FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common signs of Dyslexia?
- Appears bright, highly intelligent, and articulate but unable to read, write, or spell at grade level.
- Seems to “Zone out” or daydream often; gets lost easily or loses track of time.
- Difficulty sustaining attention; seems “hyper” or “daydreamer.”
- Learns best through hands-on experience, demonstrations, experimentation, observation, and visual aids.
- Complains of dizziness, headaches or stomach aches while reading.
- Confused by letters, numbers, words, sequences, or verbal explanations.
- Reading or writing shows repetitions, additions, transpositions, omissions, substitutions, and reversals in letters, numbers and/or words.
How long are the programs?
- Foundations for Reading Program (10 days, 3hr/day)
- Mastery for Dyslexia Program (5 days, 6hr/day)
- Mastery for Attention Program (8 days, 6hr/day OR 5 days, 6hr/day if Mastery for Dyslexia program has been done)
- Mastery for Math Program (8 days, 6hr/day OR 5 days, 6hr/day if Mastery for Dyslexia program has been done)
What are the requirements to qualify for the program?
- Self motivated – attendance is voluntary as they want help to improve (not forced to attend)
- Able to converse in basic English
Is a formal diagnosis necessary?
A formal diagnosis is not required in order to attend a Davis program, as Davis Facilitators will provide program-specific screening. It is very common that accommodations and support are no longer needed or desired after a successful Davis program. However, there are no guarantees, as each individual will progress at their own pace. Thus, if there is a need to provide proof of dyslexia to qualify for school or workplace accommodations, it makes sense to get the testing before embarking on the program.
Note: If you are contemplating a Davis program and also want testing to qualify for accommodations or services from a school, employer, or other agency — please arrange for separate diagnostic testing from a qualified professional first. The positive results of a Davis program will often make it more difficult to “prove” that the individual has a learning disability such as dyslexia, but sometimes the individual will still feel that they want continued support of some kind, at least in some settings.
Where to seek diagnosis?
- Dyslexia Association of Singapore (DAS): DAS offers assessment and intervention services.
- Private psychology clinics: Clinics like The Center for Psychology offer dyslexia assessments.
- Other private practitioners: Look for educational psychologists or specialists with experience in dyslexia assessment.
How can dyslexia be cured?
Dyslexia is not an illness and cannot be cured. That being said, it can be corrected. A dyslexic individual can learn to control the symptoms and the effect it has on his/her life.
Is there any research on the effectiveness of the Davis methods?
Yes, there is a list of all the studies into the Davis methods at http://www.dyslexia.com/science/researchlist.htm which includes the Engelbrecht Controlled Study from South Africa and also researchers from the University of Bloemfontein here – www.dyslexia.com/science/freestate.
What happens if dyslexia goes untreated?
Academic and Cognitive Impacts:
- Struggles with reading and writing: The core difficulty in dyslexia is decoding words, which can make reading and writing challenging.
- Difficulties with spelling: Untreated dyslexia can lead to persistent spelling errors.
- Falling behind in school: Without intervention, children with dyslexia may struggle to keep up with their peers academically.
- Limited vocabulary development: Struggles with reading can hinder vocabulary growth.
- Challenges with other subjects: Since many subjects rely on reading comprehension, dyslexia can affect performance across the curriculum.
- Impact on learning new languages: The decoding difficulties in dyslexia can also make learning new languages, particularly those with complex writing systems, challenging.
Psychological and Social Impacts:
- Low self-esteem: Dyslexia can lead to feelings of inadequacy and a negative self-image, especially when children compare themselves to their peers.
- Anxiety and depression: The academic and social challenges associated with dyslexia can increase the risk of developing anxiety and depression.
- Behavioral problems: Some children with dyslexia may act out in class or withdraw from social interactions as coping mechanisms.
- Difficulty with social interactions: Struggles with reading and writing can affect communication and social skills, potentially leading to difficulties in forming and maintaining relationships.
- Frustration and anger: The persistent effort required to overcome reading and writing challenges can lead to frustration and anger.
Long-term Impacts:
- Limited career options: Untreated dyslexia can impact educational attainment, potentially limiting career choices later in life.
- Challenges in the workplace: Difficulties with reading, writing, and organization can persist into adulthood, impacting performance and career advancement.
- Negative impact on overall well-being: The cumulative effect of these challenges can significantly affect an individual’s overall well-being and quality of life.
Why is dyslexia considered to be a spectrum condition?
Its effects vary widely from person to person, ranging from mild to severe. This means that while some individuals may experience subtle difficulties with reading and writing, others may face more significant challenges in these areas, as well as in related areas like spelling, memory, and organisation.
Can dyslexia get worse?
Dyslexia does not get “worse” in the sense of a progressive decline. While it is a lifelong condition, the challenges associated with dyslexia don’t necessarily intensify with age. However, external factors like stress, anxiety, and lack of appropriate support can make the difficulties more apparent and challenging to manage.
Can dyslexia be diagnosed at any age
Yes, dyslexia can be diagnosed at any age. While it’s often identified during childhood when reading and writing difficulties become apparent, it’s not uncommon for individuals to be diagnosed later in life, even as adults. Dyslexia is a lifelong condition, and symptoms can change over time.
- Early Identification (Preschool and Early Elementary):
Signs of dyslexia can emerge even before formal schooling, with potential indicators like delayed speech, difficulty learning nursery rhymes, or trouble with rhyming games.
- Formal Diagnosis (After Age 6-7):
Formal dyslexia assessments are typically conducted after a child starts school, usually around age 6 or 7, when reading and writing difficulties become more pronounced.
- Late Diagnosis (Adolescence and Adulthood):Some individuals may not be identified as dyslexic until later in life, possibly due to the condition not being recognised earlier, or the individual developing coping mechanisms that mask their challenges.
Are dyslexia and ADHD linked?
Dyslexia and ADHD are distinct diagnoses. Dyslexia primarily affects reading and spelling, while ADHD involves a pattern of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
Although they are separate conditions, dyslexia and ADHD frequently co-occur. Studies show a significant overlap in genetic links and cognitive functions between the two conditions, according to The University of Edinburgh. While distinct, they can impact each other and individuals with ADHD are more likely to have dyslexia, and vice versa.
What is the cancel/refund policy?
A 20% non-refundable deposit is required to confirm a program booking.