Davis Dyslexia Correction
The program typically includes 30 hours of one-on-one work over a 5-day period. Before starting the program, the Davis provider performs a Perceptual Ability Assessment, an exercise that helps determine whether the student has innate visual conceptualization skills often tied to dyslexia.
The two major components of the Davis Dyslexia Correction program are Orientation Counseling and Symbol Mastery.
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 misperceptions. 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. Through 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.
When working with children and teenagers, the Davis provider also provides support training to parents, so that they can continue to work with the child at home. At the end of the basic program, students have a full understanding of all the Davis methods, and know how to continue to use these methods on their own. On completion, students are given a kit containing all materials needed to continue to practice Davis techniques and to continue with clay modeling until they have mastered all the common trigger words.
For a sense of program benefits, check this video from GiftedDyslexic (South Africa):
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Hi, I’m a tutor helping a 15 yr old girl with reading and comprehension. She really struggles with reading aloud and doesn’t like it at all, meaning she doesn’t enjoy reading at all. When reading aloud, she will change around words in the sentence, or add in words that aren’t there, although most of the time, she can still make the sentence work. It’s odd and interesting as I’ve never really encountered this.
I should also be sure to tell you I am not a teacher. My training is in biology, but due to health problems, I started substitute teaching and got into tutoring on the side. Reading and Comprehension is a what I get the most calls for. This girl also loves movies, is very creative, she can draw what we are reading. I don’t know where she can get tested or how to help her .She really really struggles with spelling and writing, almost like she never learned and needs to start at the beginning. Amy advice you can give would be helpful. Thank youj
Amie, the approach we use is described in detail in the book, The Gift of Dyslexia — (see https://www.dyslexia.com/book/the-gift-of-dyslexia/ for more info). The book provides how-to instructions for the key techniques we use. I would encourage you to read the book and then ask your student whether she would like to try that approach.
She does not need a formal diagnosis to use these tools — the information you have provided already shows that she would benefit from the Davis approach, if she is willing and motivated.
How can I find a licensed Davis provider near me?
There is a complete online directory of licensed Davis provider at https://www.davismethod.org/
There is an interactive map on the home page that you can use to find a facilitator, or you can scroll down to browse through the site by geographic location. Here is a direct link you can also use to browse by location: https://www.davismethod.org/davis-facilitators/locations/
okay i have a question im 17 years old and i have alot of trouble with spelling and reading and i remember it being really difficult in elementary and middle school and even now i have to reread sentences to understand them or i mix up words and letter like i use p instead of b most of the time. i actually like to read though as long as its not out loud, and i was just wondering was is it possiable that i wasnt diagnosed or am i just stupid?
Marie, you are not stupid. On the contrary, you are probably quite smart because you have very clear symptoms of dyslexia and yet you managed to learn to read and enjoy reading even though you were not given extra support and assistance.
I was left with Aquired dyslexia after a brain haemorrhage. Is there anything I can do to improve? I was only 15 years old and had to leave school without qualifications. I would dearly love to return to education and become qualified so that I can help people who have uffered from a brain injury to return to as normal as possible life. My problem is although I have done many courses and have a lot of experience, I still come up against not having the right qualifications. Can you give me any advice?
Many thanks Judith
Judith, Davis facilitators have reported varying degrees of success working with individuals who have experienced brain damage from a head injury or stroke, so we know that there is some benefit to our approach. However, progress can be slow – usually the facilitators have been working with a family member or close friend rather than providing a fee-based program, as there really is a need for sustained practice and support over time. It is not a magic solution, just a set of tools that can help on the way of recovery. But this might be an avenue for you to explore.
I’ve gotten my screening done and I defiantly have severe Dyslexia. Is the write-up I received an officially recognized document? Who do I give it to and how can someone check to see that you are licensed and registered to diagnosis me as officially Dyslexic?
Kristofer, if you mean that you completed the survey at https://www.testdyslexia.com — that is an educational tool but not a formal diagnosis.
If you are interested in a possible Davis Dyslexia Correction program for yourself, the next step would be to make an appointment with a Davis Facilitator, who would in turn provide a further assessment to determine whether a Davis program will provide the help you need. You can find a facilitator using our online directory at http://www.davismethod.org
If you want to have an “official” diagnosis, then you will need to work with a qualified professional — generally an educational psychologist or neurologist. The cost of diagnostic testing can range from several hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. We do not provide such testing or referrals because our focus is providing our clients with the tools needed to address and overcome their problem.