Dyslexia Intervention Programs

Child struggling with reading? Davis & Cellfield dyslexia programs in Centurion, Middelburg & Sandton. UK-trained, registered Educational Psychologist.

If your child faces reading or spelling difficulties, our tailored dyslexia intervention programs can help them do more than cope. We offer two options in Centurion and Middelburg: Davis Methods for dyslexia (based on Ron Davis’s approach described in The Gift of Dyslexia) and the Cellfield Reading Intervention Programme. This is not “extra tuition”. It is structured support built for how dyslexic learners think and learn.

We often travel for intervention sessions, so families outside our practice areas aren’t left without options. There’s also a temporary office in Sandton for those in the Johannesburg area.

If you’ve been searching for “dyslexia correction” in South Africa, our focus is practical progress through the right intervention for your child, with clear guidance for home and school. As a registered Educational Psychologist (HPCSA Reg. No: PS 0158127), Ronita Engelbrecht will recommend the best fit after an initial dyslexia assessment and learning profile review.

Who might benefit

You might consider this if your child:

• Reads slowly, skips or guesses words
• Spells inconsistently or struggles with phonics
• Avoids writing or becomes frustrated easily
• Shows signs of attention issues alongside reading struggles
• Is bright, but underperforms in school

If you haven’t yet confirmed dyslexia, consider starting with a thorough psychoeducational assessment to identify the specific learning profile.

Many children with dyslexia have creativity, curiosity, and strengths that get blocked by language struggles. The program helps free those strengths.

What we do

• Initial assessment (dyslexia test): We pinpoint how dyslexia presents for your child and what is getting in the way (accuracy, fluency, spelling, comprehension, attention, or all of the above).
• Personalised intervention: One-on-one sessions using the approach that best fits your child (Davis Methods for dyslexia, Cellfield, or a planned combination). Sessions are structured, multi-sensory, and carefully paced.
• Parent involvement: You’ll get practical guidance to support reading at home without adding more overwhelm, plus recommendations you can share with the school if needed.
• Tailored pace: Some children progress quickly, others need steadier support over time. We focus on solid foundations and sustainable confidence.

How Davis Methods work

Davis Methods for dyslexia are a hands-on, drug-free approach based on Ron Davis’s work, as described in his book The Gift of Dyslexia. Many dyslexic learners think in pictures and can become confused or overwhelmed when symbols on the page stop feeling stable or clear. If you are new to this approach, my guide on understanding dyslexia and the Davis Method for parents walks through the signs, how testing works in South Africa, and what treatment options look like.

This approach focuses on:

• Helping the learner notice when focus slips and how to reset it
• Building stronger, more consistent symbol recognition
• One-on-one, practical sessions using multi-sensory activities
• Strengthening the alphabet, common words, and the building blocks for reading and spelling
• Flexible scheduling: offered as an intensive block or spread over sessions, depending on your child’s needs

How Cellfield works

Cellfield is a technology-supported reading intervention that targets the processing skills that support reading and comprehension. It uses structured computer-based exercises to strengthen how the brain links what the eyes see with what the ears hear.

What to expect:

• Initial dyslexia assessment (dyslexia test) and baseline measures to plan the programme
• Structured computer-based exercises targeting visual and auditory processing
• Decoding and fluency become more automatic and less effortful over time
• Usually delivered in a short, focused phase (often around 10 one-hour sessions over 2–3 weeks)
• Follow-up sessions to reinforce and build on gains
• Progress monitored throughout, with the plan adjusted as needed

Which option is right for your child

Both options support dyslexic learners, but they work in different ways:

In some cases, a combination of both approaches over time may be recommended based on your child's progress and needs.

Not sure which to choose? You don’t have to decide alone. If you’re looking for dyslexia support in Centurion and across Gauteng (or in Middelburg), we’ll guide you to the best option after the assessment and first consultation.

What changes you’ll see

• Improved fluency and confidence when reading
• More consistent and accurate spelling
• Less tension over homework time
• Shift in mindset: your child may begin to accept “I can learn this” rather than “I’m just bad at reading”
• School environments that better understand and support their needs

For children who also experience anxiety or emotional challenges related to reading struggles, individual play therapy can provide additional support.

Because Ronita studied dyslexia methods in the UK and is well-versed in South African exam accommodation (concession) criteria, our intervention is uniquely positioned to help learners in this local context. See types of IEB concessions and accommodations for a plain-language overview of what’s available.

Related Support

These services may also be relevant:

• Psychoeducational Assessments: The formal assessment that confirms dyslexia and opens the door to exam accommodations
• Individual Play Therapy / Child Counselling: For the anxiety, low self-esteem, or frustration that so often accompanies reading struggles
• Exam Stress Management: If academic pressure or exam worries are adding to your child’s stress

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Davis Methods for dyslexia?

Davis Methods for dyslexia are based on Ron Davis’s approach as described in The Gift of Dyslexia. Rather than relying only on phonics drills, the focus is on helping learners manage disorientation, improve symbol recognition, and build steady reading and spelling skills through practical, multi-sensory work. It is often a good fit for visual-spatial learners who think in pictures.

What is the Cellfield Reading Intervention Programme?

Cellfield is a technology-supported reading intervention that targets key processing skills needed for reading. It uses structured computer-based exercises that work on visual and auditory processing, as well as the “bridge” between them. The goal is to help reading become more accurate, more fluent, and less effortful, with progress tracked across the programme.

How long does the dyslexia intervention program take?

Program length varies by individual needs. Intensive programs may run 5 days consecutively, while others spread sessions over several weeks or months. Most children see meaningful improvements in 3-6 months. We progress at your child’s pace, ensuring strategies are solid before moving forward.

What age is best to start dyslexia intervention?

We can work with learners from age 6/7 onwards (typically Grade 1+) when reading patterns are established. Earlier intervention generally leads to faster progress, but it’s never too late. We’ve successfully helped high school learners and even adults.

Will this help with CAPS curriculum requirements?

Yes. Our intervention supports the reading, spelling, comprehension, and writing skills learners need across CAPS, IEB, and Cambridge contexts.

Can my child get exam accommodations for dyslexia?

Yes. If your child has a formal dyslexia diagnosis (via psychoeducational assessment), they may qualify for exam accommodations (also known as exam concessions) including extra time, use of a reader or scribe, or assistive technology for NSC, IEB, or Cambridge exams. We can guide you through the application process and provide supporting documentation.

How much does dyslexia intervention cost?

Costs depend on the program format and duration. Intensive programs may have package pricing. Contact us for a detailed quote based on your child’s specific needs and recommended program structure.

Do you work with schools?

Yes. We can communicate with teachers, provide school-based recommendations, and help implement support strategies in the classroom. Many South African schools are increasingly dyslexia-aware, and we can guide them on effective approaches to support your child.

Where can I get my child tested for dyslexia in South Africa?

An Educational Psychologist can assess for dyslexia as part of a psychoeducational assessment. This is the most thorough option and provides documentation for school and exam accommodations. In Centurion and Middelburg, I offer dyslexia assessments followed by intervention if needed. Testing involves reading, spelling, phonological processing, and cognitive assessments to understand the full picture. My guide explains how to get your child tested for dyslexia in South Africa and what to ask about the assessment.

Who treats dyslexia in children?

Dyslexia is addressed through specialised intervention programs rather than medical treatment. Educational Psychologists, specialised tutors, and reading specialists can all provide dyslexia intervention. The key is using evidence-based approaches like Davis Methods or Cellfield (which I offer) rather than generic tutoring. With proper intervention, children with dyslexia can become confident readers.

Does dyslexia affect adults too?

Yes. Many adults were never formally diagnosed as children and have developed coping strategies that mask their dyslexia. If you suspect adult dyslexia, assessment is still valuable. It can explain lifelong reading challenges and open doors to workplace accommodations or further study support. I work with adults seeking late diagnosis and can recommend intervention options.

What’s the difference between dyslexia and being a slow reader?

Dyslexia is a specific neurological difference in how the brain processes written language. Children with dyslexia typically have average or above-average intelligence but struggle disproportionately with reading, spelling, and sometimes writing. A slow reader might simply need more practice, while a dyslexic child needs specialised intervention targeting phonological processing. Assessment helps distinguish between the two.

Ready to get them reading freely? Reach out to us for an assessment or to talk through the best next step: Davis Methods for dyslexia, Cellfield, or a planned combination. We’ll discuss your child’s profile, answer your questions, and map clear next steps. Programs run from both our Centurion and Middelburg practices, and because we often travel for intervention work, we can usually arrange sessions closer to you, or at our temporary Sandton office.