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Include Duchenne Project

What is the Include Duchenne Project?‘

Include Duchenne’ is an exciting new education project funded by Action Duchenne, the National Lottery through the Big Lottery Fund and Children in Need. It aims to give young people with Duchenne better educational opportunities and experiences and is based on current research.

Through its ‘Decipha’ Programme learners will be able to improve their literacy skills and learn strategies for behaviour. The project will form part of a research project with the Centre for Child Research at the University of Wales, Swansea.

How does the Decipha Programme work?

Initially each child will receive a full assessment from a dyslexia specialist which will be available for families and schools to keep. The Decipha programme is an engaging, structured and systematic web-based literacy intervention programme that provides week by week teaching resources for parents and schools over a 39 week period. Through a password system, families and schools will be able to log-on to the child’s secure personal area. Here you will find training videos, information, a communication wall for contacting the Learning Expert and the chance to get in touch with other families and schools taking part in the project.

Regional workshops will be run for families and educational professionals to discuss issues that arise from the programme and share good practice.

What does research tell us?

We know that young people with Duchenne have a lot of strengths.

However, research tells us that they are at risk of developing:

1. Speech and language problems – boys with Duchenne often experience speech delay or disorder. Many find it difficult to articulate and do not understand complex instructions.

2. Specific Learning Difficulties like dyslexia. Many researchers have shown that young people with Duchenne have difficulties with reading, writing and spelling. This is caused by various problems with memory, and the ability to process sounds.

3. Behaviour issues. Some researchers suggest that these are caused by frustration with the condition. However, others are now arguing that young people with Duchenne are at risk of experiencing communication problems that are autism related and intrinsic to the nature of Duchenne.

If you would like more information then please contact the Include Duchenne Project Manager Janet Hoskin

janet@actionduchenne.org

07920297916