My Davis Dyslexia Experience as an Adult

Hey there, I’m Stephen Martin, host of The Truth About Dyslexia podcast. If you’ve found this page while looking for real answers about dyslexia in adults or searching for an adult dyslexia podcast that actually speaks your language, you’re in the right place.

Today, I want to talk about something that changed the way I see myself and how my brain actually works — the Davis Mastery for Dyslexia Program. But before we get into the nuts and bolts of the course, I want to share how I even got to the point of needing it.

Diagnosed Young… Then Forgot About It

I was diagnosed with dyslexia at age 10. I was in a private school at the time, and to be honest, I was lucky. Dyslexia wasn’t officially recognised in New Zealand’s school system until around 2007. So to be picked up in the mid-90s was rare.

My mum was my absolute hero. Like many mums of dyslexic kids, she fought tooth and nail for me. She helped me get a Reader/Writer for high school exams, which, around 2000, was pretty rare, and that gave me a real leg-up.

But once I left school, I did what so many of us do. I put dyslexia in a box and shoved it under the bed. I figured if I just worked harder, pushed myself enough, and stayed positive, I’d be fine. Turns out, that’s not quite how it works.

A Pub Chat That Changed Everything

I was about 32 when my dad brought it up again. We were at the pub, having a beer, and he asked, “Do you think your dyslexia might be behind some of the stuff you’re struggling with in life?”

I did what any proud adult (and smart arse son) would do – I ignored him. Multiple times.

But he didn’t let up. Eventually, he found a Davis Dyslexia practitioner who lived walking distance from my house. That kind of luck doesn’t happen often. He kept at me until I messaged her.

It took five text follow-ups from her before I responded. Like many dyslexics, I was stuck in the fog. But eventually, I got myself to her house for an initial consultation.

That’s when everything shifted.

The Builder That Didn’t Exist

During our session, she noticed my eyes drift off and asked what I was thinking about. I told her I was picturing the builder hammering on her deck outside.

She asked, “Have you ever seen my deck? Or met my builder?”

I said no.

She smiled and explained that I had just created an entire scene in my head, a detailed, vivid, and completely made-up experience and believed it was real.

That moment hit hard. It made me realise just how often I’d trusted mental stories that weren’t rooted in anything real. Stories about myself. About others. About the world.

That was the hook. I was in.

The Davis Concepts for Life

When I first heard about the Life Concepts course, I was more than happy to invest in myself. And honestly, it was worth every cent.

The amount of one-on-one time you get with a facilitator is incredible. And once you get over the fact that you’re learning using clay-yes, actual clay, the depth of what you uncover is profound. It feels childlike at first, but it unlocks things that traditional education never came close to.

I worked with a fantastic facilitator named Vanessa Victor, and I honestly can’t thank her enough. She made me feel seen, respected, and supported throughout the whole process. And I know there are other amazing Davis facilitators out there who care deeply about every client they work with, whether child or adult.

The course itself uses real-life examples and practical application to teach you how to internalise core concepts that so many of us missed growing up. Things like time. Sequence. Cause and effect. Responsibility.

It sounds obvious, but it’s not. Just because you can say the word “consequence” or nod when someone talks about “cause and effect” doesn’t mean you’ve actually embodied what it means. And that’s the magic of this course.

It was like filling in invisible gaps in my foundations, the kind of knowledge you didn’t even know you were missing until someone pointed a light at it.

I can’t do justice to what happens in that room with clay and a brilliant facilitator. But I can tell you it felt like rewiring parts of my brain that had been running on guesswork for years.

What Changed for Me

After going through Davis, I began to:

• Understand how I process information (and why that matters).
• Spot the stories I was creating in my mind that weren’t actually true.
• Feel more grounded, like my internal compass finally had a north.
• Let go of the shame of not “getting” things others seemed to know automatically.

But most of all, I stopped trying to fix myself and started learning how to work with my brain instead of against it.

If You’re An Adult With Dyslexia…

Let me be straight with you: you’re not broken. You’re not lazy. And you’re definitely not alone. Whether you were diagnosed at school or only recently started wondering about it, the Davis approach is one of the most empowering things I’ve ever done, especially for adults who are ready to make sense of the messy, often overwhelming parts of life that never quite clicked.

If you’re looking for a safe place to keep exploring this stuff, come check out my podcast, The Truth About Dyslexia. It’s raw. It’s honest. And it’s made for people who think in pictures and feel like school never really taught them the tools they needed

Ron Davis: From Struggle to Breakthrough

Ron Davis was born with what we now call severe autism. Doctors labeled him “uneducable and mentally retarded.”

For the first nine years of his life, he had no awareness of the world around him.

When awareness came, it brought terror. He suddenly had to learn in a system that wasn’t designed for minds like his.

The turning point came at age 17.

An IQ test revealed Ron was a genius. He scored 137 points.

By age 27, after using clay modeling to learn concepts and words, his IQ reached 169.

But reading remained impossible.

Words swam on pages. Letters flipped and rotated. Spacing disappeared.

The breakthrough came during his career as a sculptor. He realized he could “go” to a place where language didn’t exist.

If he could go there, perhaps he could go where language did exist.

That curiosity led to his discovery of the root cause of dyslexia: disorientation.

Once Ron understood this, he could read without effort for the first time in his life.

The words held still. The spacing was accurate. He experienced what everyone else experienced when looking at text. You can read Ron’s full story here

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) often makes focusing and maintaining order difficult. This blog explores the unique methods that Davis facilitators use to help individuals with ADHD manage their attention and create order in their environment and in life. It focuses on developing essential life skills through innovative techniques. These concepts are part of the Davis Method, a framework designed to empower individuals with ADHD and other neurotypes.

Understanding orientation and disorientation

Orientation and disorientation are two different mental states that drastically impacts how we operate in our daily lives. Orientation is a mental state where perception matches what is actually happening in the environment and provides a sense of structure, focus, and control. This is the mental state where we’re able to be present, concentrate on a task, and tune out distractions. Disorientation, on the other hand, is a state of mental distraction, confusion, restlessness, but is also where daydreaming, problem-solving, and imagination can shine.

For example, a student in a classroom may experience disorientation if they’re bored or easily distracted by noises or sights around them, rather than being able to focus on the teacher’s lesson. Or someone with ADHD may find it challenging to maintain order and organization in their daily routines, which can make life feel chaotic and out of control.

Disorientation is not inherently good or bad – it’s simply a different way of processing information and experiencing the world. The Davis method recognizes that both orientation and disorientation are valuable life skills, depending on the situation and individual needs moment by moment.

This perspective challenges the traditional view of ADHD. Instead of labeling the state of disorientation as negative, the Davis method sees it as a useful skill. Orientation is necessary for tasks requiring precision. Disorientation, on the other hand, can spark creativity or exploration. The key is learning when and how to switch between these states.

Teaching focus

The foundation of the Davis method is teaching individuals how to focus. There are three primary methods to guiding an individual to do this:

1. Visual thinkers: These individuals process information with mental images. Using visualization techniques, the Davis Orientation Counseling techniques enable clients to center their attention and focus quickly and easily.

2. Kinesthetic thinkers: These are physical, hands-on learners, such as athletes and artists. The Davis Alignment techniques use movement or physical sensations to stay focused.

3. Auditory thinkers: These individuals benefit from sounds, such as rhythmic beats or specific tones, to guide their focus. The Davis Auditory Orientation sound is highly effective to build focus endurance.

Teaching focus is simple. In most cases, it takes less than 30 minutes. After learning the techniques, individuals practice focusing and becoming more in-tune with the feeling of orientation. This includes noticing when they lose focus and working to regain it. Refocusing builds awareness and control over their attention.

Building essential life skills

ADHD often affects foundational life skills. Concepts such as time, order, sequence, and consequences may feel unclear. The Davis method introduces these ideas step by step. This process is like installing software in the mind. It fills in gaps that might exist and helps individuals understand key principles of how the world around them operates.

Here are some of the core life skills taught:

1. Understanding consequences

ADHD individuals often struggle to connect actions with outcomes. For example, the consequences of certain behaviors, like smoking or excessive drinking, may not appear until years later. This method teaches how to trace back events and identify the cause of unintended outcomes. By doing so, individuals are empowered to make better choices.

2. Practicing order in daily life

Order is more than keeping a tidy room. It involves organizing thoughts, actions, and time. The Davis method encourages practicing order in different ways:

• Order in space: Ensuring physical objects are in their proper place.
• Order in time: Time awareness, prioritizing, and staying on task.
• Order in behavior: Being present, focusing on the right activities at the right time, and choosing behaviors the cause positive outcomes.

3. Exploring new choices

Once individuals identify the cause of negative outcomes, they can explore alternatives. They are encouraged to test these new choices to see if they lead to better results. If the new choice still creates unintended consequences, they can refine it further. This trial-and-error process builds problem-solving skills and opens up new ways of doing things that will better serve them and those around them.

Why this approach stands out

The Davis method offers a refreshing alternative to traditional ADHD interventions. Instead of aiming for constant focus, it embraces the natural rhythm of the mind. Disorientation is not viewed as a flaw but as a valuable state. This mindset fosters self-acceptance, confidence and encourages creativity.

By teaching practical tools and using real-world practice, this approach empowers individuals. They gain the skills needed to navigate challenges independently. The focus on life skills ensures lasting impact, far beyond the classroom or therapy session.

Putting it all together

The ultimate goal of this method is to teach individuals how to manage their minds and environments. They learn to:

1. Recognize when they are focused or disoriented.
2. Switch between these states intentionally.
3. Maintain order in their thoughts, actions, and surroundings.
4. Analyze their choices and refine their actions.

By mastering these skills, individuals with ADHD can create a more balanced and fulfilling life. They gain control over their attention and can harness it to achieve their goals and potential. The Davis method provides the tools needed to thrive, one step at a time.

The Human Cost of Misunderstanding Neurodiversity

Dolores, a seasoned educator with an MA in International Education, was no stranger to learning theory. But even with her training, the conventional labels—dyslexia, dyscalculia, ADHD—only added to her confusion. They described symptoms without explaining the cause. They focused on deficits and disorders, not strengths. And they offered little insight into the overlap between conditions or why children who struggled so much could also be unusually creative, intuitive, and resilient.

“The system could tell us what our son couldn’t do. But no one could tell us why—or how to help him.”

This is the hidden human cost of misunderstanding neurodiversity: children internalize the belief that they are broken, families live in fear, and tragically, some never make it through. Some—like Dolores’s brother, a creative and sensitive neurodivergent young man—don’t survive the pressure. Suicide is now the leading cause of death for people under 35. But the harms go beyond school failure and mental health challenges. When low self-esteem takes root, it can significantly increase the risk of turning to addiction and crime—studies suggest that between 50% and 80% of incarcerated individuals have learning difficulties. Misunderstanding neurodiversity doesn’t just limit potential—it endangers lives.

A Framework That Finally Made Sense

Hope came from an unexpected source: The Gift of Dyslexia by Ron Davis.
Unlike anything else, it offered a framework that explained her son’s challenges and his gifts.

Ron Davis himself was labeled “uneducatably retarded.” Autistic and severely dyslexic, he didn’t learn to speak until 17—or read until 38. But through intense self-observation, he uncovered the root causes of his struggles and pioneered a method that has since helped individuals worldwide.

What Is the Davis® Method?

At the heart of the Davis® approach is an understanding of three key traits common to many neurodivergent individuals:

• Non-verbal/picture thinking:
  A natural, fast, and intuitive way of processing that fosters creativity, empathy, and holistic problem-solving.
• Heightened sensory sensitivity: 
  A nervous system tuned in to social, emotional, and physical stimuli—sometimes overwhelmingly so.
• A talent for disorientation: 
  This ability to disconnect from immediate reality is a double-edged sword. It enables imaginative thinking—but also causes perceptual distortions that interfere with learning.

Dyslexia and ADHD: Same Root, Different Triggers

The Davis® method reveals that disorientation is the root cause of both dyslexia and ADHD—but the triggers differ:

• Dyslexia
  Confusion—especially around 2D symbols like letters—triggers momentary disorientation. This leads to perceptual distortions, reading mistakes, and frustration.
• ADHD
  Boredom or emotional overwhelm triggers more intense, long-term disorientation. The result is inattentional blindness, where the child filters out anything they don’t find interesting or important—leading to inattention, impulsivity, and disorder.

“Living with disorientation is like watching two movies at once and understanding neither.”

Traditional strategies overlook this mechanism entirely.

A Turning Point—and a Transformation

With Davis® tools and insights, Dolores’s son learned to manage his disorientation, control his perceptions, and build a stronger understanding of core life concepts.

The transformation was profound:

• Outbursts disappeared
• Confidence returned
• He began to thrive academically. He even made the High Honors List!

“We got our child back—and a whole new understanding of who he really was.”

Dolores went on to train as a Davis® facilitator, and now dedicates herself to helping individuals of all ages unlock the same potential.

The World Needs a NEW Understanding

The Davis® method doesn’t just offer techniques—it provides clarity, empowerment, and a new perspective on neurodivergence.

This is NEWrodiversity: a strengths-based framework that explains the why, not just the what—and offers real solutions.

“The traditional approach costs lives. Davis® offers unique insights, hope, and solutions that work.”

Ready for Solutions? Find a Davis® Facilitator

If you or someone you love is struggling with neurodivergent challenges, you don’t have to walk this road alone.

Find a licensed Davis® facilitator near you

Contact us, our team is here to help you find the right path for your family

Every brilliant mind deserves to be understood.

Dyslexia as identity, not deficit

As Davis Presenter and Facilitator, Axel Gudmundsson eloquently puts it: “Dyslexia is often seen as an illness; a nuisance at the very least, which, when resolved or healed, will make us like normal people.” This deficit approach does not acknowledge dyslexia as a part of someone’s essence and their innate creativity. This approach sees dyslexia through the narrow focus of solely being a reading challenge, but at Davis, we know dyslexia is far more than that.

A nine-year-old boy captured this truth perfectly after completing a reading program when he asked his Davis Facilitator with great concern: “If I stop being dyslexic, I’ll stop being me! I love being dyslexic now!”

How the Davis Method enhances creativity

Unlike traditional interventions that try to rewire dyslexic thinking into a more “conventional” pattern, the Davis Method embraces the natural dyslexic thinking style and works with natural strengths:

• Clay modelling harnesses visual-spatial abilities to create concrete understanding
• Orientation techniques teach focus without suppressing creative thinking
• Meaning-based learning works with the dyslexic need for authentic understanding
• Symbol mastery builds reading comprehension through hands-on, creative expression of abstract words that typically cause gaps in understanding

When dyslexic individuals master reading and writing through methods that respect their unique thinking style, frustration eases and learning can be achieved. The Davis Method provides a bridge to the world of words while maintaining their creative edge. Through this approach, clients gain the ability to switch between creative, picture thinking mode or sequential, symbol-oriented mode for reading.

Success without sacrifice

James, a boy with both autism and dyslexia, experienced remarkable growth through the Davis Method. Not only did he gain reading skills, but his creativity and self-expression flourished. After avoiding writing for years,  his mother was ecstatic to receive his independently written heartfelt letter, a skill that traditional methods had been unable to foster. Read his story here.

The Davis Method allows dyslexic thinkers to access the world of text without sacrificing the creative brilliance that makes them who they are.

Facilitators around the world are available to help! Contact a provider near you today! 

Would you like to be the person helping dyslexic readers discover their true, creative self while improving their reading and writing ability? Join us for the Davis Gift of Dyslexia Workshop (June 9-13, 2025 or July 14-18, 2025 ) to discover how to nurture both literacy AND creativity in dyslexic learners. This workshop is the first step in becoming a Licensed Davis Dyslexia Facilitator.

This workshop is open to all adults interested in better supporting Dyslexic thinkers. It is especially recommended for parents, tutors, teachers, professionals and heart-centered entreprenuers as well as individuals interested in pursuing licensure as a Davis Facilitator.

Join our Davis Method Support group, where we provide support and information for parents, teachers, and neurodivergent individuals who are using Davis methods or who want to learn more about our approach.

The Davis Methods are strength-based, empowering programs that are available worldwide and in more that 30 languages. We help transform the learning and lives of those struggling with dyslexia, ADHD, autism, dyscalculia, dyspraxia, dysgraphia, executive functioning, and other related diagnoses by by providing the personalized support they need to understand what’s holding them back – and how to break through those barriers.

Understanding neurodivergence from the inside

At the heart of every Davis solution is an understanding of how neurodivergent minds actually work. Ron Davis didn’t theorize about neurodivergence, he lived it daily.

Born in 1942, Ron was diagnosed as a “Kanner’s Baby” (early terminology for autism).  His mother was  told Ron would “never be able to be held, to learn, to speak, or achieve much beyond what a chimpanzee could.” For his first nine years, Ron had no awareness of himself or the world around him. He describes this period as having “no connection to others or himself.”

At age nine, Ron suddenly became aware of the physical world around him, experiencing what most children develop at age two, but without any of the foundational skills to process this new reality.

School was overwhelming with its sensory stimulations. Letters on classroom walls seemed to float and move before his eyes.

This firsthand experience of both autism and dyslexia gave Ron unique insights that academic researchers didn’t have access to. From age 9, Ron began making things out of clay, which he feels helped him make sense of the world and learn the alphabet. However, it wasn’t until he was in his thirties that he discovered how to turn off the disorientation he experienced—what he called the “disorientation tunnel”, this became the foundation for the Davis Programs. Since discovering these ways to overcome his own learning differences, Ron has focused on building the methodology and sharing it with others.

“If you eliminate the reason the problem exists, the problem ceases to exist.”

The gift of dyslexia: understanding strengths, not deficits

The Davis Method recognizes something traditional interventions miss: dyslexia isn’t just a collection of challenges, it comes with remarkable gifts. Ron discovered this through his own journey.

Despite being unable to read, Ron possessed extraordinary spatial visualization abilities that led him to work as an engineer during the Space Race era. His mind could manipulate mental images in ways that neurotypical thinkers often couldn’t match. This wasn’t in spite of his dyslexia, it was because of it.

Ron’s breakthrough came when he realized that when he sculpted, he entered a mental state where language didn’t exist, it was all imagery. This led him to wonder if he could find a way to enter a state where language would work properly. This question led to his discovery of what he identified as the root cause of dyslexia: disorientation.

The Davis Method embraces the natural thinking style of dyslexic individuals: visual, multidimensional thinking, rather than forcing them to abandon it. Through techniques like Symbol Mastery, where abstract concepts are modeled in clay, Davis solutions work with the natural strengths of dyslexic minds rather than against them.

This approach stands in stark contrast to traditional remediation methods that focus on drilling phonics and repetition—approaches that often leave dyslexic learners feeling defeated and deficient.

Sign up to mailing list to receive notification when we announce our next Davis Gift of Dyslexia Workshop and get access to an Early Bird Discount.

Autism understanding: a map created from within

Ron’s personal journey through autism gives the Davis Autism Approach its unique power. Traditional autism interventions often aim to eliminate autistic “symptoms”. The Davis Autism Approach, by contrast, respects autistic neurology while providing tools for greater self-awareness and self-regulation.

The Davis Autism Approach begins not by trying to change the autistic person, but by helping their support person learn tools for co-regulation. This reflects Ron’s deep understanding that autistic individuals are often overwhelmed by the emotions and energy of those around them.

Through tools like Auditory Orientation (the “Davis Ting”), Release, and Dial, the program helps autistic individuals develop accurate perceptions and regulate their focus, stress, and energy levels. These tools weren’t developed through external observation—they emerged from Ron’s lived experience of what actually works for an autistic mind.

Most importantly, the Davis Autism Approach doesn’t view autism as something to be fixed. Instead, it recognizes that autistic individuals often miss crucial life concepts not because they can’t learn them, but because traditional teaching methods don’t match their thinking style. Through clay modeling and experiential learning, these concepts become accessible, allowing autistic individuals to participate more fully in the life they choose.

Interested in understanding more about the Davis Autism Approach? Sign up here to receive notification when we announce our next Autism Approach Workshop and get access to an Early Bird Discount

“What inspired me to help others with autism is that I am myself autistic. I know what it feels like, and I know the limitations that exist as a result of it. I realized that, given I had found my own way through this chaos (of autism), I could provide a ‘map’ for others of my kind to follow.”

Neurodivergence: the foundation of our approach

What makes all Davis solutions truly revolutionary is that they’re created from a neurodivergent perspective. This isn’t interventions designed by the neurotypical for the neurodivergent—it’s neurodivergent wisdom shared among peers.

In a world where neurodivergent individuals are often told what they “should” do by those who don’t share their neurotype, Davis solutions offer a refreshing alternative. Every technique, every tool, every insight comes from someone who understands the territory because he mapped it from the inside.

At Davis, we don’t see neurodivergence as a deficit. We recognize it as a different way of processing information, one with its own strengths and challenges. Our solutions don’t aim to make neurodivergent individuals more neurotypical. Instead, they provide tools that work with neurodivergent thinking styles to unlock potential.

Davis methodologies honor neurodivergent ways of being. We understand that the path to success isn’t through forcing conformity, but through building bridges of understanding and providing tools that actually make sense to neurodivergent minds.

A legacy of transformation

Forty years after Ron’s initial discoveries, the impact of his work continues to grow. His approaches have spread worldwide, with his book “The Gift of Dyslexia” translated into more than 20 languages and 400 licensed facilitators globally.

The scientific community, which initially dismissed Ron’s work as “controversial,” has gradually caught up. Concepts like neurodiversity and “the gifts of dyslexia” that Ron championed decades ago are now widely accepted as self-evident.

What makes this legacy so powerful is its authenticity. Ron didn’t study neurodivergence as an outside observer, he lived it. He transformed his own challenges into insights that have opened doors for countless others.

When you engage with Davis solutions, you’re not simply receiving intervention techniques. You’re connecting with the hard-won wisdom of someone who walked the path before you, who understands the terrain from the inside, and who discovered a way forward that empowers neurodivergent minds rather than attempting to rewire them.

That’s the power of neurodivergent solutions created by a neurodivergent pioneer. That’s the Davis Method.

Ready to transform how you support neurodivergent minds? Join our community to receive our monthly newsletter with workshop dates, practical tips, and success stories from our global network of facilitators.

Our solutions for every neurotype

The Davis Method offers specialized solutions designed for various neurotypes, all built on the foundational understanding that neurodivergent minds have unique strengths and ways of processing information.

Our workshops serve two distinct purposes: For parents, educators, therapists, and caregivers, they provide comprehensive training to equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to guide those you support through individualized Davis Programs. For neurodivergent adults, while workshops offer valuable self-understanding and general principles, they differ significantly from our one-on-one Programs. Programs are deeply personalized interventions tailored to your unique needs, whereas workshops provide broader educational foundations. These workshops also serve as the first step for those interested in becoming licensed Davis Facilitators, allowing you to help others on their journeys.

Workshops typically run between 16-40 hours in an online, group setting (capped at 15 participants to ensure quality individual attention). This does mean they fill quickly, if you want to stay up to date with upcoming workshops, webinars, resources and stories about neurodivergence, make sure you’re signed up to our mailing list.

The Workshop path might be right for you if: 

• You want to support one individual
• You’re interested in learning the complete methodology as well as the reasoning and logic behind the program
• You want long-term flexibility in applying the techniques
• You’re looking for a more cost-effective long-term solution
• You’re interested in a career in supporting neurodivergent individuals

Programs are delivered one-on-one between facilitator, neurodivergent individual and their support person. Programs are tailored to individual needs and pace.

Working one-on-one with a Licensed Facilitator might be right If: 

• You’re seeking professional guidance for a specific individual or yourself
• You or your loved one prefers a structured program with expert support
• You are able to set aside the time to invest in the program
• You want to focus on progress rather than learning the theory and methodology
• You’re looking for a complete, guided experience

By offering this comprehensive range of solutions, we honor Ron Davis’s vision of unlocking the potential in every mind, regardless of neurotype. Each program builds on his core insight: that neurodivergence isn’t something to be “fixed,” but rather a different way of perceiving and interacting with the world—one that, with the right tools, can lead to extraordinary outcomes.

Our workshops fill up quickly due to the limited number of spots. Subscribe to our priority notification list to be the first to know when new workshop dates are announced and secure your place before they’re gone.

Neurotype support options

The beginning: uncertainty

Before we started the Davis program in early 2024, I worried we wouldn’t make progress. Sam’s world was overwhelming for him. He experienced unpleasant meltdowns, panic attacks, and showed symptoms of PTSD. His executive skills were very poor, making navigation through daily life extremely difficult.
Sam experiences what doctors call Alice in Wonderland syndrome, where his visual perception suddenly zooms images down to tiny sizes. He wears special glasses for light sensitivity and has other functional challenges that made traditional learning approaches ineffective.
It was like watching someone being handed a bicycle and asked to ride without any instructions—he would wobble and fall off, with no idea how to proceed. I felt helpless at times, wanting to support him but not knowing how to break through.

Our Davis journey begins

When we began the Davis Autism Approach program, I committed to working with Sam every other day, complementing his weekly sessions with Melanie, our Davis Facilitator. We focused on reading, writing, and the Davis Concepts.
The transformation was nothing short of incredible. Slowly, the “pennies started dropping” as Sam began to grasp fundamental life concepts. The first major breakthrough came when he understood the concepts of Cause, Effect and Consequence. For perhaps the first time, Sam began to truly understand what he had control over in his life and started clarifying long-held confusions.
Working through the Davis Autsim Approach Program with Sam changed my perspective too. As his support person, I found myself empowered by understanding these different ways of processing life, tasks, and outcomes. Concepts that would otherwise be confusing became clear, which has made my supporting abilities so much more effective.

Real-life applications: Where the magic happens

One unique aspect of my role has been helping Sam apply these concepts in real-life situations. Between his sessions with Melanie, we would practice using his new understanding in everyday scenarios.

I remember one breakthrough moment when Sam was becoming overwhelmed with a change in his routine. Previously, this would have triggered a meltdown. Instead, I watched him pause, use his Davis tools to reorient himself, and then work through the situation step by step, applying his understanding of the “change” concept we had been modelling in clay.

Another time, Sam was struggling with a social interaction at the gym—a place he now visits twice weekly. Using the concepts he learned through the Davis program, he was able to recognize the dynamics at play and navigate the situation successfully. His pride in that moment was palpable.

The beauty of the Davis Autism Approach  is that it’s experiential—it’s not about memorizing social scripts or being told how to behave. Instead, Sam gained an intuitive understanding of concepts that allowed him to think through each unique situation he encounters.

“Like a dam bursting”

The most amazing part of this journey has been watching Sam’s transformation. It was like a dam bursting — all of this experiential information had been locked up behind his struggles, and finally, the water could flow.

Since beginning the Davis Autism Approach program:

• His reading has improved dramatically—from not being able to identify anything on a page to reading at chapter level
• His confidence has soared
• Meltdowns have disappeared completely
• Panic attacks are gone
• His mental health has transformed
• He’s developed the ability to process tough life events with remarkable resilience

Sam has always been creative, quirky, and delightful, with a passion for Lego (his house is practically a Lego museum!), Star Wars, Harry Potter, and Lord of the Rings. He has a wonderful sense of humor reminiscent of Charlie Chaplin’s slapstick comedy. But now, these wonderful qualities shine even brighter because they’re not overshadowed by struggle and confusion.

Finding identity and purpose

Perhaps the most significant change I’ve witnessed is Sam’s deeper understanding of himself. He’s been able to work through questions about his sexual orientation and identity, issues he had been battling for so long. Having the tools to work through these complex aspects of self has been empowering for him. Sam feels safe to be who he is in the world.

He’s now looking toward the future with aspirations to become a security guard. This wouldn’t have seemed possible before our work with the Davis Autism Approach program.

What sets the Davis Autism Approach apart

Having explored psychology, mental health resources, and various autism interventions over the years, I’ve seen what works and what doesn’t. What sets the Davis Autism Approach apart is that it’s truly an experiential journey for a neurodiverse person.

Ron Davis, who developed this approach, is a living example of someone who embodied all the struggles and difficulties that autistic individuals face. He pushed past incredible barriers and “did the hard yards” to help others follow the path he forged.

The Davis Autism Approach doesn’t try to force autistic individuals to think and behave like neurotypical people. Instead, it creates pathways between neurodivergent and neurotypical understanding. As someone who helps implement these concepts in daily life, I’ve seen how this bridge-building approach works in practical, life-changing ways.

My message to other support people

If you’re worried about where your child or the person you support fits in the world, Ron’s work offers a guiding light, an opportunity to engage with the world around them in a way that gives them a sense of belonging and home.

The Davis Autism Approach creates a foundation for understanding executive function, emotions, and social dynamics without the frustration that comes with traditional approaches. Every time I see the effects of it, I’m amazed at how powerful it is.

For me personally, being part of this process has been incredibly rewarding. As a support person, the Davis Autism Approach Program has given me tools and understanding that have made my role more effective and fulfilling. It’s cleared the ground really quickly and has transformed not just how I support Sam, but how I view neurodiversity as a whole.

The journey continues

Sam’s journey—and mine alongside him—continues to unfold. What once seemed impossible now happens regularly. Challenges that would have derailed him completely are now navigated with growing confidence.

Autistic people have an incredible ability to embrace life in ways that are unique and beautiful. The Davis Autism Approach Program has helped Sam tap into this ability while providing practical tools for navigating a complex world.

If you’re supporting someone with autism who struggles with executive function or finding their place in the world, I encourage you to explore the Davis Autism Approach Program or Workshop. It’s not just about managing symptoms or teaching coping mechanisms—it’s about building a foundation for true understanding, self-determination, and growth.

And that makes all the difference.

——

Kirsten works as a support person for individuals with autism and has witnessed firsthand the transformative effects of the Davis Autism Approach as she worked with Sam and Melanie through the program.

Davis Autism Approach Program

Elise and Logan’s Story

Before discovering the Davis Autism Approach, Elise watched Logan’s struggles with everyday life. Although Logan was non-speaking until nine years old, Elise could see a happy, intelligent boy inside. Communication barriers often triggered meltdowns especially in situations Logan couldn’t understand. One vivid memory was an airport incident. On the plane, his iPad stopped working, leading to a meltdown so intense that the family had to deplane. Simple frustrations quickly escalated into overwhelming situations for Logan and the family.

The turning point came when Elise attended the Davis Autism Approach Workshop. Inspired by Ron Davis’ own story as an autistic individual, she felt a spark of hope. The workshop’s unique methods of using clay to model abstract concepts and integrating them into real-world experiences immediately resonated. After completing the five-day workshop, Elise took Logan through the Davis Autism Approach Program. The results were life changing.

Discovering self-awareness

On the first day of the program, Logan experienced a profound moment of realization. Through the clay-based exercises, he began to understand that he was his own person, a “me” with a mind and a body. “What are these?” he asked Elise, looking at his legs. When told they were his legs, he repeated, “My legs?” Then he touched his head and exclaimed, “My mind.” “For the first time, I think he saw himself as an individual separate from the world around him,” says Elise.

This newfound self-awareness was the first breakthrough. Before the program, Logan saw the world as a single, overwhelming whole. He didn’t recognize parts or distinctions, including his own role within it. The Davis Autism Approach helped him understand he IS a part of it, creating a foundation for growth and connection.

Building life skills through clay

The program’s hands-on methods made all the difference. Using clay, Logan and Elise modelled key life concepts like cause and effect, responsibility, and emotions. The tactile, visual nature of the exercises helped him internalize these ideas in a way that traditional therapies had not. For example, now, when faced with a stressful situation, he will use his clay model of himself to understand the outcomes and make choices. A particularly successful instance of using this technique occurred on a school trip, when his earbuds stopped working on the plane. Elise was filled with fear from the previous incident of having to deplane. Logan used these newfound strategies to understand the how his actions would affect the situation and used his emotional regulation tools to manage his emotions. Instead of melting down, he took deep breaths, acknowledged his anger, and found a way to cope.

Through these exercises, Logan learned to understand consequences. If he said or did something hurtful, he could model the situation with clay to see how his actions affected others. This approach gave him a new way to process experiences and make better decisions.

Elise highlights how much easier bedtime has become. Now that Logan can understand the consequences of staying up late and not getting enough sleep, he’s willing to go to bed, an outcome she had never thought possible.

Rapid growth and new horizons

The progress Logan made during the program was remarkable. Within months, his confidence and abilities soared. He began reading, writing, and even creating. Despite struggling with basic math concepts before, he developed an understanding of algebra and geometry. His imagination flourished, he started building a “world” in his backyard, writing books, and even planning a television series with over 150 episodes.

For Elise, the changes were equally transformative. She learned how to better support Logan while also rediscovering her own sense of self. The life concepts covered in the Davis Autism Approach Workshop and Program are applicable to anyone of any age. For Elise, it’s improved her own decision-making strategies and reinforced boundaries.

Living a different life

Family life became lighter and more balanced. After the program, they took a trip to Hawaii – most parents of Autistic individuals will understand how impossible that thought is. Logan loved the trip – he tried new foods, enjoyed bus rides, and even went zip-lining and surfing. He adapted to changes in schedule, something that had previously been a major challenge. He now dreams of going to college and has started planning his future.

Since the Davis Autism Approach, Logan has been able to attend school for three days a week, where previously he was home-schooled. Logan’s teacher wants to try the clay modelling with the rest of the class, after seeing how Logan modelling the waves and how energy moves through them, she saw the benefits the rest of the class could gain from this type of hands-on learning.

With outings no longer ending in chaos, Logan went on his first school trip with 92 children. Logan remained calm and engaged, a stark contrast to previous experiences. His ability to handle stress, communicate his needs, and navigate social situations had improved dramatically. He attended loud musicals, a large state hockey game and navigated walking down the Las Vegas strip!

A program that empowers the whole family

The Davis Autism Approach is not just for the individual, it’s a journey for the entire family. The tools provided in the Davis Autism Approach Workshop can be used for regulating stress and navigating outcomes for tricky situations.

The program also fostered a deeper connection between the family. They developed a shared language and methods to communicate effectively. Using the life concepts, they could navigate challenges together, whether it was managing expectations or planning a daily routine or even showing each other their energy levels. Elise says, “Our entire life is Davis now, but a lighter version”.

Why the Davis Autism Approach Stands Out

Unlike other interventions that focus on specific skills or behaviors, the Davis Autism Approach takes a holistic view. It addresses the individual’s entire experience of life, teaching them how to navigate the world with clarity and confidence. The program is rooted in respect and understanding, empowering autistic individuals to embrace their uniqueness while gaining the tools they need to thrive.

This approach also prioritizes the involvement of support people. Parents, educators, and therapists are equipped with the knowledge and tools to guide the individual’s journey. The workshop provides a comprehensive foundation, ensuring that everyone involved feels confident and prepared.

A Message for Other Parents

For parents who feel lost, exhausted, or uncertain about the future, the Davis Autism Approach offers hope. Elise’s story is a testament to the program’s power to transform lives. Logan, once overwhelmed by the world, is now exploring it with joy and confidence. Elise, once consumed by stress, has found balance and connection.

“It’s a commitment,” Elise says, “but it’s a fun commitment. The results come quickly, and they last. This isn’t just an intervention; it’s a way of life. It’s about showing the big picture of life and how to live it.”

The Davis Autism Approach is more than a program. It’s a journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and growth—for both the individual and their family. If you’re searching for a way to truly connect with your child and help them unlock their potential, this might just be the answer you’ve been looking for.

Are you ready to take this path?

We have workshops availalbe in multiple timezones, head to the Events Calendar to find one that works for you.

If you would like to have a chat to one of our Licensed Presenters to see if this is the right fit for you, contact us for an obligation free Discovery Call.

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Life is full of abstract concepts. These include change, time, and responsibility. For neurodivergent individuals, understanding these ideas can be challenging because they are often not concrete or visible. Many parents of neurodivergent children struggle to explain these ideas and adults with executive functioning difficulties face similar challenges. This blog post explores what it’s like for individuals when these concepts are fuzzy, and what it’s like when these concepts become clear. It also offers practical strategies to make them more accessible. Whether you’re a parent or an adult seeking clarity, this guide will help.

The struggle with abstract life concepts

Everyday life requires us to navigate abstract ideas. Neurotypical individuals often take this for granted. For neurodivergent individuals, it can feel overwhelming. For example, concepts like “consequence” or “time” are not tangible. They cannot be touched or seen. This makes them harder to grasp.

Consider this common scenario. You ask your child to put on their shoes. Fifteen minutes later, they are distracted by something else and their shoes are still not on! Or think about the adult who underestimates how long a task will take before they head out the door to an appointment, which they end up late for. These struggles stem from a lack of clarity about abstract concepts.

Why is this the case? Neurodivergent individuals are often visual and hands-on learners. They excel in creative and imaginative thinking and often spend much time in their delightful thought world, in which anything can happen. Not being present in the physical world for much of the time can impact their ability to accurately experience the passage of time, to gain a consistent understanding of true cause and effect, or to create an inherent sense of order, to name a few abstract, but fundamental concepts.

The Davis Method: Making abstract concepts concrete

The Davis Concepts for Life program and workshops offer tools to address these challenges. It uses hands-on techniques to clarify abstract ideas. As you can see with the examples above, clients use clay to model concepts like change or consequence. This approach is effective because it aligns with how neurodivergent individuals learn best: visual and hands-on. And because the creativity process and the learning process cannot be separated, the learning of these concepts becomes fully internalized and easily transferrable, rather than simply rote learned.

Key benefits of the Davis Method includes:

• Improved clarity of abstract concepts
• Greater willingness to try new experiences
• Enhanced ability to predict outcomes
• Increased confidence and independence

Next Steps

If you or your child struggles with life concepts, consider exploring the Davis Program. You can:

1. Attend a Davis Concepts for Life Workshop. This program is ideal for parents, teachers, and caregivers. After completing the workshop, you will be equipped to take an individual through the Concepts for Life Program

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2. Work one-on-one with a Licensed Davis Facilitator. They provide personalized guidance on your journey through the Davis Concepts for Life Program

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Both options offer practical tools and strategies. These can lead to meaningful and lasting change.

For more information, book a free, no obligation discovery call. Take the first step toward clarity and empowerment today.

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Breaking free from social anxiety

The second major change came with my ability to function in social settings. For years, I was physically ill and completely overwhelmed at parties, meetings, and restaurants. I became very anxious, withdrawn, and hypersensitive to noise. If alcohol was available, I always took it so that I could appear “normal” and try and blend in. My Facilitator took me to a restaurant, where we went through the tools I could use to focus, function, and enjoy myself. With each step, I became more self-aware, focusing on our conversation, slowing down my mind, and lowering my energy level. Things were workable for the first time in my entire life. I am happy to say that I have had many successful and enjoyable gatherings in restaurants, at parties, and in professional settings since I finished my Davis® Mastery for Dyslexia program.

Visual thinking

Because I am a visual thinker, my issues with memory, retention, and processing were from years of trying to learn things traditionally. I was able to do well if I had multiple-choice, but I could not regurgitate the information easily in an essay form or verbally. I had adapted to remembering things with “nicknames” so, on a multiple-choice test, if it was not a spelling test or the words were not spelled similarly, I could do well. This was double the work, but because I think very quickly, nobody noticed.

I have a good memory — I think in pictures, not words. This interfered with my reading process, I was not reading the words as words, but creating pictures, this led to difficulty relaying information. My pictures were not specific enough to identify terms.

The exercise that changed my world was making the alphabet with clay. My picture brain now remembers/visualizes the alphabet both forwards and backward. To this day, I can still verbalize the alphabet backward. It was amazing to realize that I can learn information just as well as anyone else — I just do it differently.

When the program ended, I was overwhelmed but excited and hopeful. The program was challenging, but I learned new ways of doing things I had been attempting to do forever.

My Facilitator, Jacalyn, was my cheerleader, supporting me when things got tough. I know there are other adults out there that are like me, I hope that my experience will give them the courage and understanding to reach out for help. I owe so much to my Facilitator for helping me have self-confidence, for showing me that thinking differently is a gift, and for supporting me as I continue to work on who I am and how I work best.

Note: Kristiina completed a Davis® Mastery for Dyslexia program. The program is based on the insights and strategies that enabled Ron Davis, a severely dyslexic individual, to overcome his own reading difficulties at the age of 38. The program is a transformational learning experience that embraces the unique and wonderful ways of thinking and perceiving experienced by people with Dyslexia. It then uses those perceptual strengths to overcome the challenges caused by that creative way of thinking.