Research

D.D.A.T. Centre
Dyslexia, Dyspraxia and Attention Treatment Centre
in Kenilworth, Warwickshire.

Businessman Wynford Dore, who had been searching for a cure for his own daughter's dyslexia, started this centre.

The centre offers assessment using equipment which was originally developed by NASA, for use on astronauts.

It seems a lot of astronauts come back from space with certain processing difficulties.

They sometimes have visuo-motor problems which seem similar to the dyslexic experience.

The centre's Medical Director, Dr. Roy Rutherford, investigated using the equipment for people with co-ordination and reading problems.

The treatment programme consists of exercises designed to improve co-ordination and help the cerebellum to mature.

The cerebellum is the walnut shaped area at the back of the neck, above the spinal cord.

It controls the movement of the body.

This work centres on the principle that the co-ordination difficulties experienced by dyslexics are due to an immaturity in the cerebellum.

This machine looks like a multi-coloured moving cupboard in which clients are strapped into a parachute harness for safety.

Exercises range from juggling to balancing on wobble boards

The exercises are designed to forge new pathways in the cerebellum.

They should be carried out for 10 minutes each day.

So far, around 200 individuals (mainly children), have been through the programme.

David Reynolds, from the University of Exeter, is currently setting up a controlled study of the treatment.

There is no adequate scientific proof of the treatment's success until we see the results of this study.

For information about the clinic call 08000 977080.

Website at http://www.ddat.co.uk

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