A letter from Julie Renshaw
Our son was 4 yrs old when I realised that something was not registering with him with regards to recognising his name in written form. I had often encouraged our son to trace his name-keeping in mind to always keep this activity fun. He had NO interest in this, or even in picking up a pencil, to colour in, or to draw. He used the palmar grip to hold a pencil. I also noticed that he would rarely run- and was quite uncoordinated with his hands and feet. My husband had dyslexia, and I was aware that there is a genetic link through the male chromosomes. I had been ‘reassured’, when i voiced my concerns, by pre school teachers that ‘boys develop slower’- however, I instinctively knew that something was not quite right.
Our son was bright, verbally well versed and emotionally loving and caring-full of cuddles and smiles. The catalyst occurred one morning when I signed our son into Preschool. A sign in book, where the children have to find their name and trace it, was opened on the table. I stood next to my son, keen to offer praise and help, when he said… “please don’t look Mummy”. This broke my heart as it highlighted the fact that our son was aware that he was having difficulty and was embarrassed about it! I had to find an answer! I persevered with finding an answer, booking into a Paediatrician. He agreed that this needs investigation. We were to see an optometrist qualified in conducting The dyslexic Determination test, a speech pathologist and an occupational therapist. The optometrist results confirmed my suspicion -visual amblyopia and dyslexia. The OT appointment unveiled delays in fine motor skills. Where to from here? I researched dyslexia and treatments, and was so impressed by what I read about the Lawson Clinic, and Alison Lawson herself an amazing pioneer of a breakthrough CURE for dyslexia.
As I work within the medical profession, I was impressed by the rationale as to how the LASD device works on each layer of the visual cortex. The testimonies seemed to echo the mental space that I had been on prior to finding a diagnosis.I also appreciated the comment when I called to book our initial appointment, that if our son is not a candidate for treatment, then the treatment will not commence. In other words, when our son was classified as a candidate-there was an expectation by all that he will be cured.
Our son had just turned 5 when he started treatment. The hour and a half (usually) sessions were intense,, completed with much encouragement and reassurance. Many ocular muscle exercises (which he found fun!) , along with the LASD treatment were conducted- whilst age appropriate learning material placed on LASD projector. The first visits were tiring, our son would sleep for the hour trip home. Each week, I noticed that he was gaining a certain confidence. Sidestepping at Soccerjoeys was now achievable-not so prior to treatment. Each week brought with it improvement in confidence, writing ability and willingness. Our sons visual acuity eye tests, prior to and post treatment detected a remarkable improvement.
Now in year 1 at school, he is reading a average class level, and LOVES school. I cannot begin to imagine how different this would have been had he not undergone the LASD treatment and complementary program at The Lawson Clinic. My only struggle now, is trying to comprehend how such a proven and workable device as the LASD, and the program which complements it, is not utilised in our schools. As a fully qualified K-6 Teacher (prior to my career change), I witnessed many bright children, who continually presented with difficulty from a young age with reading, phonetic awareness and confidence.
I feel extremely fortunate that I ‘stumbled’ across the Lawson Clinic, my goal now is to inform as many as I can of the life changing outcome that the intensive care of Maria Thomas and Alison Lawson, and the LASD have had on our precious son. I truly wish you and your child every success in treatment! There IS light at the end of the tunnel!
