Frequently Asked Questions

How is the Davis Program different from other Reading Programs that are available?

• It uses the learner’s strengths to solve the learning problems, rather than his / her weaknesses, thus producing gains much more rapidly.
• It corrects that problem by first addressing the dyslexic’s response to confusion, then addresses the reasons for confusion; helping the learner deal better with any kind of confusion and stressful situations.
• Davis helps the dyslexic with reading fluency and comprehension in addition to word attack.
• It is goal directed and can affect more than academic skills

My child is only 7 years old and already experiencing a lot of troubles learning the alphabet and beginning to read – what about him?

Davis also has a modified program meant for children ages 5 – 7 called the Davis Reading Program for Young Learners. This is a great supplement to traditional methods at such an age.
It is also a 30 hour program, although it usually is given 3 hours a day for 10 days. At least half of the program time will also include the parent or family support person participating in helping the child with the new skills and techinques.

My 15 year old started reading at an early age, but she cannot spell, her handwriting is often not legible, and she has trouble sequencing in general and grouping ideas. Could she be dyslexic?

Probably. Difficulty with sequencing and grouping is a tell-tale sign, as are problems with spelling and writing.

Have any studies been done testing the effectiveness of Davis?

1) In 1999, a study was conducted in San Francisco of Davis Learning Strategies, a classroom version of Davis used with k – 3 graders. Six classrooms were involved: three pilot 1st grade classes, and three control 1st grade classes. At the end of the academic year, the pilot class students demonstrated significant positive results in sight word recognition tests. Progress of these students was tracked through the spring of 4th grade; no referrals to special education were made from the pilot classes.

2) A study was conducted by Rene Engelbrecht in South Africa.

The study was conducted at a middle school for students with learning disabilities. The pilot group received seven weekly group sessions, two hours each. Pre and post tests were administered, psychological assessments, as well as reading and spelling tests. The pilot group scored significant positive results on three of the four academic tests and this group saw an improvement in 12 of 17 subtests belonging to the psychological test. The pilot group sustained gains 12 weeks later.

For more information about research, go to: http://www.dyslexia.com/science/research.htm

I have read that a Davis program is best given intensively, with six hour days, over five consecutive days – isn’t that intense or overwhelming for an elementary age student who is struggling with academics?

Because the program reflects the natural learning preferences of this type of student (hands-on, creative, and including movement), most clients find that the session time moves along and they are typically surprised when the facilitator signals the end of the first day. The program is mentally tiring, however, as the brain is learning a new way to function, and clients should be sure to get plenty of rest during their program week.

Will Davis methods help a child who is taking Ritalin for ADHD?

We are happy to consult with families whose children are on medication, but we usually will not provide the Davis Dyslexia Correction program to a child while on Ritalin or similar medications. Stimulant medications such as Ritalin will tend to interfere with the student's ability to learn the control of their mind's eye, and techniques such as dial-setting, which are a significant element of Davis methods.

Sometimes parents do elect to bring their children to Facilitators during school breaks when they can also take a Ritalin "vacation." However, the decision to interrupt medication can only be made by the parent along with the treating physician.

Many parents have children who are diagnosed as ADD or ADHD and are now doing well without medications after receiving the Davis program.