Demand for Dyslexia, ADHD Treatment Sees Dore Open Centre in Christchurch
South Island demand for its programme that helps people with dyslexia, ADHD, dyspraxia and Asperger’s has led learning
difficulty organisation Dore to open a centre in Christchurch.
Dore general manager Peter Sargent says opening the Christchurch centre brings services closer to South Island clients
who have been making the trip to Auckland for their three-monthly assessments.
“Around 25 percent of our existing client base comes from the South Island. Opening the centre here will make our
treatment for people with dyslexia, ADHD, dyspraxia and Asperger’s much more accessible. We’ve also had clients from the
lower North Island express interest in visiting the Christchurch centre rather than travelling toAuckland for their
assessments.
With the Christchurch centre opening there will be two Dore centres in New Zealand. Sargent says they have even had
interest from some Australian clients in attending the Christchurch centre rather than travelling to Auckland.
“They are quite excited. They’ve never been to Christchurch and it gives them an opportunity to combine the trip for
their assessment with a holiday exploring another part of New Zealand.”
It is estimated one person in six suffers some form of learning difficulty. The Dore method works on the part of the
brain that develops skills – the cerebellum. This part of the brain plays a major role in the process of learning by
making tasks automatic.
Poor literacy, difficulty in concentrating and a lack of social skills are often a result of underperformance by the
brain’s skill development centre, the cerebellum.
Dore works with children over the age seven, teenagers and adults of any age. The oldest client to complete the Dore
Programme was aged 83.
After assessment, clients are prescribed an exercise-based programme tailored to their own particular needs from a range
of over 400 different exercises. The exercises focus on stimulating the cerebellum and making it work more efficiently.
“Our programme helps the body to address the affliction from within, providing a lasting result and, because it is
drug-free, there aren’t any side effects.”
Sargent notes that those with unaddressed learning difficulties are more likely to leave school without qualifications
and are far less likely to go on to further education. This can significantly reduce the range of career options open to
them and, consequently, their earning capacity.
Dore coaches Rose Westmoreland and Phoebe Marais will run the Christchurch centre, which will initially operate for one
week per month. However the number of operating days per month is likely to increase as client demand grows.
Sargent says they are fully booked for the opening week commencing July 5, and have already taken bookings for the week
commencing August 9.
A free information evening on the Dore programme will be held on July 7 at the Christchurch Arts Centre from 7.30 pm.
Seats are limited and reservations can be made by phoning the centre on 0508 520 000.
ENDS