120 Eglinton Ave. East Suite #701
Toronto, Ontario M4P 1E2 Canada
T:416–322–3161 | F: 416–322–6773
Inquiries: chesniecooper@bellnet.ca
A 33 year old male was referred to us with very severe dyslexia, who was on the verge of losing his job due to increased expectations requiring reading, which he previously did not have to demonstrate.
Despite having had 10 years of public education, including vocationally based high-school, his reading levels measured at grade 1.7. Reading comprehension measured at the grade 4.6 level, and this was based on a specially developed test, as he was incapable of taking the more commonly used test for adults.
In short, he presented as functionally illiterate. In addition, he was tested for a Central Auditory Processing Deficit which revealed a very significant problem in this area.
We will refer to him as Mr. D, and he began the dEcode® Reading Program with us. Within 4 months, on retesting, he had improved significantly on all measures. His reading score jumped from grade 1.7 to grade 5; and his Central Auditory Processing improved to the 70th percentile, specifically indicating vastly improved listening or sound discrimination skills.
After one year’s training, Mr. D’s reading skills measured at the early high school level, spelling had improved from a non-existent grade level to a grade 6 level, and on an age-appropriate reading comprehension test, he was at functional literacy.
Our next young man was 12 years and 10 months when he first arrived at the clinic with his mother. It was February and freezing cold. He was so fragile he ran away before the Assessment began, getting as far as the subway. He couldn’t take the subway home however, because he couldn’t read the signs. Also, he had to return because we had both his coat and his mother. He ultimately decided to allow us to administer a full Psychoeducational Assessment.
Findings of that Assessment indicated above average functioning overall, with just average functioning in the verbal area. His reading and spelling scores were at the 1st percentile (representing a severe dyslexia). His Central Auditory Processing ability was also at the 1st percentile. What was interesting was that he managed on a reading test to achieve a comprehension score at the 44th percentile or just at grade level. This indicated that he had learned to compensate, and later on when working with him, he confirmed that he memorized what he could, and fooled the teachers by turning pages when he saw everybody else doing the same.
This young man immediately began the dEcode® Reading program.
Intermediate testing showed significant gains. Indeed, that summer, not only did he write his first letter, but he began reading for enjoyment.
A full reassessment was required for school purposes two years following, at which point his overall cognitive functioning was in the very superior range with verbal ability now also into the superior range. His reading was at the 77th percentile and his Auditory Processing was at the 90th percentile. Reading comprehension was at the post-secondary level or 95th percentile. We were obviously very excited. When we phoned his mother to describe his scores as having “gone through the ceiling!”, her response was a pause, followed by “Oh. What did he break?”
An 8 year old girl, in grade 3, arrived with difficulties in reading, reading comprehension, writing and visual processing. Initially, she had very poor self-esteem, was very timid and fearful of expressing herself or taking risks when unsure.
Her teachers confirmed that she did not participate in class, and there were concerns regarding her confidence levels and ability to move forward.
Initial testing indicated mild dyslexia, and she was unable to do a reading comprehension test. After 4 months of ABC dEcode® Reading, this young girl’s score jumped to the 73rd percentile and 2 grade levels. She was able to complete the reading comprehension test and reached the 84th percentile. Her visual processing score jumped from below the 10th percentile to above the 95th. She is laughing, giggling, and according to teachers’ reports, now participating enthusiastically in class.
An 8 ½ year old boy, with reading skills below grade level, difficulties in the math area in spite of additional tutoring, and growing concerns with self-image and frustration to the extent that he did not want to return to school the following September, came to us.
He had already developed a behavioural style characterized by a strong reluctance to take risks, likely based on a fear of failure. While this is not unusual in children who have experienced learning difficulties, this component in this child’s personality was significant.
Initial testing revealed a child functioning within the average range of intelligence, but he demonstrated superior conceptual verbal ability. His reading scores showed a mild dyslexia, and we were unable to obtain a reading comprehension score at grade level, although his listening comprehension was at the 81st percentile. His Central Auditory Processing score was only at the 12th percentile.
His family spent an intensive summer working with him using ABC dEcode® Reading . After three months his reading was at a grade 5 level, and he was capable of doing the reading comprehension test at grade appropriate level. When reading out loud (dependently) he demonstrated the ability of an early grade 6. All this from a boy in grade 3!
It has taken him two years to consolidate these skills with continued work and progress. He is now capable of working at grade level independently. His behaviour and attitude have improved and he is very proud of his achievements.