How can Dore help?
Dore has recognised that the symptoms of dyspraxia or DCD arise from inefficiency in the cerebellum.
We have assessed and treated many thousands of children and adults who demonstrate that they had, or still have, problems with developing manual dexterity, coordination and balance skills. Many of these people have other developmental difficulties with phonological learning problems (dyslexia and language disorders), attention and hyperactivity problems (ADD and ADHD), as well as rarer conditions like asperger’s syndrome and autism.
Coexisting symptoms
This phenomenon, often described as comorbidity, simply means that often more than one of these conditions occur together. Our research shows that this is because many of the symptoms of learning difficulties have a common root cause – namely, the inefficiency of the cerebellum. The cerebellum has now been independently linked to the developmental conditions of dyslexia, dyspraxia and ADHD.
At Dore we perform very specialised balance and coordination tests to detect problems, as well as compiling a careful history of the development of skills from birth. From this we develop a personalised set of simple physical exercises for each Dore participant. This takes ten minutes, twice a day, in the privacy of the home, using balls, bean bags, a wobble board and an eye chart, all designed to improve the efficiency of the cerebellum.
We closely monitor changes in these tests throughout the programme, as well as performing specific tests of other fine motor skills at the start and completion of the Dore programme.
The effectiveness of the Dore Programme
Because we have examined the records of thousands of individuals who have used the Dore Programme, we are able to report on the changes in our clients’ skills, as compared to the predicted changes taking place over the same time of peers not on the Dore Programme. Below is an outline of the changes measured in performance of fine motor skills, writing skills and gross motor skills (e.g. running, kicking, throwing, and balance).
Bead threading (fine motor skill)
This test is designed to assess the fine motor skills. It is a standard test of manual dexterity. Threading beads as quickly as possible against the clock, allows us to assess the age-related performance of fine motor skill level.
In all Dore treated groups, performance on this test suggests that fine motor skills improve significantly in tasks such as tying shoe laces, undoing buttons or using cutlery.
One minute writing (fine motor skill)
This tests speed, accuracy and neatness of copying. It is a reflection of fine motor dexterity required for quick and neat writing speed.
In all Dore treated groups, performance on this test suggests that the fine motor skills for writing improved dramatically.
Posture and balance (gross motor skills)
Dore clients are assessed regularly throughout the programme for the control of posture and balance. By the end of the programme, the great majority of our clients are able to perform well within the normal range on these tests.
Sporting ability tests (gross motor skills)
In a recent independent study, performed by a School Education Authority, sporting ability was measured. These included throwing and kicking accuracy and ball skills.
When Dore clients were assessed, scores showed an impressive improvement in all-round sporting skills by the end of the Dore programme.