Common questions from clients

1. What is involved in this program?
Step One is an assessment to determine the ability of the client to perceive multi-dimensionally.

Step Two is talking through a detailed profile form and your goal(s). As a result we will tailor a custom program to meet the goal(s).

Step Three is to help the client to learn how to perceive accurately, recognize misperceptions/disorientations, and correct them at will. This is done through perceptual and kinesthetic exercises explained in the book The Gift of Dyslexia

Step Four is to help the client use their perceptual ability/gift to learn and master the basic symbols of reading and writing by creating clay models of concepts and words.

2. How does the program affect the person’s self-esteem?
Through replacing discouragement and frustration with understanding and respect for their differences as visual spatial/kinesthetic (gifted/dyslexic) learners, their self-esteem improves. By doing so and through the use of their gift, they learn to control their focus and use their learning style to their advantage in life situations.

3. Who can receive Davis Orientation Counseling®?
Adults or children from 8 to 80 years of life who are gifted with perceptual ability.

4. Does it work for everyone?
It is important that willingness and motivation to make change exists. We must be able to work together.

5. What do you do during the program?
The tools for correcting dyslexia are shown to the individual. This is done within the context of the goals of the individual. The content and pace of the course depends on the client.

6. Can this method help solve other learning problems?
Since some learning problems result from a mismatch with the visual kinesthetic-tactile learning style, the tools can bridge the gap of many resulting behaviors identified as the client’s ‘learning disabilities’. For example, Dysgraphia (handwriting problems), Dyscalculia (math problems), ADD and ADHD (attention/focus problems), motor coordination difficulties, Auditory Perception deficits, and problems with time and order affecting organization and time management.

7. What can a client expect to gain?

• The ability to recognize and correct disorientations at will
• The ability to focus attention
• The knowledge of how to eliminate confusions in words and symbols
• Increase self confidence and ability in reading, writing and physical skills
• A method of learning that can be used throughout life.

8. Will I be able to do everything I want to do after this program?
The program starts the process of change. By the end of the program the client should understand how to use the tools in order to complete the changes he/she wants to make. The time to complete further independent work depends on the scheduling by the individual and their support person.

9. Who should help or provide support for the independent work?
The support person for the independent work needs to be carefully chosen and needs to be someone who the client feels confident with and who will not remove the client’s responsibility and control over his/her dyslexia. The support person needs to have read The Gift of Dyslexia and understood why the methods work. The support person
needs to attend the course’s support training.

10. What happens after the program?
Depending on the goals of the program,

The client should master the entire list of trigger words. This can be completed in short sessions over several months.

The tools/techniques can be used to master any word, concept, or subject and enhance study skills.

Follow-up support is also included as part of the program. This includes:

• A Symbol Mastery Student Kit,
• Training for support persons, tutor, family member, and/or teacher,
• Up to three return visits as needed.

11. How is this program different from others?
The Davis Methods address the root cause of learning disabilities. The program corrects the learning disability using the natural strengths and talents of the individual’s personal learning style. It is fun. Many other programs address only the symptoms and involve a lot of drill and repetition (which dyslexics often find boring and tedious).

12. How much gain in reading or writing ability can one expect?
There is usually a marked difference by the last day of the program.
This is a literacy jumpstart. Future progress is determined by an individual’s motivation and continued use of tools and techniques after the program.

13. Can I speak with others who have been through your program?
Certainly, I can fax or mail you a list of people who have said they would share their experiences with others.

14. What steps do you recommend in deciding if this program fits myself or my child?
I suggest you research this program to become more knowledgeable. Reading The Gift of Dyslexia by Ronald D. Davis or watching the video available through bookstores and libraries may help you to see if this program is a match. Books and websites with articles and facts to help you are available through sites listed on this site. Finally, contact me through email or phone. I will answer any questions you have with no obligation.

15. Can someone lose their natural abilities after your program?
No. The Davis approach emphasizes and utilizes the natural strengths and talents of the dyslexic thinking and learning style. It unleashes and validates the ability of the visual-spatial/kinesthetic learner.