If your child had dyslexia and reading was torture if not almost impossible, would you invest $3,000 to $4,500 in equipment that could help? This is what is happening.
Source of the Controversy
Wynford Dore, age 57, has caused quite a stir. He is claiming that his program can cure dyslexia. Dore used his fortune from selling fire-retardant paint to promote his program all over the world. Dore has a personal reason for being so zealous. His own daughter, Susie, has dyslexia and it pushed her to three suicide attempts out of frustration with her disability.
The Program
The program consists of exercise equipment and exercises. Dore claims that the exercises stimulate the cerebellum and open up new neural pathways. Dore believes this expansion of the brain helps the following conditions:
- ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)
- Dyspraxia (poor coordination)
- Asperger's Syndrome (form of autism)
- Dyslexia (reading disorder)
Experts Are Skeptical
Paul Heinrichs of www.theage.com.au writes that specialists in learning difficulties doubt this program could possibly work. This program is being attacked by many in the field who claim that the only help for students with dyslexia is good teaching. Dyslexics claim that the letters move on the page. I'm skeptical how good teaching can correct that problem. Those that are critical of the Dore program have not proven that the program does not work--they are skeptical that it could possibly work.
CBS
CBS News investigated this method in 2003 and found that the two subjects they randomly selected to observe did both improve with the Dore method. Christiane Amanpour was the correspondent.
In 2002 60 Minutes II followed two subjects and, indeed, there was an improvement.
Exercises Are Not New
Exercises to change how the brain works are not new. Brain Gym is a popular series of exercises used in many schools to improve brain function. Eye exercises have been popular to improve sight. Color overlays and colored glasses have also helped those with Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome, often mistakenly called a form of dyslexia.
The Numbers
Dore has treated 30,000 people around the world, 8,000 in Australia alone. He doesn't like to use the word cure until five years have passed so he considers his clients "treated." He is willing to share thousands of excellent anecdotes from people claiming it has helped them. And in February 2006, Dore has guaranteed his method. If after eight follow-ups and consistent use there is no improvement, he will refund the fee.
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Copyright article 2006 Barbara Pytel. All Rights Reserved.
