Dyslexia and Alternative Therapies
Chivers, M.

What it says on the back of the book This comprehensive book offers clear and balanced information on a range of alternative therapies for individuals with dyslexia, dyscalculia, dyspraxia or ADHD. Maria Chivers provides an objective overview of each therapeutic option, including method of use and case examples, from nutritional supplements and massage to acupuncture and hypnotherapy. Additional contributions from experienced alternative therapists provide an insiders's view of what really works. This is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in exploring alternative therapy approaches to dyslexia and related difficulties. Maria Chivers is the Founder of the Swindon Dyslexia Centre. She writes and lectures on dyslexia and has written four books, including Practical Strategies for Living with Dyslexia, published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers in 2001. She has two sons, both of whom have dyslexia. Maria lives in Wiltshire, UK. Review by The Dyslexia Shop This book comprehensively documents every alternative therapy that proposes a benefit to people with dyslexia. The therapies covered range from almost mainstream to the outer reaches of "new age" thinking. The author explains simply what each therapy consists of, who it might benefit, and presents the scientific (or pseudo-scientific) theoretical justification for each. Where there is supporting evidence of efficacy, e.g. positive results from clinical trials, these are referenced. This is a useful aggregation of information in an accessible, structured format. For dyslexia tutor/councellors in particular, it will provide useful background reading in anticipation of client requests for an opinion on the value of a particular alternative therapy. However, by replaying the "sales pitch" for each therapy without critical comment, the author leaves it entirely to the reader to judge for themselves the credibility, cost-benefit, and possible health risks of the various therapies presented. The Dyslexia Shop would endorse very few of the therapies described in this book.