Dyslexia
The nature and origins of dyslexia have always been a subject of intense controversy; now there is even argument over whether it exists at all.
The “symptoms” of people with dyslexia can take a huge variety of different forms. Every person’s dyslexia appears to be unique to that person and forms an intrinsic part of their personality and identity.
Nonetheless, certain common traits can be observed. These generally include a vivid and creative imagination; a tendency towards non-verbal thinking (picture thinking or, in some cases, thinking with feelings), and a greater than normal talent for multi-dimensional thinking or thinking with many senses, which could include mood, smells, colour, temperature, body position...
This combination gives rise to a unique chain of mental responses which can make it difficult to perform certain functions of learning. Ronald Davis, author of the internationally best-selling book “The Gift of Dyslexia” calls this chain the “anatomy of a learning disability”.
Effective approaches for dyslexic learners need to work with their natural strengths and treat their thinking and learning styles with the dignity they deserve.
The Davis Approach recognises the dyslexic’s innate ability and puts him/her in control of it while showing how to eliminate the problems that can accompany it.