Another quick update - Harry is continuing to do well. He has loads of friends now and its difficult to fit in his social life around everything else

He's just passed another grading in karate. He's now a green belt (3 away from black - but quite a way to go yet). He is really progressing well in other areas, and his private tutor has commented how well he is doing in his lessons. Unfortunately, I haven't had any feedback from school, but thats another story.

Update

Just a quick update - Harry still has difficulty focusing and concentrating, particularly in school, but is much improved. He is getting on well with his private tutor who specialises in dyslexia and he is catching up slowly.

Harry's confidence continues to soar. He has lots of friends and is now able to retain information on all levels. He has an enquiring mind and continually asks questions. He loves his rock music, and after buying him guitar hero for Xmas, he was keen to learn the guitar, so he now has lessons at school, and we have just bought him one to practice on at home.

I was pleased to read the email from Dore this morning on the future of the programme. Lets hope it goes from strength to strength now under the direction of Scott Quinnell.

http://www.dore.co.uk/

Another karate belt!

We are now done with Dore, and it is strange how easily we have forgotten those daily exercises! Harry took his grading on Sunday and passed!

Wind Down

We are now on wind-down, and I must say its nice just having 1 exercise to do in a session. Harry and I both feel ready to finish - its been a long slog, but sooo worth it.

We took Harry to his Scout swimming gala on Saturday night, and it was wonderful to see him standing with his friends, working out the race rules together (Harry being the main speaker, I hasten to add).  Previously, it would be usual to see Harry wondering about on his own, being left out of everything.

With school, he is getting there, but it is a slow process. The main gains I can see is definitely with his confidence and speech. He now has lots of groups of friends and is a cheerful, happy boy. What a transformation!

If you're reading this and thinking about doing the Dore programme - I say, go for it!

With Harry, the process was slow and steady, but if you can stick with the exercises and do them every day, the improvements will be well worth it.

I have every confidence that Harry will continue to reap the rewards for doing the Dore Programme.

Thanks Wynford for not walking away!

Final Assessment in Kenilworth

What an exciting few days Harry and I have had. Ellie and Kieran came to stay as they were having their assessment in Kenilworth. We drove there and met Wynford and his daughter Susie, and Harry also managed to have his final DST done and receive his medal and certificate - although we're not quite done yet. I couldn't see myself driving there again, so they kindly offered us an appointment for the same day as Kieran. 

School

I attended a meeting at the school last week and had the opportunity to speak with Harry's teacher.

She confirmed Harry is getting support in English and has been in regular contact with me via email which is wonderful.

Harry seems very tired, and I think the early starts are really getting to him, but with support in school and at home, I'm sure he will settle down in time.

Exercises

We are now back to doing 1 set of exercises in the mornings, as doing 2 sets in the evenings was just too much ... and too late. We had a wobble board one this morning for the first time in a long time, and although Harry's body isn't straight, he can keep the edges off for 5 seconds at least....Dad was very impressed.

School is going well. Harry is very confident and happy and making new friends.....and we haven't lost any items yet, although we have 2 pairs of socks and shorts in the PE bag, which obviously belong to someone else!

We have also found a wonderful private tutor who specialises in multi-sensory teaching. This is working out very well. She is also helping Harry with his handwriting, which can be lovely when he tries, but is usually quite messy.

We are on our last book now with wind-down in sight. We feel we are ready to finish now. A hard slog, but so worth it. Harry doesn't even resemble the boy who started more than 18 months ago ... confident, happy AND learning. I'm so proud of him.