Frequent Questions

How much does the program cost?

The program cost can vary depending upon the needs of each client.  Please use the contact form to inquire for more detailed information on program costs.

How much improvement in reading or writing can I expect?

The Davis Dyslexia Correction® program has a 97% success rate! A typical program will provide for a significant improvement by the last day of the program. This is a literacy jumpstart…future progress is determined by the client’s motivation, continued use of tools, and completion of Symbol Mastery after the program.

For more information, please see: Statistical Report on Davis Program Average Reading Gains

How does the Davis program work with home schooled children?

The Davis program is a wonderful complement to the home school setting. After the 30-hour program, support training for the parent provides a basis for follow-up over the next 4-6 months. All necessary materials are provided, and when added into a daily routine, the follow-up exercises go quickly. Many New England Dyslexia clients have found great success with implementing the Davis strategies into their home school environments – even for their non-dyslexic children!

Why would I need a diagnosis?

If you or your child fit the common characteristics of Dyslexia and are looking for help, a formal diagnosis may not be necessary.  An official diagnosis is typically appropriate if you are looking to:

  • Qualify for accommodations/special education programs in public schools (inquire with the school system prior to seeking private testing, as you are legally entitled to request evaluation through the school district)
  • Receive accommodations for work/employment
  • Obtain proof of a disability for legal purposes
  • Qualify for public services or disability services

Does Mid-South Dyslexia diagnose Dyslexia?

Dyslexia is not a “disease” – it is thinking and learning style. Therefore, there is no medical way (i.e. blood test) to determine if Dyslexia is truly what you are dealing with.

Frustratingly, there is also no uniformly accepted criteria for diagnosing Dyslexia, so professionals may disagree on whether or not a person is dyslexic, and/or use alternative diagnostic labels to describe the client’s symptoms – many will not use the word “Dyslexia” at all.  There are more than 70 different diagnoses that can be used to describe the various manifestations of dyslexic symptoms.

What is the difference between an assessment/screening and a diagnosis?

An assessment/screening for Dyslexia will consist of an informal collection of information from the client and parents (if applicable) that will indicate if enough characteristics/symptoms are present.

Diagnostic testing will be more extensive and typically include tests for vision and hearing, as well as tests related to intellectual functioning, processing, intelligence (IQ), vocabulary/comprehension/phonemic awareness, and achievement.  In order to receive an official diagnosis for Dyslexia, this extensive testing must be done by a qualified professional, such as a neuropsychologist or educational psychologist.   Be sure to ask specifically for Dyslexia testing.

Mid-South Dyslexia Center provides a thorough screening for Dyslexia, but does not provide an official diagnosis.  The assessment will determine if the client exhibits the signs and characteristics of Dyslexia and is a suitable candidate for our programs.

**An official diagnosis is NOT necessary to participate in the programs provided by Mid-South Dyslexia Center.**

What happens after the program?

The client should master the entire list of 217 “trigger words” (see The Gift of Dyslexia). This is completed in short tutoring sessions over several months. These techniques can be used to master any word, concept or subject. Follow-up support is also included as part of the program. This consists of:

  • Student Symbol Mastery Kit (includes manual, dictionary, grammar book, clay and other study aids)
  • Training for a tutor, teacher or family members
  • Telephone consultations
  • Up to three return visits as needed

Who can receive Davis Orientation Counseling?

Adults and children 8 years and older who are gifted with dyslexia. Each client must be willing and motivated to pursue the program for self-improvement, not because someone else insists.

Why do you say “correct” instead of “cure?”

Cure implies a malady or ill health (mental or physical). “Correct” means to remove errors and mistakes to make right.

What happens during this program?

These are the basic procedures:

Davis Perceptual Ability Assessment. A screening to determine the ability to perceive multi-dimensionally and tailor the program to the student.

Davis Orientation Counseling®. The client learns to perceive accurately and correct perceptions at will. This is done through the perceptual and kinesthetic exercises described in The Gift of Dyslexia.

Davis Symbol Mastery®. Picture thinkers learn best through a visual/spatial approach. Our clients learn the basic symbols of reading and writing by creating the alphabet and other symbols as clay models. Abstract words are mastered by creating the concept of each meaning in clay along with the word.

Can your method help solve other learning problems?

Yes. Here are a few examples:

  • Dysgraphia (handwriting difficulties)
  • Dyscalculia (math difficulties)
  • ADD (attention deficit disorder)
  • Auditory perception deficits
  • Motor coordination difficulties
  • Problems with time and order

What can I or my child expect to gain?

The basic tools of literacy, including:

  • 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
  • Increased self-confidence and ability in reading, writing, math, or physical skills
  • A method of learning that can be used throughout life. Other remediation programs will work better and faster with these tools.

How does the program affect a person’s self-esteem?

Improvement in self-esteem is usually seen in the first few days of the program as the person begins to experience success with learning for the first time.

How does this program differ from others?

This program addresses the root cause of learning disabilities by using the natural strengths of the individual’s thinking and learning style. It is fun. Many other programs address only the symptoms and involve a lot of repetition (which dyslexics often find boring and tedious).