WHY IS DYSLEXIA A GIFT?
Dyslexic people are visual, multi-dimensional thinkers. We are intuitive and highly creative, and excel at hands-on learning. Because we think in pictures, it is sometimes hard for us to understand letters, numbers, symbols, and written words. We can learn to read, write and study efficiently when we use methods geared to our unique learning style.
WHAT IS DAVIS DYSLEXIA CORRECTION®?
Davis Dyslexia Correction® provides tools to overcome problems with reading, writing, math, and attention focus. These methods enable children and adults to recognize and control the mental processes that cause distorted perceptions of letters and words. Once students can be sure that their perceptions are accurate, they can resolve the underlying cause of their learning difficulties through methods that build upon their creative and imaginative strengths.
The Davis approach is not based on tutoring or drill, but actually resolves the root causes of the problems experienced by individuals with language-based learning difficulties. Ronald Davis explains the Davis program in his book, The Gift of Dyslexia.
CAN DYSLEXIA BE CURED?
No. Dyslexia is not a disease, and it is not the result of a brain injury or defect. Dyslexic people think primarily in pictures, not words, and have difficulty learning to work with symbols such as letters or numerals. When they are confused or frustrated as children, they begin to experience distorted perceptions, such as reversals of letters, and develop life-long learning blocks that hamper their progress.
The problems that prevent learning can be corrected. That is, dyslexic children and adults can learn to recognize and to control the mental state that results in distorted perceptions, thus eliminating this problem. They can also learn new and more effective approaches to reading, writing, spelling, or math calculation, and thus overcome problems at school or work.
WHAT ARE THE KEY ASPECTS OF THE DAVIS DYSLEXIA CORRECTION® PROGRAM?
The two major components of the Davis Dyslexia Correction® Program are Davis Orientation Counseling® and Davis Symbol Mastery®. Davis Dyslexia Correction® always includes both of these components.
Davis Orientation Counseling® teaches dyslexic students how to recognize and control the mental state that leads to distorted and confused perceptions of letters, words, and numerals. Through a simple mental technique, the students learn to turn off the thought processes that cause mis perceptions. Instead, they are able to restore their minds to a relaxed and focused state, suitable for reading and other studies. Once Orientation is learned, the student is ready to build the conceptual skills that will allow them to overcome problems stemming from dyslexia.
Davis Symbol Mastery® gives dyslexic students the ability to think with symbols and words, so they can learn to read easily and with full comprehension. Using clay, students first work with the alphabet, numerals, and punctuation marks, to make sure that they have an accurate perception and understanding of these symbols. Students then use clay to model the trigger words-the short abstract words frequently encountered in reading, such as and, the, to, or it. These words cause problems when dyslexic students cannot form a mental picture to go along with them. Using Davis Symbol Mastery®, the student makes a three-dimensional clay model of the meaning of each word together with a model of the letters of the words. With this approach, learning is permanent.
CAN DAVIS METHODS HELP CHILDREN WITH ATTENTION FOCUS PROBLEMS OR HYPERACTIVITY?
Yes. Davis Facilitators have training in specialized methods designed to help students gain self-control over their energy level. Through the program, students will master the concepts of time, sequence, consequence, order and disorder.
WHAT HAPPENS AT ABC DYSLEXIA CENTER OF WASHINGTON?
All licensed Davis Dyslexia Correction Facilitators offer a five-day, 30-hour Program, which incorporates Davis Orientation Counseling® and Davis Symbol Mastery®. Before starting the program, the Davis provider performs a Perceptual Ability Assessment, an exercise that helps determine whether the student has the positive mental talents associated with dyslexia. Then, the Facilitator works with the student (and the parents if the student is a child) to develop a profile of academic weaknesses as well as strengths. Those weaknesses that need to be remedied can include spelling, handwriting, math, or attention deficits, in addition to, or instead of, reading difficulties. In addition to the basic Davis techniques, the Facilitators will work one-on-one with the student, using other specialized Davis methods as appropriate to meet individual needs.
The Davis Dyslexia Correction® Program is suitable for children as young as age eight and adults of any age — Ron Davis has successfully worked with several individuals over age 70! When children go through the program, the Davis providers also instruct parents in using the basic methods taught, so that they can continue to work with the child at home. At the end of the 30-hour program, students have a full understanding of all the Davis methods, and know how to continue to use these methods on their own. Students are given a kit containing the materials needed for Davis Symbol Mastery®, which they will continue to use until they have mastered all the trigger words that cause problems for dyslexic people.
The Davis Program is educational and fun. The program is a five-day, one-on-one instruction with follow-up work to be done at home. The program claims an extraordinary 97% success rate. The Davis training starts by showing the student how to control his/her ever-roving “mind’s eye” or imagination. When the client has learned how to stay focused – or “on point” – he/she begins to master the alphabet by making each letter three-dimensionally in clay. This process helps the student to master any letters that may “trigger” confusion that could result in disorientation. The student is then introduced to Davis Symbol Mastery® for words.
When these techniques have been learned, the student will continue to master the 217 “trigger words.” Our clients use clay to simultaneously model the letters of each word and their own chosen image of its dictionary definition. The program has an impact on the mind as well as the emotions. Dyslexia can involve horrendous frustration and lack of self-esteem, and while the Davis Program can be a literacy jump-start, it can involve changes in confidence and self-esteem as much as in reading, spelling, and writing.
ABC Dyslexia Centers offers continuing support for the student.
The last half-day of the students program is devoted to support training. Parents, other family members, tutors or teachers, etc. who will be working with the student at home are invited to attend the training session. Our continuing support program offers unlimited telephone and/or e-mail consultations as well as three follow-up visits to our office that can be used at any time.