The Belief That It’s “Too Late”
There’s a common belief that if someone has made it through most of life without learning to read, then it’s probably too late.
However, through my work, I’ve come to learn—and to witness again and again—that it’s never too late.
Each time someone walks through my door with doubt in their eyes, I remember stories like this.
A Life Shaped by Early Messages
When he came to see me at age 65, he carried a lifetime of assumptions about his abilities.
Back when he was 13, he had been asked to leave school. The message was painfully clear: “There’s no point keeping you here.”
As a result, he grew up believing he was dumb—an unspoken burden that followed him for decades.
A Gifted Mind, Unseen by the System
But that belief couldn’t have been further from the truth.
Right from our first meeting, I could see the extraordinary perceptual gifts he had. His memory was astonishing—he could recall the full genealogy and oral history of his family, stretching back generations.
Clearly, he didn’t lack intelligence. Instead, what he had always lacked was the right kind of support.
A New Possibility Emerges
Fortunately, he had recently heard about the Davis Dyslexia Programme through someone I’d worked with before. That recommendation sparked something in him.
Though unsure at first, he was curious—and cautiously hopeful. He asked me directly: “Is it too late for me?”
Without hesitation, I told him: It’s never too late.
A Breakthrough Moment
He decided to begin the Davis Reading Programme, and what happened next was nothing short of transformational.
The very weekend after we completed the programme, he went home and did something he had never done in his entire life: he picked up a book and read it.
Not just parts of it. Not just guessing. Every single word.
Even more importantly, he understood it. The story made sense. For the first time, reading wasn’t confusing or exhausting—it was possible. Enjoyable, even.
Real, Lasting Changes
Of course, that first book was just the beginning.
In the weeks that followed, he shared how his concentration, reading fluency, and comprehension had all significantly improved. His written communication—an essential skill in his work—became much clearer and more effective.
On top of that, he had previously suffered a series of minor strokes that had affected his physical balance. Surprisingly, the tools and techniques he learned in the Davis programme also helped with his stability.
Altogether, these changes didn’t just improve his skills—they transformed his sense of self.
A Life Reclaimed
As he began to experience these shifts, his confidence started to grow.
In fact, it blossomed in ways that were deeply moving to witness. He had gone from someone who thought he was broken to someone who could finally see just how capable he truly was.
Recently, he shared these words with me:
“I am very happy with my results from doing the Davis Reading Programme with Claire, and I would not hesitate to recommend Claire as a Davis Dyslexia Programme Facilitator to others.”
Why I Do This Work
Working with him reminded me—again—why I do this work.
His courage, his openness to try, and his humour throughout the process made his journey one I’ll never forget.
Most of all, I’ll always remember the expression on his face when he told me about finishing his first book. That moment captured everything I hope to offer through the Davis Programme.
Is It Too Late? Absolutely Not.
So if you—or someone you love—has ever wondered whether it’s simply too late, I want you to hear this clearly: It’s not.
The door to learning is always open.
And I’ll be right here to help you walk through it.
Ready to Start?
Would you like to find out if the Davis Programme is right for you or someone close to you?
I’d love to help.