Taking the plunge...

Following an assessment at the Dore clinic last week, it was recommended that George start the programme. I have been following a number of on-line forums which discuss the success (or failure) of children on this programme. It would seem that a number of ADHD children have benefited substantially. There are, of course, those that have completed the course and have not benefited in any way. It doesn’t work for everybody.

George has an exercise regime specifically targeted to help him develop skills in areas where he has demonstrated a weakness. He has a set of three exercises, of which he must carry out two, twice a day. Each exercise must be done for a total of 5 days and then he moves on to a different exercise. At the moment they are quite easy for him, but we are focusing on the importance of control. Because they are quite quickly rotated I am hopeful that they will hold his interest and won’t become a chore for him. Also, when he has completed each exercise, I am hopeful that this will help to boost his confidence and he will start to believe that he can learn to control his actions.

It was explained to me that most children get worse before they get better, and I have read anecdotal evidence that backs this up. It generally seems to occur at about the 8-10 week stage. This is seen as a positive thing, because it would appear that for those children who initially regress, the long term outcome is generally very good.

Once he has mastered the physical exercises, he will be presented with some mental exercises which he must do at the same time as the physical ones. This normally happens at around the six month stage. My understanding of this process is that this will teach his brain to multi-task – this is something that he does not seem to be able to do currently and I believe that this may be the key to unlock his ability to control himself.

Currently, George has a very positive attitude regarding this. He really wants to try to help himself. We have a follow up appointment in six weeks time (and every six weeks thereafter) for further assessment, at which time his programme can be adjusted to suit his progress.

The Dore Programme is really still in its infancy, despite being around for a number of years. I watched a short interview today, featuring Kenny Logan, who has completed the Dore Programme to help with Dyslexia. He maintains that he couldn't read a word before he was 30. He said, with the help of the Dore programme, that he is now learning more every day. He learnt his vowels at 30 years old, has now learnt how to break down words (much like a child does, when they first learn to read) and feels that he is going from strength to strength. He explained how his Mother arranged for extra tutoring but even though he tried hard, he couldn't get the information to stay in his brain - he said he couldn't process it adequately to be able to retain it. George is not dyslexic, but I feel that there is some mileage to be gained by giving it a good try. Parents of ADHD children realise, quite quickly, that you can explain to your child how damaging their inappropriate behaviour is, but they cannot retain or process the information. We are often seen as poor parents because we know there is no point going on, and on, and on at the child. It won't make any difference because after 5 minutes they will have forgotten...... We can't spend our lives banging our heads against a brick wall, upsetting the whole family and gaining.... precisely nothing.

I am relieved that George has been accepted on the programme. At least I know that we are doing everything we can to help him. I have to be positive and believe that this will work. I hope that this positive attitude will help and encourage George to see it through to the end.