Dyslexia Success Stories

Adults, children and parents share their results from our dyslexia programs
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I’ve finished a three-month program with Barbara and I’m definitely a different person. I am a lot less overwhelmed, my stress levels decreased so much and I’m not only much calmer and happier at work, but also in life. I have much more energy as a result.

I used to write big reports which had stressed me out, while now it’s so much more positive. My writing has improved as much as my emotional response.

I had the confidence to go to an interview of a new position at my job – and not only did I get the job, but I was able to change the terms to make it a permanent contract and I’m so happy in that new role.

I’m so grateful to you, Barbara – I wouldn’t be in the place I am without working together, including the meditations and all the work we did well beyond literacy.

Freida M (37 years old)

Dyslexic Adult Client

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The fact was that Barbara taught me that Dyslexia was not a disadvantage but in fact a huge advantage, this turned my thinking around. Barbara was able to show me where my brain was working and why I thought the way I did. Barbara also taught me what the ?rest of the world? wanted and how they see the world. Barbara has given me the confidence to pick up the pieces and try again, despite how high the mountain in front me is. The fact is that there will always be mountains in our journey, it?s how we approach these mountains which shows our worth. Passage of a letter by Dr. Neil Macpherson

Dr. Neil Macpherson PhD

Adult Client

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Letter received after a dyslexia assessment at Sydney Dyslexia:

Thank you for your email. When sharing the news with my immediate family, I broke down and cried. I hadn’t cried like that since a close friend had passed away so many years ago. This diagnosis validated all the years of struggle, all the embarrassing and humiliating moments at school that destroyed my self-esteem. All the negative thoughts about myself being ‘dumb’ or ‘unintelligent’. I have spent many years to pick up the pieces, fight the demons and to believe in myself. 

But I am glad I endured it all as it made me more resilient and hard working. I am excited to embark on improving my literacy skills through techniques that better serve the way my brain works. I have signed up for the one year school and will get started on it this week. I will keep in contact to schedule our next appointment once I hit any barriers with the online program.

Bill H (35 years old)

Dyslexic Adult Client

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I think the best part was the process to get him centered to realize what he is about to undertake and the willingness to do so. He is now willing to start tasks like writing that used to scare him and undertake the process, knowing he can do it. He now knows he can achieve anything he sets his mind to.

Ronin's Mum

Satisfied Mum

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I don’t think my reading was bad but Barbara helped me to get over my reluctance to write. I feel I now have more confidence in spelling and writing. Also, now i can tell the time and convert analogue to digital time easily. Thanks, Barbara

Ronin G

Young Client

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The techniques you have taught me, the meditations, visualisations and ways of writing have helped me so much with focus and spelling.

I didn’t have the confidence to write – and now I am writing a detective novel. I never thought I’d do that or that I would enjoy it that much. I enjoy getting the unfolding story from my head onto paper and describing it in a way that the reader gets as interested as I am in the suspense of the story.

It has helped me gain so much more confidence – also in my work. Thank you.

Dougall (53 years old)

Dyslexic Adult Client

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I have found the tools I received very helpful. I used to try to read fluently, without paying much attention to what I read. Now I stop and make a picture and not only comprehend everything, but I also study what I read, make bullet points, break down the text, think and comment about it and it helps me enormously to get my bachelor of theology. My clay alphabet always sits next to my computer to help me remember the spelling of difficult words. Reading the book you gave me (The Purpose Driven Life) has also been life-changing. Being present helps me to focus and be in the middle. Thank you, Barbara

Richard Pen

Dyslexic Adult Client

“The experience (from the dyslexia training) was amazing….You put a key in my head and you turned it and now I can read.. (Learning over one year) is going to help everyone dyslexic or not. I think it’s the right way to learn such complex words…(In  2016, I won the top award for being top engineer of the world from 8,000 people). My amazing professor saw my ability …my determination to want to finish things…he was my biggest advocate to bring me into a university… scholarship program…researching things in Silicon Valley to bring back to Australian universities..…”

Andrew – Client whilst at University. Now Engineer and completing a PhD

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Hi Barbara, it’s J.D. I’m not sure if you will remember me but I certainly remember the person who changed my life physically and mentally. When I was little I just thought not being able to spell and read was normal, but as I grew older the other kids in my class just seemed to pick up and know everything so quickly. As I got older, teachers started to give me ?special treatment? (which I hated ) and soon enough the other kids in my class started to look down on me, and didn?t want to work will me. I still remember the first time mum sat me down and told me she had been looking into a lady called Barbara Hoi who might be able to help me read and write. At this time I had no idea I had dyslexia. Soon enough mum told me she had booked 3 days in Sydney with you. I think I was just exited that this lady could change my life, which is what happened. We had to wait about one or two months before mum said we could go, and OMG that was one of the longest one/two months of my life..

Josie (Part 1)

14 year old Client

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I remember telling myself to really try and focus because for once in my life someone actually cared how I felt and how I went in school (other than my family). You showed me a Harry Potter book, and I just thought this woman is crazy, I can’t read that. Sure enough that book was the first book I had ever completed in my life. After that trip I was going so well teaching myself in class and people started to work with me again. We decided to book again to the Entrance for maths. I remember being so happy when I completed some large number divided by another (5.2439588312 ÷ 3.2225). I am now a 14 year old girl that can read, write and complete large maths equations. I am in year eight at …. Catholic College with great grades and amazing friends.

Josie (Part 3)

Teenage Client

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About three week before we were about to leave I remember coming home from school and just crying. I don’t exactly know what I was crying about. Maybe because I was angry at the teachers and myself. Every time I asked a teacher to spell a word she would say ‘sound it out’. I always tried so hard to sound it out again, but it just made me more confused and angry. By this time I just thought there is no use in trying when I’m not getting any smarter. Every day I would pray that I didn’t have to read out loud. Just the thought of that made me sick. Words just wouldn’t come out of my mouth and would sometimes switch around. When it came time to leave for Sydney, I didn’t tell anyone, not even my best friend that I was visiting you. Finally the day had come to meet you for the first time. I remember sitting down and the first thing you said to me was, ‘How are you?’ and I said ‘Good’. You then replied, ‘How are you really going, what are your worries?

Josie (Part 2)

14 year old client

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Barbara you are an amazing woman that has been the angel to so many kids and adults just like me. You showed me who I truly am and will always be and how to accept that. There aren’t enough words to describe you. I am truly and utterly thankful that I was able to meet someone like you in my life. You have been a great large part of who I am and who I will grow to be. Growing up with the knowledge you have given me has dramatically inspired me to be true to myself and accept who I am and accept others. Barbara, I will never forget what you have done to me and I will never forget you.

Josie (Part 4)

14 year old Client

“And we came out the other side completely different child, he is now an avid reader and absolutely chews through Harry Potter’s. We can’t get enough books to keep him going to satisfy his appetite for reading.”

Parents of Sam and Markus

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Hi Barbara, I don’t know if you have had any contact with my daughter-in-law Kelli from Wagga, you helped her daughter Josephine with her dyslexia. I just want to let you know that she is doing incredibly well at school, her reading is amazing. A recent assignment that she did was so good that her teacher insisted that she read it to the school at assembly – at first she was reluctant, but then she relented and she read it out. This would never have happened if she hadn’t met you.I don’t think my reading was bad but Barbara helped me to get over my reluctance to write. I feel I now have more confidence in spelling and writing. Also, now i can tell the time and convert analogue to digital time easily. Thanks, Barbara

Kate

Grandmother of Former Young Client

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We are so glad to have spent a week with Barbara studying the Davis Dyslexia Correction Technique. Barbara took us on a journey of discovery, and emotional healing. She repaired self esteem, equipped us with some really useful techniques and started us on a road of positivity and success which honours my son’s unique talents. My son now enjoys reading and is often awarded 10 out of 10 with spelling. He now enjoys school. Our week with Barbara was like a special seaside retreat, and left both Robert and I refreshed, healed, inspired and ready to work. Completing the Davis programme does take some commitment and time, but it is time very well spent, and Barbara equips students and parents so very well for success. Robert and I both thank Barbara from the bottom of our hearts.

Sara and Robert

Parents three months after program

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I know that may be a little long, I had trouble shortening that. You may use the shorter thing you originally wanted if you want. But I think it sells you short. I think the Davis stuff is great, but there is a lot more , probably even more important, that I think you gave us. And that was the healing / getting us ready to try again. I don’t know if you did that intentionally or if it was just a combination of the location, the beautiful accommodation, your personality, the Davis technique, but without that, we wouldn’t have made the progress we have. Thank you

Sara, Queensland

Happy Mum

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The difference: January this year Josephine was borrowing picture books from the library, would never willingly read and If she had to would read very simple books for her age. August this year she has just finished the first Harry Potter. She is reading every night voluntarily. The big difference also is, that she now believes she has a very special gift that will be hugely beneficial in her life, and that dyslexia is just a different way of learning. She now wants to spread the word and is very confidently telling everyone she is dyslexic and that’s OK! She said to me, “Now I can tell other kids my age it’s Ok, not to worry, they just need to learn the right way (for them) to learn.” It wasn’t until Barbara pointed out the special traits that picture thinkers had that it all made sense: creative, intuitive thinking, a fantastic imagination and great storytellers! I am so grateful that Barbara has given Josephine the confidence to proudly say ” I am Dyslexic

Kelli D

Josephine's Mum

“She’s just doing amazingly well at school …And she also has just gained so much confidence. She started a little business….. and it’s only because she’s been able to have worked with Barbara ….because she wouldn’t have had the confidence for that.”

Josephine’s Grandma

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Barbara, you have given me the tools to work out the meanings for words, sentence structure, grammar and now I enjoy reading! I am starting to see patterns and I am getting the academic foundations to apply at Uni. Now I am confident in my ability to tackle my course. I now read differently and see the context from a different perspective. Words now have meaning! I now know how to build words, remember their spelling and put them in sentences. I am more excited now about my future – it’s like being excited about putting the puzzle together. Thank you so much!

Richard

38 year old Client

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If my son’s year 3 Naplan results hadn’t been so bad, I wouldn’t have sought out external help and wouldn’t have realised he was dyslexic. Teachers kept telling me he was fine. We now see Barbara Hoi of Sydney Dyslexia and have improved soo much. It’s a long way from Wagga to the Entrance to attend her courses but so worthwihile. So whilst I do not like naplan, I do remain grateful that it was a catalyst for getting him assistance with his gift that is dyslexia.
Jo H

Wagga Mum

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Since working with Barbara Hoi, I?ve been able to grasp concepts that were obstacles to learning throughout primary school, high school and my university years. No educator could teach me in all those years what Barbara taught me in 5 days. More than that, she has helped me to join the dots to a larger understanding of how my brain works and how to get the most of it. This insight surpasses relief, for me it is unquestionably a life-changer. Barbara is a highly knowledgeable and skilled professional, who is warm, optimistic and committed to her students’ learning success. If you have the joy of being her student, I encourage you to follow her guidance to the letter, and it’s likely your life could change too

Silvana

Happy Adult Client

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Hi Barbara, Hope you are really well. I really enjoy your posts – thank you. I recently read the book you lent me last year (on a recent holiday) and found it extremely helpful. So much many of us can relate to in your words. Luka is doing really well and has improved greatly with his maths. Take care and kind wishes Caroline
Caroline

Mother of a Maths Client

“Finding Barbara was amazing…. Naomi came to Barbara for some sessions and within a week she was reading simple chapter books. Before that, she was struggling with KIndy readers in Year 3.”

Dougall

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13-year old Dyslexic boy: Wrote to me on 28/2/13 On Tuesday I had to hand in an assignment on Warrington Boarding School, which is actually a fake school. I was proud of the work I handed in, because I did everything myself. Yesterday I got the results back for it, and I had an “A”. I was very happy because it was the first “A” I ever got! Thank you, Barbara. Robbie, 13

Robbie - My First 'A' Ever

13 year old client

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This course does not only correct Dyslexia, but it also prompts you to look at your life and change it into what you really desire for yourself. I originally took the Course to understand and possibly help my own son; however, along the way I was inspired to alter my mindset and look into a field of creative and renewed possibilities. I recommend it to anyone who wants to delve into the world of the Gift of Dyslexia and its many aspects – or who wants to turn Dyslexia into a gift to themselves

Rosie PI

Mother and Teacher

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Hi Barbara, We miss you! I wanted to touch base and again thank you for the wonderful work you did with James. On Monday, a surprising thing happened. We’d stopped at a book store and he’d chosen a book he was interested in ‘Horror’ by Anthony Horowitz. On the journey, Jamie announced that he was interested in the last story because it was in a different print and he was intrigued. Without any prompting he started to read the story to me. He was getting stuck on words for sure and I’d glance over and say any of those words but he read the whole story with complete comprehension and a good degree of fluency. How’s that!!? I must say, something like that would never have happened previously. Jamie loved it and thought you should know. Blessings, Melissa
Melissa Chop

My nephew James

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Once upon a time there was a girl called Bella who had Dyslexia and there also was a girl that told me I had Dyslexia, and her name is Braba (Barbara). Well, when I found out that I had Dyslexia I was shocked in a way. I was having trouble at school and found out about the Dyslexia in June. I had a course about it in August and have just finished now. I have learned so much! I have been at the Entrance with Braba and she is so nice. I cannot thank my mum enough to have taken me here. Bella, 11
Bella

11 year old Client

“Finding Barbara was amazing…. Naomi came to Barbara for some sessions and within a week she was reading simple chapter books. Before that, she was struggling with KIndy readers in Year 3.”

Naomi’s Mum

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He is doing really well. We are getting lots of extra nice comments about how he is going really well at school. Just fantastic. Yesterday was the open day and scholarship exam for the boarding school ?The Armidale School? TAS ? that he is going to next year. The day was really good and now he is so excited about going, which we think is just great. Look forward to hearing from you. Lindy,
Lindy

Satisfied Mum of Sam

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Hey Barbara I’ve finished all my words today and I got my report. I went up about two grades in each subject. Thank you for helping me From Jared
Jared Queensland

10 year old Client

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Hi Barbara, I have finished all my words!!! And guess what, I have become school captain and won the speech contest. Thank you so much for everything

Sam

11 year old Client

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My son Daniel was 9 years old when he started the Dyslexic Program with Barbara. He had problems at school, academically (especially reading and spelling) and with his behaviour. He was put on Ritalin to contain his hyperactivity, but after being on Ritalin for 9 months, his personality had changed dramatically, he had no appetite, slept badly and was apathetic. After finishing the course with Barbara, I noticed within two weeks a huge change in his confidence. The teacher also commented at the time about his improved attention span. Within that time, especially 3 – 4 months after starting, a real difference started to set in academically, which reflected in his school report. He started Year 5 in Private School and the new school neither knows nor notices any learning difficulties or signs of hyperactivity. He gets honours and credits on a regular basis, is very focussed and achieves highly in every aspect. Never went back on Ritalin. We are very happy.
Margot

Mother of Daniel

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My son (15) completed a dyslexia correction programme with Barbara in April this year. After three days I heard him read from a ‘Harry Potter’ book and I couldn’t hold back the tears. He had never read a book of that complexity before (or any book above reading level 2). I was so touched by the joy and the pride in his face. The written word which had so undermined and confused him all his life could now become his friend and support. I always knew my son was very intelligent and yet we had given up after trying and failing so many special classes and programs. I am delighted that he is on the right track now, motivated and empowered to read, learn and dream.
Jacky

My son now reads Harry Potter!

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Being an adult dyslexic, my approach to general work is always achieved through tactile and visual means. These very two strengths have also allowed me to creatively avoid any situation which require input in literacy and numeracy. I struggled endlessly with non picture words which then severely impacted my ability in comprehending anything. The truth is you can only run and avoid it for so long. I decided to work with Barbara and face these challenges. Looking back, it was a life changing decision to do this course. Using my visual/tactile learning preference, Barbara guided me in understanding the basic functions of trigger words and its associations with the correct grammar. For the numeracy aspects, Barbara also taught me the foundations of maths which was immense in understanding the mechanisms and representations. By the end of the week, I had a deeper meaning of the words and their connections in sentences, which led to full comprehension. Thank you again Barbara!!
Andrew - "I just got a promotion!"

Adult Dyslexic 30 years old

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What have I got out of this: I have just read my first book and understood it. It was a very enjoyable read and I was very proud that I finished it. Also, I have learnt ways to spell words that I couldn’t spell before (like ellipsis). My Maths which wasn’t very good, is now a lot better. I know now all the concepts of maths, place value, addition, subtraction, times tables, percentages, fractions, decimals, ratio and algebra. And it all was much easier than I thought. Also, I won’t have to worry about giving people the wrong change at work. I am more confident in all aspects of my life. All thanks to Barbara!
James Mor

21 year old Client

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My name is Dylan. Recently I discovered that I had Dyslexia. I was quite surprised, as I thought I would have been picked up at school. But I am now 20 and in my third year at UNI. It was a massive relief, making this discovery, because I realised, I wasn’t that lazy, unmotivated or dumb. Which is how I felt all through school and UNI. Now I hopefully won’t fail any more subjects at UNI. Barbara has shown me punctuation, ways to learn words, that I now fully understand. …basically giving hope for the future. It’s early days but I am excited and confident for what I will be able to do in the very near future.
Dylan P.

20 year old uni student

“I would like to be a teacher when I grow up and teach primary kids. I think that would be good to be able to help other kids that were in the same boat as me when I didn’t know how to read or do those things that I now know how to do.”

Sam 

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I have just finished a Davis Dyslexia Correction Program with Barbara Hoi and already see amazing results in my daily life. I know how to be centred and able to handle situations that would have confused me before. My reading, writing, organising and driving have improved a lot. I feel calmer in general, before I was often stressed out. Now I am more joyful within myself and discovered my creative talents. The program has given me more mental energy. Before I was chronically mentally exhausted – and had been for about 30 years…the contradiction of being intelligent and feeling stupid. My level of confidence has returned (it left me at age 7, when I went to school), the social awkwardness has gone too and I am reclaiming my space. Barbara made tasks that seemed impossible before light and joyful. She has great wisdom which she combines with her facilitation skills, which gives it an extra dimension. What a fulfilling and life-changing experience, I am grateful.
Ann

Adult Client

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Hi Barbara, Thanks for your email, it is always lovely to hear from you. Lachie still speaks about you a lot, I think you made quite an impact on him! We are reading books easier than HP, but my thought is that al least he is reading. I actually heard him say to his sister that ‘he enjoys reading now’. I couldn’t stop smiling. We are also working through the ‘Tricky words’. We have done 4 days on average each week. Thanks for everything.
Kylie

Happy Mum

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Jamie is gearing up to return to school tomorrow. His end of year report from last year was worlds away from the first report of the year so that’s great. I can’t find it right now (if I could I’d scan it for you to take a look at) but lots of comments about his improved attitude, application and willingness to try things. I’m very grateful to you.
Mel

Happy Auntie

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Hi Barbara, Thank you so much, have ordered more clay and am getting order in his room at present to set his table up with clay. That’s fine, you were wonderful and helped us a lot. More than happy to recommend you! I have another friend who is very interested In your program also for her son so she may end up contacting you as well. Josh is thinking he might become the smartest boy in the class. Maybe one day. Going well with the 6 and 7 times tables and working hard with the koosh balls. Thank you so much for the week, keep up your good work !! Thanking you Bernice.
Bernice

Satisfied Mum of 9 year old Dyslexic

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Hi Barbara, Here are the changes I experienced: Isabella’s spelling improved exceptionally, her concentration became more focused, she is learning easier in class and became calmer. Barbara, I’ll add that Isabella’s behaviour is more rational, she very rarely becomes hysterical when stressed but is able to calm herself down or have the sense to remove herself from the stressful situation.
Lis

Mother of Isabella

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My son Henry (aged 9 at the time of the Dyslexia Correction Program) and I were lucky enough to be able to spend 2 weeks with Barbara Hoi, Henry for the first week and me for the second. Henry has helped me during the second week. I have managed throughout my life to deal with dyslexia, and have managed to become successful in the finance business by understanding how best to get around the difficulties, and in a senior management roll, utilise others to get through detail. I became aware very early that Henry had some of the same issues that I had. The 2 weeks we spent with Barbara have been an incredible experience for both of us. The confidence that Henry has developed since we finished has been remarkable. We are now spending our time doing ‘trigger’ words, and Henry has found it fun, which of course makes it much easier. He actually picks up a book to read now, enjoying it; improving his grades at school considerably.
Matthew Birch

Father and Son Dyslexia Program

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My daughter Maggie was 11, when she did the Dyslexia Correction Program with Barbara. Her main goals were to read, write and spell better. The first day she walked out of the programme she said, “mum, this is going to help me” and then explained that, for the first time, the letters of the alphabet meant something to her. After the program finished, she said she felt like she could listen better at school and that it was easier to understand when the teachers explained things. She said that last year when teachers talked,there were always other things going on in her head, but that wasn’t happening any more. Most importantly, Maggie feels differently about herself. She says: “I feel like a smart kid now”. Her confidence has grown and it has generalized to other areas of her life. At the same time I noticed that she had more confidence with her peer group. She has been able to walk away from the pressure of conforming to one group, establishing a broader circle of friends. Thank you!
Mary

Mother of Maggie

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Hallo Barbara, How are you? I began my studies of Gestalt and it goes very well! Thanks for all your help! I am much better now, still a few words to master but I am already happy… 
Joshu

38 year old Client

“Prior to (the course), I found life rather difficult. I would pretend to read the paper.. My reading was about a 3 year old. I found it good to do the program …and life is very different. I don’t struggle to read things now…  I’m actually understanding it and enjoying it a lot…I just take my time….”

Robert 65 year old Client

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I have found this course a very life-changing experience for me. It has made me a very different person from what I was before starting in October this year. 2012. There were parts I was sceptical of, but to my surprise I have come to make them a very big part of my daily life, changing not only me, but also others around me: family, friends and work associates. I would say to anyone who would like to make big changes in their lives to do this course, whether for self improvement or to help others. They will be well rewarded by completing this course with Barbara Hoi.
Robert G.

Adult Dyslexic in his 60's

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Hi Barbara, Uni is pretty good. The confidence I have now is making a real difference, so I am getting work in and passing. What you have taught me is coming in very handy. Thanks, Dyl
Dylan

Uni Student - back at uni following dyslexia training

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