frequently asked questions

 

Can dyslexia be cured?

Dyslexia is not a disease that needs curing. It is a different way of thinking and learning, which can pose problems when symbols such as letters and numerals are encountered.  Dyselxia can, however, be corrected through the tools and solutions provided within a Davis™ Programme.

 

 

How is the Davis™ method different from other approaches?

  • The Davis Correction Programme® addresses the root cause of dyslexia.
  • It corrects the learning disability using the individual's strengths, thinking and learning style. 
  • It allows dyslexic students to create meaning for themselves, rather than using rote exercises or phonics.
  • It is drug free, allowing individuals to take control of their learning without the use of medications. 
  • And it is fun!

 

What are the key aspects of the Davis Dyslexia Correction programme?

The two major components of the Davis Dyslexia Correction Programme are:

 

Davis Orientation Counseling™
This allows individuals to perceive accurately and to turn off the thought processes that cause misperceptions.

 

Davis Symbol Mastery™
Davis Symbol Mastery enables the picture thinker to create meaning for themselves using a visual approach. Using clay the individual eliminates any confusions with the basic symbols they encounter in reading, such as the alphabet and punctuation marks.  They then master the ‘non-picture’, abstract words by creating the meaning as well as the word in clay.

 

 

Will the programme be tailored to the needs of the individual? 

Absolutely. The facilitator works with the individual (and the parents if the student is a young child) in order to develop a personalised programme. The individual may want to focus on problems associated with spelling, handwriting, math, or attention deficits, as well as or instead of reading difficulties. As well as the basic Davis techniques, the facilitators will work one-on-one with the student, using other specialised Davis methods as appropriate to meet individual needs.

 

 

Who can benefit from a Davis Programme?

Adults or children over the age of eight years.  The individual must be motivated to complete the programme for themselves, not to please someone else.

 

For younger children (ages 5-7), a Davis provider may offer the Davis Reading Program for Young Learners™.

 

 

Can the Davis method help solve other learning problems?

Yes. As well as the basic tools of literacy, the Davis Programme can address

  • Dyspraxia
  • Dysgraphia (handwriting problems)
  • Dyscalculia (math problems)
  • ADD (attention deficit disorder) or ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder)
  • Motor coordination difficulties
  • Auditory or visual processing difficulties
  • Difficulties with time, sequence and order.

 

What can a client expect to gain?

  • The ability to recognise and correct disorientations.
  • The ability to become and remain focused.
  • The ability to control energy and stress levels.
  • The ability to eliminate confusions in words and symbols.
  • Increased self-confidence and ability in reading, writing, maths or physical skills.
  • An effective method of learning that can be used throughout life to suit their learning style.
  • Increase in self esteem.

 

What happens after the programme?

After a Davis Dyslexia Correction Programme, the individual must master a list of 217 trigger (non-picture) words in order to eliminate the confusion (blank pictures) associated with them. Follow-up support is also included as part of the programme.

 

 

How can you help my non-dyslexic child who is struggling at school?

As an experienced, qualified teacher, Melanie is able to assess where your child’s strengths and needs are, determine their learning styles and develop an individualised programme (that is separate and distinct from the Davis Programmes) tailored to their specific needs.

 

 

What would a tutoring programme involve?

The programme would be individualised according to the needs of the individual and timetabled according to their other commitments.  It may involve one, two or three hour sessions that may happen weekly, fortnightly or monthly.

 

 

What type of home-school support do you provide?

Having had several years experience teaching in a home-school setting, Melanie is aware of the pressures that may exist in trying to cater to your child’s needs in every curriculum area, especially if they require extra support or extension.  Sometimes there is a subject where as a parent, you don’t feel confident with.  Melanie is able to provide that extra help in any area for your child – from English and Mathematics, to the Arts.  She is also happy to work with parents and provide them with ideas and activities that they can use with their children at home.

 

 

Where do you provide your programmes from?

Melanie works from her premises in Halswell, Christchurch.  Most individual programmes will take place there.  However, she is more than happy to consider traveling to provide a programme – around New Zealand or overseas.

 

 

What is my next step?

If you have any further questions or are interested in finding out more about the Davis Programmes or general tutoring, please contact Melanie Curry from Optimum Learning to discuss a programme or book your no-obligation, free Initial Consultation.

 

Answers to FAQs that relate to the Davis Programmes are derived from material originally published on www.dyslexia.com © DDAI - used with permission.