Summary of a week’s Davis dyslexia correction program

Our son, Yuval, aged 9 years, was assessed as dyslexic about half a year ago. While searching for ways to help him, we reached the Internet site of Davis Dyslexia International, and from there, found the book The Gift of Dyslexia by Ronald Davis. We were very impressed by the book, and read out most of it to Yuval. Although the book is intended for adults, Yuval connected to it very strongly, and after several chapters told us: “I wrote this book”. The book helped us better understand his way of thinking and the essential difference in Yuval’s perception of reading compared with children without dyslexia, and made us believe we could help him using this method. As a result, we approached the Davis Dyslexia Correction Center in Raanana, and had an assessment meeting with Judith Schwarcz.

Yuval arrived at the assessment with very low self-confidence and a feeling of inadequacy. He is aware of being dyslexic and having problems with attention and concentration, and has experience with various therapies. The assessment was extensive and profound, and although it went on a long time, Yuval came out motivated to start the correction program as soon as possible.

The correction program took place about one month after the assessment, and lasted 5 days, for 6-8 hours each day (with breaks). Judith connected with him and immediately won his trust. It is obvious that she works with all her soul and gives the child a lot of warmth and love. She clearly understands the child and his difficulties, and gives above and beyond, without boundaries. The correction program was individual, and an intimate connection was formed between Yuval and Judith. Yuval’s success was important to her on a personal level, and she was limitlessly caring. The rest of the team also supported and provided a sense of comfort and security.

During the correction program, Yuval’s ability to read in sequence improved, thus reducing his frustration with reading. Moreover, he acquired tools to deal with his difficulties and improve his focusing and concentration. The correction program helped him develop self-awareness, and stressed his own responsibility for himself, thus reducing his dependence on adults. For example, before the correction program, Yuval never started doing his homework from his own free will, and it required constant struggles. Since the correction program, he starts at the time we decided, and does his homework without serious delays or resistance.

Yuval worked very intensively and cooperated, and although there were moments of crisis, he came out of them stronger, with the tools he acquired during the correction program. Yuval says he feels that he reads much better, and finds it easier at school. He also noted that he has acquired tools to improve concentration and to relax himself.

Throughout most of the correction program, we were present and participated. We found it very important to accompany the process, which we knew even before it began would require commitment and persistence from us as well, even after the end of the intensive week. As parents, we acquired tools to understand Yuval and his way of thinking better, and also tools to help him cope later on.

We are aware that success is not a magic trick, but rather it requires hard work and persistence over time. This requires the involvement of the whole family, but we believe we are going in the right direction and we hope the investment will continue to be worthwhile in the future.

Finally, thank you very much to Judith and the entire team.

Rinat and Arik Yalin.