Kids Dyslexia

A while ago, I had the pleasure of working with a 7-year-old boy named Alan. He was the son of two University Professors. These highly academic people could not understand how their extremely bright son was unable to read. Somehow, the dad found himself in my office. He admitted to being there somewhat reluctantly, as the ‘alternative’, Davis Dyslexia Program was not very well known and didn’t use conventional methods.
Alan was a bright, chatty boy, but was lacking confidence because he could not read. In fact, during our consultation, he was unable to read one sentence, without extreme difficulty.
 Alan and I embarked on the Davis Dyslexia Program together. We had an enjoyable and successful 5-day program. Alan was open to the experience, curious and enthusiastic. Dad took 2 days off work to observe and participate in the training portion of the program. Alan certainly improved during the 5 days and gained in confidence.
 
One week after the program I received the following…
' My wife and I were both a little nervous going into the course as we did not know what to expect and what, if anything you would be able to do. I said today, however, we particularly liked that you were stripping everything back to the basics and rebuilding from there -- we both know from our own work that the foundations are crucial and once these are taken care of everything flows from there.

Since last week I think that Alan's reading has improved markedly - and he is certainly much happier and more confident. Alan's writing today blew me away as I have never seen him write to much and so quickly -- or with such enthusiasm. It was lovely to watch. Thank you.’

 Over the course of the subsequent months, Mum and Dad religiously completed the follow-up work (making the clay models for the spelling, pronunciation and meaning of the sight-words. They also did 10 minutes of reading, using the relaxed Davis Dyslexia Reading methods every day). Alan and his parents benefitted from their commitment to the program and the follow-up work.

This was confirmed when 2 years later I heard from Alan’s Dad. He sent the following note:
 
‘Alan’s reading improved dramatically after the Davis Dyslexia program and he is now a different boy. He is happily reading 600 page Harry Potter books in 2 days and his confidence has sky rocketed. Thank you so much for what you did for him.’

That was so fab to hear. I admire the tenacity and belief of Alan and his parents in bringing about this change. Apparently many years later he is absolutely flying!