account, same dashboard, new level of challenge. From 3 to 103. HOW KICKSTART WORKS Structured. Gentle. Effective. Structure: 2 levels with 6 steps each. Activities increase in difficulty progressively. The Brain Guy: Animated character guides learners through each session with verbal reinforcement and encouragement. Movement breaks between activities reset focus and energy. Parent-guided: Youngest learners do sessions with a parent at the keyboard. Activities are designed for you to do together. For ages 3–5, parental guidance at the keyboard is expected. Score improvement: Starting on Step 3, learners can redo completed activities for higher scores — building confidence and reinforcing skills. Graduation: Complete Kickstart → seamlessly transition into Advanced. Same account, same dashboard, new level of challenge. Languages: Fully available in English and Spanish — Brain Guy speaks both. Auditory and visual processing are the cognitive skills that underpin reading and math. Kickstart develops these before your child sits down with a workbook — building the foundation that makes everything else easier. Every learner deserves a starting point. This is it. Kickstart is included in every Simply Smarter plan. 14-day free trial. No credit card. Start Your Free Trial → Brain training built on 45 years of clinical practice. Ages 3 to 103. simplysmarter@nacd.org Facebook YouTube Mail SITE How It Works For Families For Schools For Business Pricing Science NACD NACD.org NACD Store TSI Products Down Syndrome Resources NACD Foundation SUPPORT FAQ Contact Privacy Policy Terms of Use En Español © 2026 NACD's Simply Smarter - All rights reserved. ## /en-espanol/ Skip to content SIMPLY SMARTER · COMPLETAMENTE EN ESPAÑOL The only clinical brain training program fully available in Spanish. Simply Smarter 2.0 isn’t partially translated — it’s a complete Spanish-language experience. Every activity, every audio instruction, every video, the Brain Guy character, and the entire interface. 79 activities. 45 years of NACD clinical practice. Select Spanish at sign-up or switch anytime. Comience Su Prueba Gratis / Start Your Free Trial Una experiencia completamente en español. Audio Completo Todas las instrucciones habladas, los reforzadores y el personaje Brain Guy — completamente en español. Interfaz Completa Panel de control, navegación, botones, informes de progreso, herramientas de administración — todo en español. Biblioteca de Videos Todos los videos de apoyo completamente localizados — no subtitulados. Una experiencia auténtica en español. Cambia en Cualquier Momento Cada usuario elige su idioma. Familias bilingües: algunos en inglés, otros en español — la misma cuenta. FOR SCHOOLS WITH SPANISH-SPEAKING STUDENTS Serve every student in your building — in their language. The admin dashboard works in English for teachers while students use Spanish. NACD has native Spanish-speaking staff for support and onboarding. No other brain training program offers a comparable Spanish experience. See School Pricing → “Por primera vez, mi hijo puede seguir las instrucciones sin que yo tenga que repetírselas. El programa en español marcó la diferencia.” — Individual results may vary. Preguntas Frecuentes / Common Questions ¿Está todo el programa en español? / Is the entire program in Spanish? Sí. Las 79 actividades, el audio, los videos, el personaje Brain Guy y toda la interfaz están completamente en español — no parcialmente traducidos. Yes. All 79 activities, audio, videos, the Brain Guy character, and the entire interface are fully in Spanish — not partially translated. ¿Puedo usar inglés y español en la misma cuenta? / Can I use both languages on one account? ¿Tienen soporte en español? / Is support available in Spanish? ¿Cómo empiezo? / How do I get started? Prueba gratis por 14 días. Start your 14-day free trial. Sin tarjeta de crédito. No credit card. A complete Spanish-language brain training program built on 45 years of clinical practice. Start Your Free Trial / Comience Su Prueba Gratis → Brain training built on 45 years of clinical practice. Ages 3 to 103. simplysmarter@nacd.org Facebook YouTube Mail SITE How It Works For Families For Schools For Business Pricing Science NACD NACD.org NACD Store TSI Products Down Syndrome Resources NACD Foundation SUPPORT FAQ Contact Privacy Policy Terms of Use En Español © 2026 NACD's Simply Smarter - All rights reserved.