The theory behind sport development

We are always being asked how the Dore Programme helps sporting skills - here’s the shorter answer. The cerebellum is the skill centre of the brain, it co-ordinates the brain’s ability to link mental and physical tasks together. With reading this involves the process of eye tracking and phonological understanding. With sport it is the ability of the brain to link eye movement with foot movement (to kick a ball for instance).

The cerebellum is the clever part that “hard wires” these skills. What Dore does is improve the areas of the cerebellum that are not fully developed. So whether it is improved reading skills or improved sporting skills, this exercise programme is targeting the precise area that can make all the difference.

Because of the amazing success we have seen in elite and amateur athletes (Paul Nixon who had a wonderful debut playing cricket for England at the age of 36, Kenny Logan who asserts that he had the best years of his professional career after the Dore Programme, Tom Rees who made an incredible rise into the English Rugby Team after doing the Dore Sport Programme, the list goes on). So, after some thrilling trials we are going to make it official - the Dore Programme can improve learning and sporting performance. For amateur and elite athletes we will be announcing a specialised Dore Sport Programme. Let’s hope a few Olympic athletes do it before next year!

Undiagnosed Dyslexia in the UK

Two million people in the UK are “undiagnosed dyslexics”. Some argue this might be a gross understatement, they may be right. I actually see it in reverse - “Two million people in the UK with undiscovered potential”! I can’t wait for the day when everyone realises that poor reading is usually a mask for significant intellectual capacity, something we can now release.

So, let’s stop spreading negativity and let’s point out the hidden potential.

I will not let you down

What a great promise from the Prime Minister at Bournemouth - “I will not let you down”. The trouble is he’s only going to make decisions based on the advice other people are giving him. He’s been very logical in his approach to advisers in many key areas, if only he was in the area of learning and behaviour.

So, if you bump into him please suggest that he gets some medical advisers who can educate him about the wonderful breakthrough in science that explains dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD and associated problems.

If he’s true to his word (and I think he will be) he will provide Government funding to help transform millions of lives.

Why aren’t Ned Hallowell’s books on ADHD generally available in the UK?

Last week I heard Ned Hallowell give an outstanding talk in Boston (US) where he gave great hope to parents of children with ADHD - not just to see what potential they had but in the effective ways that exist today to significantly help the symptoms. His recent book “Delivered from Distraction” is available on Amazon and well worth a read. He is one of the outstanding thinkers of our time on this subject, but the problem is far more wide spread than the solutions he proposes are.

Raising awareness of ADD and ADHD in the United States

Today is ADD and ADHD Awareness Day in the United States. I have travelled from England to give a talk to help raise awareness of these conditions. This is a really big challenge in such a vast country but I hope together with Dr Ned Hallowell we will reach as many as we can in one evening!

Dr Hallowell will give an overview of alternative treatments and cover the role of exercise and nutrition in treating ADD. I will be sharing my book "Dyslexia- The Miracle Cure" and the emotional story behind the Dore Centres: I was desperate to help my daughter Susie overcome her learning difficulties, which has led me to my commitment to help so many more folk who are struggling unnecessarily.

Dr Hallowell is world-renowned for his expertise in ADHD. He is the founder of the Hallowell Center in Sudbury and is the co-author of many books on the subject of ADHD, including the best-selling "Driven to Distraction" and "Delivered from Distraction".

Bullying and Learning Difficulties

Every teacher I speak to observes that those who are bullied (and also sometimes the bully) very often suffer from learning difficulties.

As if life wasn’t bad enough for someone who struggles with learning, to be bullied by others is just unthinkable! For those going through this at school I hope that Government Policy changes very soon so that effective ways of tackling learning issues can be provided by education authorities.

ADHD troubles now back at school

Having had such a long time away for school it is very likely that your child has forgotten how challenging a day at school can be. Now back at school your child's concentration, attention and behavioural problems have probably returned and are putting strain on the rest of the family because you are so desperate to help.

If your looking for ways to help your child cope and manage their ADHD then you're in the right place. Dr. Kenny Handelman has quite rightly suggested ways to manage the struggles of ADHD successfully. These tips will help get your child prepared for school.

1. Use a list of expectations for different parts of your child’s day. Focus in the areas that were very difficult last year – that may be ready in the morning, getting homework done after school or other tasks or responsibilities they found particularly challenging.

2. Create a daily schedule for your child so that they know what to expect from their day. Try and include as much detail as possible, for example break times, lunch times and after school activities.

3. Homework is often very hard to remember if not written down for those with ADHD so try and keep a homework log with the teacher. You will need to frequently remind your child to bring it home with the necessary books. It will help if your child's teacher could also have the job of reminding you child to take the work home. It is also good idea to set aside a certain time everyday for homework. Try your best to reward your child when they have finished a piece of homework.

4. Make an effort to speak to your child's teacher about their learning and behavioral needs early in the school year. Try to ensure that the resources that will help you child are going to be used. Try and make sure if there is additional teaching support available that your child is having it.

5. Consider a daily behavioral report card. This tool can help parents and teachers communicate a child's progress. It can also help recognise when to give your child rewards to encourage them to keep on track at school.

6. Remain positive with your child to help them to build on their strengths. Remember that transitioning from summer holidays to school can be especially challenging for children with ADHD. Celebtrate all successes, no matter how small – anything from a good mark, to a good report from the teacher, to making a new friend.

7. Keep track of how your child is doing in the transition back to school. Be sure to review this with your child’s doctor 2-6 weeks after the school year starts.