There are two reported studies of the
DDAT exercise-based approach (Reynolds et al., 2003; Reynolds & Nicolson, 2007) but the flawed research design and difficulties with the analysis and inter-pretation of results make the evidence supporting the efficacy of the approach unconvincing (Alexander & Slinger-Constant, 2004; Rack, Snowling, Hulme & Gibbs, 2007; Snowling & Hulme, 2003).
There may be many kids out there with dyslexia who haven't been diagnosed who could benefit from some form of help.' KENNY'S TREATMENT: The
DDAT programme was developed in the 1990s by Welsh businessman Wynford Dore, whose own desperate dyslexic daughter tried to commit suicide three times.
Dr Roy Rutherford, medical director at
DDAT, said: 'People with dyslexia and other learning difficulties often live in a nightmare world where they have difficulty reading and writing and, in some cases, co-ordinating their movements and playing sport.
Academics have expressed reservations about the
DDAT's practices based on their analysis of the research, not out of professional jealousy as suggested by
DDAT's customer services representative.
Advocates claim that
DDAT, which costs up to pounds 1,500, can help solve the causes of dyslexia and other difficulties.
Wynford Dore, founder of
DDAT, said: 'Our treatment is changing the lives of people like Callum."
The method,called
DDAT (Dyslexia, Dyspraxia and Attention deficit Treatment),has been criticised as unproven and too expensive by the medical establishment.
The Dyslexia, Dyspraxia and Attention Deficit Disorder Treatment Centre (
DDAT) claims 97% of kids see significant improvement after completing its courses, which can cost up to pounds 1,500.
Dyslexia Dyspraxia Attention Disorder Treatment (
DDAT) improved comprehension by more than five times in children during trials over a 12-month period at Balsall Primary School in Kenilworth, Warwickshire.
Feeling they had nothing to lose, the Taggarts contacted the
DDAT centre offering the treatment.