People often think dyslexia is a weird thing that happens to strange people - blurring of words, letters moving etc. However, only a small percentage of dyslexics experience spinning letters, moving words or other visual perception issues. Although, the Davis Dyslexia Correction programs can address and correct these types of issues, it also works excellently with less severe issues, also associated with dyslexia.
Dyslexia - what is it?
Some of the most common difficulties include:
Reading difficulties or avoidance
Loses focus easily
Daydreams or gets distracted
Difficulty with reading comprehension
Poor or inconsistent spelling
Sometimes it can include:
Low self esteem
Poor social skills
Frustration
The trait that is most common to every dyslexic, is the tendency to get distacted and to struggle to re-focus.
Dyslexia is one of the most misunderstood learning styles. Most people associate Dyslexia with letter reversals and reading difficulty, however Dyslexia is simply a difference in thinking style. Dyslexics usually have a highly developed visual ability. Dyslexics have the ability to perceive things three dimensionally, this works wonderfully for some things, but is a problem with the written word. Dyslexics usually have a low threshold for confusion and tend to lose focus easily. The Davis methods, work on how to focus, reduce anxiety and solve the source of the confusions.
Basic abilities all dyslexics share (From the Gift of Dyslexia)
They are highly aware of their environment
More curious than average
They think mainly in pictures instead of words
They are highly intuitive and insightful
They think and perceive multi-dimensionally (using all the senses)
Dyslexics are extremely good at conceptualising and so make very strong business leaders, as they can strategise so well. They can have a natural social ability, that can help them to be extremely intuitive among people. Many entrepreneurs are dyslexic, Richard Branson being a primary example. Also Dyslexics have a natural ability to perceive things from many perspectives, meaning they can have enhanced talents and skills in areas such as creativity, design, acting, engineering and sport.
Difficulty in the education system
Unfortunately the education system has been designed primarily for word thinkers, by word thinkers. There is little understanding of visual learners in most school environments. Children are strongly encouraged to use phonics, which for most visual/kinaesthetic thinkers is more confusing than helpful. Dyslexics are 'meaning' oriented. If they can not understand what they are reading, or hearing they can not cope with it and tend to lose focus or get disoriented. It is impossible to read for meaning when "sounding out" words. This method does not work for dyslexics.
The Davis program uses a visual method for learning to read, the person increases their vocabulary, comprehension and spelling ability using simple exercises.
How will Davis Dyselxia Correction Programs help?
Davis Dyslexia correction programs help the dyslexic individual to gain some tools or methods that can be used to help them relax, reducce anxiety and to re-focus.
The confusions that are causing the difficulty are addressed, letters, punctuation words.
The dyslexic individual will leave the program with a new confidence in reading and understanding, in writing and in speaking and listening. The individual's goals are addressed specifically.
A support person of their choice, such as a parent, friend or other family member is trained during the program to continue to support the individual on an ongoing basis. This is of course supported by the Davis Dyslexia Facilitator.
Words that have no meaning
Dyslexics like to read for meaning, otherwise what is the point of reading. The method that makes sense to dyslexics is to think about the meaning, this usually means visualising or imagining what is being read. It is easy to visualise an elephant, dinosaur or car. However, if you are thinking visually and for meaning, there are many words that are used that have no picture/meaning associated with them, words such as "the", "what", "it" or "AND". Actually there are 217 of these trigger words. The Davis Dyslexia correction program explores the meaning of these words and the person makes a clay model for the meaning, to ensure full understanding, and to eliminate further confusion. The future use of this word does not cause the person to disorientate, as there is a subliminal meaning for the word.
What if the dyslexia is left untreated?
Life with dyslexia can be frustrating and very disheartening. This can lead to stress in the workplace or at school, which in turn can lead to health problems. There are indications that dyslexia can lead to depression, drug use or to a life of crime. Most adult clients I have worked with have had anxiety issues.
The Davis dyslexia programs work with dyslexics talents, so fear of failure and low self-esteem are replaced by a willingness to take responsibility for their own lives and their learning, resulting in an increase in confidence and a better quality of life.
Why do dyslexics see words strangely?
Dyslexics have the ability to perceive things three dimensionally, it is why they are so good at certain things, such as art, engineering etc. Perceiving words three dimensionally causes problems! When sufficiently confused, perceptions become distorted and the brain no longer receives accurate messages. This may manifest itself in print instability, substitutions, reversals, transpositions, and omissions in reading or writing.The Davis dyslexia programs have excellent tools that the person can use to overcome these tendencies. The dyslexic will know how and when to use this talent or not.
Famous Dyslexics
Many reports about dyslexia feature famous people who have achieved great things despite their dyslexia. At Davis we believe that they succeeded BECAUSE of their dyslexia, not in spite of it. Dyslexics highly visual-spatial thinking, allows for fantastic imagination, outside-the-box thinking, and intuitive problem-solving. Many, many actors and singers are dyslexic. It is said that Albert Einstein, one of the world's best-known dyslexics, developed his theory of relativity as a result of imagining himself riding on a beam of light. Picture thinking is very fast and dyslexics aren't always aware of it. Images can go through their brain at 32 pictures per second, much faster than word thinking, which can only manage 4-5 words per second.
Contact Focus on learning 0414 013 490 or (02) 9402 9202 to arrange a consultation.
Dyslexia should not go untreated. Unlock the Gift of Dyslexia using Davis Dyslexia methods.
See Ronald D. Davis on
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Ronald D. Davis, creator of the Davis Dyslexia Correction methods, on Fox TV in USA
Professional services described as Davis®, Davis Dyslexia Correction®, Davis Symbol Mastery®, Davis Orientation Counseling®, Davis Math Mastery® and Davis Learning Strategies® may only be provided by persons who are employed by a licensed Davis Specialist, or who are trained and licensed as Davis Facilitators by Davis Dyslexia Association International
