Davis’ Story

Davis’ story began at MindMenders when he was tested in October of his sixth grade year. He had been diagnosed at six with dyspraxia, and later with sensory integration dysfunction and “mild Asperger’s Syndrome.” He began resource class for language arts in first grade and for math in fourth grade. By the beginning of sixth grade, Davis was in resource classes for language arts, social studies, math, and science.

When Davis came to MindMenders for the SOI test, he exhibited poor eye contact, poor social skills, and anxiety in peer-group settings. He was still struggling academically, especially in math. Davis was given the Structure of Intellect Test (SOI) and Integrated Practice Protocol Screening (IPP). Davis scored in the high average to gifted range on 3 of the subtests. On the remaining 24 subtests, Davis scored from average to disabling. The IPP screening indicated that Davis was struggling with handwriting, balance, crossing midline, and focusing skills. His mother reported that he liked to read, but the SOI test indicated that he was a very inefficient reader.

That October, Davis began attending 2-hour MindMenders sessions twice a week. He had great difficulty completing the IPP exercises, and it took 4-5 months before he could walk the line heel to toe, up and back one time without falling off. Performing the trampoline and balance board exercises was a little easier, but he was extremely uncoordinated and lacked stamina.

Three months into the training, Davis retook the SOI tests and scored high average and above in 13 subtests! By the last quarter of sixth grade, Davis made the honor roll for the first time in his life!

Davis began to come out of his shell; at an ARD meeting in the spring, Davis was released from resource classes in language arts, science, and social studies. At the meeting, Davis’s science teacher commented that he would see “little sparks of genius” from Davis; two other teachers had glowing reports on Davis’ progress. He was not, however, released from math resource class because he was still working below grade level. The teacher did not want Davis to miss the TAKS Math review that would be covered in class. In April, Davis passed all sections of the TAKS test!

After the TAKS test, without any prompting, Davis reminded his math teacher about the promise to release him from resource math. Davis’ mother was shocked that he took the initiative to speak up for himself. He was moved to regular math class for the last few weeks of sixth grade.

Davis worked very hard at the beginning of 7^th grade to meet the ARD committee’s standard. He was moved to the regular math class, and he has maintained passing grades ever since.

Davis came to MindMenders for math sessions sporadically throughout 8^th grade while maintaining the honor roll. Davis chose boarding school for 9^th grade. His dad told us that Davis still struggled with algebra, but a friend tutored him almost every day. He had found his niche in athletics, and he was a star in the shot put. His first love was social studies, so he was on the 4-man team for Quiz Bowl. Davis was the social studies expert!

Davis will begin his 10^th grade year this fall. We at MindMenders agree with Davis’ mom when she called him her “Six Million Dollar Man”!

written by: Patricia Stafford, SOI Practitioner