A scientific Watergate, dyslexia

From The Critics

Reviewer: Scott J. Hunter, MD(Rush University Medical Center)
Description: This book is an attempt to present one physician's ideas about the origin and treatment of dyslexia, presenting letters and testimonials by patients whom he has treated. It is poorly organized and, ultimately, unscientific.
Purpose: The title refers to the author's contention that his work has been suppressed in a "Watergate-like" conspiracy against him. It loosely describes his belief that dyslexia's origins are in the cerebellum and vestibular system. Unfortunately, it fails to do this well enough to allow consideration of his ideas.
Audience: It appears to be targeted at a general audience, made up mostly of parents who are unhappy with the current services and treatment their dyslexic children are receiving. The author attempts to convince the reader that practitioners who read his book might change their minds about "his ideas."
Features: Sadly, the book is poorly organized, badly edited, and inadequately referenced. The illustrations consist principally of photographs of Dr. Levinson's former and current patients. There is little information provided that allows the reader to objectively assess Dr. Levinson's assertions.
Assessment: Dr. Levinson fails to substantiate his ideas beyond patient testimonials, and his book cannot provide the needed support for his targeted audience, persons who might be more receptive to his work. I do not recommend this book.

Scott J. Hunter

This book is an attempt to present one physician's ideas about the origin and treatment of dyslexia, presenting letters and testimonials by patients whom he has treated. It is poorly organized and, ultimately, unscientific. The title refers to the author's contention that his work has been suppressed in a "Watergate-like" conspiracy against him. It loosely describes his belief that dyslexia's origins are in the cerebellum and vestibular system. Unfortunately, it fails to do this well enough to allow consideration of his ideas. It appears to be targeted at a general audience, made up mostly of parents who are unhappy with the current services and treatment their dyslexic children are receiving. The author attempts to convince the reader that practitioners who read his book might change their minds about "his ideas." Sadly, the book is poorly organized, badly edited, and inadequately referenced. The illustrations consist principally of photographs of Dr. Levinson's former and current patients. There is little information provided that allows the reader to objectively assess Dr. Levinson's assertions. Dr. Levinson fails to substantiate his ideas beyond patient testimonials, and his book cannot provide the needed support for his targeted audience, persons who might be more receptive to his work. I do not recommend this book.

1 Star from Doody