Do you struggle?
078234 71801
Dyslexia is not a learning disability, but is a perceptual inability.
Davis methods are 97% effective.
WIZWORD DYSLEXIA
Dyslexia, AD/HD, Dyscalculia, Autism, Dyspraxia. Adult and Young Learner Specialist Services in
West Sussex
Professional services described as Davis®, including Davis® Dyslexia Correction, Davis® Symbol Mastery, Davis® Orientation Counseling, Davis® Attention Mastery, Davis® Math Mastery, and Davis® Reading Program for Young Learners may only be provided by persons who are trained and licensed as Davis Facilitators or Specialists by Davis Dyslexia Association International.
3 SIMPLE STEPS
1. INITIAL ASSESSMENT
The primary purpose of a Davis assessment is to evaluate your or your child's ability to utilise the Davis tools, which include:
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Modelling clay
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Orientation
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Release
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Energy Dial
During the assessment, I will ask questions regarding your or your child's strengths and areas for development. This discussion will form the foundation of your bespoke programme.
Assessments typically last approximately two hours.
Parents and carers of young children and teenagers are encouraged to remain present throughout the assessment, as it provides an excellent opportunity for you to ask questions and learn how the Davis approach can benefit your child.
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Remote assessments are also available.
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Call/text: 07823 471 801
2. BESPOKE PROGRAMME
One-to-one sessions ensure your Davis programme is carefully delivered, catering for you specific needs, in an environment that nurtures your learning style.
By the end of the programme, you will have learned to use the Davis tools efficiently and effectively. Be well on your way to achieving your goals and be given ways to support yourself as a future independent learner.
It is highly likely that you will feel much calmer, be more in control and show greater confidence after your programme.
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Davis programmes have a 97% success rate.
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I am pleased to also offer remote programmes.
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Call/text: 07823 471 801
3. ON-GOING SUPPORT
Upon the completion of your programme, I will be available to provide ongoing support for as long as you require.
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Follow-up work is essential after a Davis programme, as it ensures you receive the necessary guidance to effectively apply your newly acquired skills. If you do not have a support person, I can make arrangements to assist you directly.
CONTACT
Call/text: 078234 71801
Email: wizworddyslexia@outlook.com
Mon: 9am - 4:30pm
Tues: 9am - 4:30pm
Wed: 9am - 6:30pm
Thurs: 9am - 4:30pm
Fri: 9am - 4:30pm
Sat: 9:30am - 11:30pm
Sun: Closed
Bank holidays - Closed
HELLO AND WELCOME
Tailor Made Educational Services
Tania Blackmore-Squires is a highly experienced primary school educator, holding a BA (Hons) with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) from Winchester University College. With over two decades of teaching experience in both state and independent primary schools, she has a deep understanding of the diverse needs of her students.
Tania is licensed and certified by the Davis® Dyslexia Association International (DDAI) and is a specialist in the Davis Autism Approach® and Davis Concepts for Life®. Her expertise extends to supporting children with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) and Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), reflecting her commitment to addressing the needs of neurodiverse learners.
Throughout her teaching career, Tania became increasingly disillusioned with the mainstream education system's inability to support students who struggled with traditional learning methods. She observed that a significant percentage of Year 1 pupils were failing phonics assessments, with little to no provision made for these children who were likely neurodiverse. She also noted that students struggling with mathematics were often labelled as having low ability, rather than being provided with opportunities to revisit foundational concepts using concrete materials. Moreover, children with behavioural challenges were frequently dismissed as ‘naughty,’ rather than being recognised as individuals needing support to navigate a world that could be overwhelming for them.
Inspired by her husband’s success with the Davis Dyslexia Programme at the age of 19 and motivated by Ron Davis's book The Gift of Dyslexia, Tania pursued Davis training to better understand and support neurodiverse learners. Over the past five years, she has dedicated herself to facilitating independent learning for children and adults by leveraging their innate strengths through Davis methods. The results have been consistently positive, with each programme yielding significant success.
Tania now provides specialist educational services tailored to individuals with Dyslexia, ADHD, Maths difficulties, Autism, Dyspraxia, and Dysgraphia. She is passionate about empowering learners by tapping into their creative potential, regardless of their learning style or pace. As Tania eloquently states, "Davis Learning Strategies tap into the creative learning process of all children and adults, regardless of their learning style and speed. It's wonderful to watch struggling individuals realise their potential, and in such a short amount of time."
WHAT CAN I HELP YOU WITH?
Dyslexia - Maths - AD/HD - Young Learner - Autism - Dyspraxia - Dysgraphia
DYSLEXIA
The Davis® Dyslexia programme is a 30 hour programme and is suitable for children aged 8 and over, and adults of any age.
Benefits:
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Improved Reading Skills: Enhanced reading fluency and comprehension.
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Enhanced Spelling Ability: Davis® mastery technique for spelling improves spelling skills.
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Increased Focus: Tools to manage mental disorientation and maintain concentration.
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Personalised Approach: Individualised strategies tailored to each person's unique needs.
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Confidence Building: Boosts self-esteem and confidence in academic and daily activities​
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“Dyslexia is not a complexity. It is a compound of simple factors that can be dealt with step by step.”
– Ronald D. Davis
MATHS
The Davis® Maths Mastery Programme is suitable for children age 8 and over, and adults of any age and typically lasts 36-45 hours.
Benefits:
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Understanding Basic Maths Concepts: Clear comprehension of fundamental arithmetic concepts.
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Improved Numerical Skills: Enhanced ability to perform basic maths operations.
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Confidence in Maths: Increased confidence in handling maths-related tasks.
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Reduction in Maths Anxiety: Techniques to alleviate maths-related stress and anxiety.
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Personalised Learning: Tailored approaches to meet individual needs.
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Integration with Daily Life: Application of maths skills in everyday situations​.
AD/HD - DAVIS ATTENTION MASTERY PROGRAMME
The Davis® Attention Mastery programme provides effective tools to help adults and children age 8 and over.
Benefits:
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Enhanced Focus: Techniques to improve and maintain concentration.
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Improved Organisational Skills: Better ability to organise and complete tasks.
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Reduced Distractibility: Strategies to manage and minimise distractions.
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Self-Regulation Skills: Enhanced ability to self-regulate and manage attention spans.
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Better Task Completion: Increased ability to follow through with tasks.
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Non-Medication Approach: Drug-free methods to address attention issues​​​​
Forty years of empirical evidence shows that not only is attention deficit disorder (ADD/ADHD), dyscalculia (maths problems), and dysgraphia (handwriting problems), related, they are actually different faces or facets of the same basic condition - dyslexia. It was this realisation that allowed us to find the solutions which are now known as Davis programmes. The Gift of Learning - Ronald D. Davis
Foundations for Learning Literacy
Davis® Foundations for Reading
Young learners deserve the best start we can give them. Strong research evidence suggests that children who are exposed to Davis methods at pre-reading or primary level (age 5-7) benefit in the following ways:
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Children are highly unlikely to develop a learning difficulty.
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Children are significantly more likely to qualify for gifted program referrals.
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Children's basic word recognition will be among the highest levels expected for their age group.
The Davis® Reading Programme for Young Learners is an individualised learning enhancement programme.
During the programme, I work directly with your child, and at the same time, provide hands-on training and guidance to a participating parent or other family member or carer.
The Davis Young Learner programme is usually run over 2 weeks, 3 hours a day, totalling 30 hours.
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Alternatively, you can purchase home kits, great for homeschooling. Included with a home school kit, you'll receive 2 hours of telephone support.
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Contact me on 07823 471 801 for more information
Could I be autistic?
The Autism-Spectrum Quotient Test (abbreviated to AQ) is a diagnostic questionnaire designed to measure the expression of Autism-Spectrum traits in an individual, by his or her own subjective self-assessment.
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It was first published in 2001 by Simon Baron-Cohen and his colleagues at the Cambridge Autism Research Centre as part of the the widely cited study entitled The Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ): Evidence from Asperger syndrome/high-functioning autism, males and females, scientists and mathematicians.
DAVIS AUTISM APPROACH
The Davis Autism programmes were developed by Ron Davis, an autistic man with the IQ of a genius, to help transform the lives of autistic people and their families.
Davis interventions are gentle, respectful and incredibly powerful. They are grounded in our philosophy of embracing and celebrating neurodiversity, respecting every individual, nurturing growth, and building on each person’s strengths to overcome challenges.
Programme Benefits:
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Self-Regulation Skills: Improved ability to manage sensory overload and self-regulate emotions.
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Enhanced Communication: Better verbal and non-verbal communication skills.
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Social Skills Development: Improved ability to interact socially.
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Cognitive Flexibility: Enhanced ability to adapt to new situations and changes.
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Conceptual Understanding: Better grasp of abstract concepts and ideas.
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Individualised Approach: Personalised strategies to meet the unique needs of individuals with autism​
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The goal of the programme is not to eliminate that which is called “autism,” but rather to give the individual the capacity to develop the skills needed to participate fully in life.
- Autism and the Seeds of Change – Ronald D. Davis
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Get in-touch on 078234 71801 to find out more.
Ages 3.5 to 7
Social & Emotional Development
Davis Concepts for Life® - Early Years
This programme is perfect for children under 8, who struggle with focus, behavior, relationships, self-regulation, or meeting developmental milestones. Using clay and fun explorations, I will guide you and your child through essential life concepts to fill in gaps in understanding and enable them to thrive.
Autism
Social & Emotional Development
Davis® Stepping Stones
This programme is wonderful for children under 8, or individuals of all ages with limited (or no) language. Using clay and gentle real-world explorations, I will guide and support you and your child through the beginning steps of the transformational Davis Autism Approach® program.
Ages 8 to Adult
Cognitive Coaching
Social & Emotional Development
Davis Concepts for life®
If you are feeling overwhelmed by daily struggles (heightened sensitivity, disorganisation, procrastination, anxiety, frustration, low self-esteem…), this transformational programme is for you. Discover and explore life concepts with me to gain clarity, tools, and motivation to take control of your life!
Autism
Social & Emotional Development
Davis Autism Approach®
Ron Davis created this life-changing developmental approach to give autistic individuals like himself the foundational skills needed to create change and participate fully in life. I will take you/your child on a gentle, respectful journey of self-discovery, self-actualisation and self-empowerment.
'I want to share something from a personal perspective. I have severe PTSD from childhood and I'm a high functioning autist. The simple Davis self-regulation tools are having an impact on me that none of the tools various therapists have introduced me to have. I believe it's because I don't have to step out of conversation, sit down and close my eyes to do release and focus - I can do them on the fly while interacting with people, as many times a day as I need to. I realised the other self-regulation tools I've been introduced to by therapists haven't really been truly integrated, despite my best intentions.I really just want to express my enormous gratitude for having discovered Davis. What Ron Davis has brought into the world is so valuable on so many fronts.'
Jo Hainsworth
Davis™, Davis™ Autism Approach, Davis™ Stepping Stones, and Davis Concepts for Lifeâ„ are trademarks of Ronald D. Davis & Alice E. Davis, Trustees of the Ronald D. Davis and Alice E. Davis Living Trust, dated June 8, 2017. Professional services described as Davis™ Autism Approach or Davis Concepts for Lifeâ„ may only be provided by persons who are trained and licensed by the Ron Davis Autism Foundation.
DYSPRAXIA
Dyspraxia can be experienced by both children and adults and affects organisation and planning as well as co-ordination.
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Benefits of a Davis® Programme:
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Improved Motor Skills: Enhanced coordination and motor abilities in a short amount of time.
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Better Spatial Awareness: Techniques to improve spatial perception.
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Enhanced Daily Functioning: Improved ability to perform daily tasks.
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Organisational Skills: Better ability to organise and sequence activities.
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Increased Confidence: Boost in self-esteem through improved abilities.
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Tailored Strategies: Individualised approaches to meet specific needs​​
DOES THE DAVIS METHOD WORK?
The Evidence Base of Davis methods
Facilitators in Calgary, embarked on a program of pre- and post-program testing of all of their clients, using the Ekwall-Shankar Reading Inventory.
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Their data from more than 360 consecutive clients showed average improvement of almost 4 full grade levels in reading over the course of a basic 5-day dyslexia program. More than one-third of their clients showed improvement of 5 or more grade levels; more than three-quarters improved their reading skills by at least 3 grade levels. Level of improvement correlated positively to student age. Children age 8 - 12 had average gains of slightly above 3 grade levels. Teenagers, age 13-18, averaged almost 5 grade levels and adults, ranging in age from 19 - 57, experienced an average improvement in ability of 6 grade levels.
Pilot School Program
In the late 1990’s, Ron Davis also assisted educators in developing and piloting a primary level, school-based foundational program called Davis Learning Strategies. This program was created by a team of three Davis Facilitators who were also experienced teachers, led by Sharon Pfeiffer, and conducting research under the guidance of Dr. T.F. McLaughlin of Gonzaga University. The Davis tools were modified for use with younger children in classroom group settings. Students in multiple classrooms at California public schools were provided with supplemental Davis-based instruction as they progressed from grades K-2. Their progress was later compared with students in demographically matched classrooms at the same schools, taught with the same curriculum but without the Davis component.
The Davis groups scored significantly higher on tests of sight word recognition, and no children from the Davis groups needed further intervention or special education support. Results for first graders were later compiled and published in a peer-reviewed journal.
In 2003, a team of prominent Italian researchers compared outcomes of students receiving 8 different forms of dyslexia intervention, at various learning centers in their region. This included a group of 16 children in grades 3-8 who had received a Davis-based intervention relying on Davis Orientation Counseling as described in The Gift of Dyslexia. The researchers reported that the Davis group showed the greatest increase in reading speed, with passage reading at a rate that was double or triple the speed of students in other groups. Because the Davis group had also received fewer hours overall of intervention than any of the other groups, the researchers reported that the attention-focus training the group received was the most efficient intervention for increasing reading speed.
FREE DYSLEXIA SCREENING TEST
ACCESS TO WORK SCHEME
An Access to Work grant can pay for practical support if you have a disability which affects the way you perform at work, this includes dyslexia and dyspraxia.
To be eligible for the grant, you must be over 16 and either about to start work, in a paid job or self-employed.
Access to Work will pay 100% of all approved costs if:
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you have started a new job and make a claim during the first six weeks
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you are self-employed or run a small business
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you work in a company with less than 10 staff members
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you require a support worker/training.
However, if you have been in your job for 6 weeks or more, your employer will have to contribute towards the cost of support. The amount that they are required to contribute depends on the size of the organisation.
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When cost sharing applies, Access to Work will refund up to 80% of the approved costs between a threshold and £10,000. The employer will have to contribute 100% of costs up to the threshold level and 20% of the costs between the threshold and £10,000. The amount of the threshold is determined by the number of employees in the company.
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If you think you need help, contact your local Access to Work centre. You, not your employer, must contact with Access to Work initially.
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Call 03452 688 489
or apply online at www.gov.uk/access-to-work
You’ll need to provide:
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your workplace address and postcode
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the name of a workplace contact who can authorise your Access to Work payments
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your workplace contact’s email address or work phone number
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your unique tax reference number (if you’re self-employed)
You’ll also need to explain:
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how your condition affects you at work or getting to work
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what help you’re already getting
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what else could help you
To determine the most appropriate support (reasonable adjustments), a workplace assessment will be arranged with a workplace consultant. The assessor will visit your workplace and this gives you the opportunity to discuss the help and support you need. There is no cost for the workplace assessment. If you do not have a diagnostic assessment report, this may need to be arranged first. Access to Work may accept a good quality screening test for self-employed and some lower skilled jobs.
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The assessor will write a report which will include three quotes for each support option. In most cases, as the employer has to pay towards the support so it is important to involve your manager from the start. It can also be useful to ask the assessor to meet with your IT department to ensure software recommendations are compatible with the corporate systems.
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You do not have to use the companies that the report recommends. It is possible to choose your own and Access to Work will usually allow the switch if it is a reputable provider.
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Contact Tania Blackmore-Squires for further information.
BURSARY FUNDS FOR DAVIS PROGRAMMES
Gifts for Dyslexia
Gifts for Dyslexia (G4D) is a Bursary Fund which provides assistance to people in financial need who would benefit from a Davis® Programme. G4D considers applications from people with dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, attention deficit and other learning difficulties.
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Davis®Programmes provide practical skills that remove obstacles to learning and everyday functioning by focusing on the distinctive dyslexic learning style. A style shared by all dyslexic individuals. Thus, the Davis® student can achieve the fullest expression of their innate gifts; moving to success in every aspect of their lives.
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This programme is particularly helpful for ‘non-responders’ to phonics!
More information can be found in Ronald Davis’ book 'The Gift of Dyslexia.'
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum amount of grant I can expect to receive?
Assuming funds are available, G4D will consider providing a bursary for up to 90% of the total cost of a Davis ® programme.
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For more information contact Tania Blackmore-Squires or click the link below.
Support Our Charity
You can now donate to Gifts for Dyslexia
We couldn't continue our valuable work in supporting people who otherwise couldn't afford a Davis programme, without the backing from people like you.
We are incredibly grateful to everyone who have donated to our cause, from a one-off donation to a legacy left in a will.
Find out the ways that you can aid our work.
Thank you
FURTHER READING
Davis theories and Philosophies
If you would like to find out more information about Davis, here are a few texts and links to purchase the books.
The Gift of Learning
by Ronald D Davis
In the Gift of Learning, Davis applies his proven techniques to the four most common learning disabilities beyond dyslexia:
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)
ADHD (Hyperactive)
Maths deficiency (dyscalculia and acalculia)
Handwriting Problems (dysgraphia and agraphia)
Why Tyranosaurus but Not If
by Richard Whitehead
'My child can read the word tyrannosaurus, but when it comes to words like if, they cannot. Why?'
This is a book of know-how about dyslexia that empower teachers, parents and dyslexics alike. Compelling insights into the workings of the dyslexic mind are coupled with proven practical strategies based on Davis techniques.
Autism and the Seeds of Change: Achieving Full Participation in Life through the Davis Autism Approach
Abigail Marshall with Ronald D. Davis
An in-depth look at a revolutionary approach to empower individuals with autism, and provide the understanding and tools needed to achieve their full potential. This book explores the history of development of the Davis method, explores its connections to emerging scientific research, and takes the reader on a guided journey through the three phases of the programme.
PROVIDE YOUR FEEDBACK
How Was Your Experience?