Rehabilitation Program for Dyslexic Children: Multidisciplinary Scientific Approach
Our support program for "dys" children combines audio-psycho-phonology, Giger MD therapy and functional medicine. This winning combination acts on motor skills, listening, language and neuro-metabolic balance, in order to strengthen the foundations of learning (reading, writing, attention, posture, regulation).
Does your child reverse letters, struggle to read, tire quickly in class? Are you observing their daily efforts without seeing significant progress? You are not alone. In Switzerland, 5 to 10% of children are affected by DYS disorders (dyslexia, dyspraxia, dysphasia).
✓ Good news: over 70% of our young patients see lasting improvement in their symptoms thanks to our multidisciplinary scientific program.
🎯 First free consultation Assess your child's needs without obligation (30 min)
📞 Available Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 6:30 pm
Understanding DYS disorders: dyslexia, dyspraxia, dysphasia
DYS disorders encompass several neurodevelopmental difficulties that affect your child's learning:
🔤 Dyslexia Specific reading learning difficulty. The child may reverse letters (b/d, p/q), confuse similar sounds, read slowly and with effort, have difficulty memorizing spelling.
🖐️ Dyspraxia Motor coordination disorder. The child may be clumsy, have difficulties in writing (dysgraphia), cutting, sports, and spatial organization.
💬 Dysphasia Oral language development disorder. The child may have difficulty expressing themselves clearly, constructing sentences, finding their words, or understanding complex instructions.
The links between motor skills, listening and learning
Neuroscience research demonstrates that these disorders are not isolated. They reflect a complex neurodevelopmental organization involving:
The vestibular system (balance and coordination)
Central auditory processing (speech sound discrimination)
Sensorimotor integration (brain-body coordination)
The neurometabolic environment (nutrition and brain function)
This is why a comprehensive and integrative approach gives significantly superior results to isolated interventions.
Our scientific approach based on neuroplasticity
Our program is based on recent advances in neuroscience, particularly the concept of neuroplasticity: the brain's ability to reorganize and create new neural connections throughout life.
💡 Key principle: The human brain has billions of neurons, each connected to about 4000 other neurons. When coordinated and repeated stimulations are applied, the central nervous system can relearn and reorganize, even after injuries or in cases of neurodevelopmental disorders.
Neural synchronization: scientific foundation of our approach
Professor Giselher Schalow's work on self-organization of neural networks has demonstrated that:
Phase/frequency coordination between neurons is essential for central nervous system organization
Coordinated rhythmic movements of all four limbs simultaneously stimulate several brain areas
Repetition of precise motor patterns promotes inter-hemispheric synchronization, crucial for reading and writing
Coordinated sensory inputs (auditory, proprioceptive, vestibular) strengthen neural plasticity
Scientific reference: Schalow G. "Scientific basis of the GIGER MD medical device", Combo Ltd., 2021. Human neurophysiological studies show that self-organization of premotor spinal oscillators and coordination between motoneurons and afferents can be restored by repetitive coordinated movements.
The 3 pillars of our multidisciplinary program
Our approach combines three complementary methods that work synergistically to optimize your child's neurological development.
1️⃣ Giger MD® Therapy: reorganizing brain-body connections
What is it?
The Giger MD® is a certified medical device that enables intensive neuromotor rehabilitation through rhythmic and cross-pattern movements of all four limbs (arms, legs, trunk) in a supine position.
How does it work?
The child lies comfortably and performs coordinated pedaling movements with hands and feet. The device guarantees precise coordination to the thousandth of a second between movements, which is impossible to reproduce manually.
This sensorimotor stimulation simultaneously activates:
The cerebellum (fine motor coordination, gesture automatization)
The brainstem (postural regulation, balance)
Spinal locomotor centers (movement patterns)
The motor cortex (planning and execution of voluntary movements)
📋 Precise protocol
✓ Session duration: 20 minutes ✓ Frequency: once a week ✓ Complete program: 9 sessions (9 weeks) ✓ Minimum age: 6 years ✓ Location: Activate Center, Geneva ✓ Reimbursement: Covered by LAMal
Observed results
From the first sessions (4-5 sessions), parents and teachers often notice:
Improved general coordination and balance
Better posture at school and during writing
More fluid graphic gesture (less laborious writing)
Increased concentration in class
Reduced fatigue during school tasks
Improved lateralization (left/right distinction)
"After only 5 Giger MD sessions, Clara gained confidence. She actively participates in class, asks questions and seeks adult help when necessary. Her academic results have significantly improved, particularly in reading and writing." — Parent, Geneva
Scientific basis
Published clinical studies show that Giger MD therapy allows significant improvement of integrated CNS functions in children with neurodevelopmental disorders, including dyspraxia and motor coordination disorders often associated with dyslexia.
Reference: "Rehabilitation approach using the GIGER MD device in children with neurogenic conditions", Frontiers in Neurology, 2023. The study demonstrates that coordinated rhythmic movements stimulate neuroplasticity and reorganization of damaged or underdeveloped neural networks.
2️⃣ Audio-psycho-phonology: retraining listening and language
What is it?
Audio-psycho-phonology is an auditory stimulation method based on the work of Dr. Alfred Tomatis. It uses filtered music (mainly Mozart) diffused via special bone and air conduction headphones. Audio-vocal training is also implemented to improve reading.
Why is it important for dyslexia?
Recent research shows that many dyslexic children have:
Insufficient auditory discrimination of similar phonemes (p/b, t/d, f/v)
Un-established auditory lateralization (unclear directing ear)
Slow processing of auditory information
Weak phonological awareness (difficulty segmenting words into sounds)
Audio-psycho-phonology targets these deficits by retraining the auditory system to process sounds more effectively.
How does it work?
The program uses:
Filtered music: frequencies are electronically modulated to specifically stimulate deficient auditory areas
Sound switches: amplification of highs and reduction of lows based on music's dynamic intensity to mobilize attentional mechanisms.
Lateralization: progressive switch to the right ear to establish lateralization on the language area located in the left hemisphere, specialized in linguistic processing
High-pass filters: emphasis on middle frequencies (French consonants zone) to improve phonemic discrimination
Bone conduction: direct stimulation of the inner ear via skull bones, activating the vestibular system (balance and coordination)
📋 Complete protocol
Step 1: initial assessment ✓ Duration: 1h30 ✓ Cost: CHF 130 ✓ Includes: listening test, specific dyslexia questionnaire, needs assessment
Step 2: home or on-site listening program ✓ 3 intensives of 10 consecutive days ✓ 1 hour of listening per day with headphones ✓ 1-month break between each intensive (integration period) ✓ Total: 30 sessions spread over approximately 3 months
Step 3: follow-up assessments ✓ Before each intensive (to adapt the program) ✓ 2 months after completion (to evaluate lasting progress)
✓ Minimum age: 4 years ✓ Equipment: headphone and audio player rental ✓ Reimbursement: possible via supplementary insurance if done on site
What does the child do during listening?
Important: Listening is done during activities, not sitting passively. Your child can:
Do motor activities (draw, color, cut, manipulate modeling clay)
Play quietly (puzzles, construction, fine motor games)
Rest or simply lie down
❌ No screens during listening (television, tablet, computer)
Observed results
Improvements generally appear from the first intensive session:
After 10 days (1st intensive session):
Better reading fluency
Clearer articulation
Increased auditory attention in class
After the complete program (3 intensive sessions):
Significant reading improvement (speed and comprehension)
Better prosody (speech rhythm and intonation)
Vocabulary enrichment
Progress in spelling
Increased self-confidence
Prolonged concentration
Improved motor coordination (link with vestibular system)
✓ These improvements are lasting: observed benefits generally persist for several years after the program, as the nervous system has been retrained in depth.
Scientific basis
Recent neuroimaging studies show that auditory interventions can modify neuroplasticity and improve phonological processing in dyslexic children:
A study published in Clinical Neurophysiology (2024) demonstrates that vocal music stimulation improves neural responses to speech sound changes in infants at risk for dyslexia
Research from the University of Helsinki shows that passive listening to filtered music positively influences phonological development
Work on assistive listening devices shows improved neural encoding stability translating to better reading skills
Reference: Navarrete-Arroyo S. et al. "Beneficial effects of a music listening intervention on neural speech processing in infants at risk for dyslexia", Clinical Neurophysiology, 2024. The study demonstrates that even passive listening to vocal music can improve early phonological processing.
3️⃣ Functional medicine: optimizing the neuro-metabolic terrain
Why is the nutritional approach important?
Many DYS children have an inflammatory or deficient terrain that can worsen their difficulties:
Magnesium deficiency: impairs synaptic transmission and increases fatigue
Omega-3 (DHA) deficiency: essential for myelination and neuronal membrane fluidity
Zinc deficiency: impacts neurogenesis and concentration
B vitamin deficiency: reduces cerebral cellular energy
Glycemic instability: causes attention and energy fluctuations
Our simple and targeted approach
We do not perform invasive tests. Based on a detailed questionnaire and clinical evaluation, we offer basic nutritional support adapted to the specific needs of DYS children.
Typically recommended supplements
🧠 Magnesium → Improves nerve transmission, reduces fatigue, promotes restorative sleep
🐟 Omega-3 (EPA/DHA) → Essential component of neuronal membranes, anti-inflammatory, improves concentration
⚡ B vitamins (B complex) → Cellular energy production, neurotransmitter synthesis, stress management
🔬 Zinc → Neurogenesis, cognitive function, attention modulation
Who supports you?
Nutritional recommendations are formulated by an FMCA health coach (Functional Medicine Coaching Academy), specialized in pediatric functional approach.
⚕️ Important: We do not replace medical follow-up. If your child has particular health problems, we work in collaboration with their pediatrician or treating physician.
Observed benefits
Metabolic terrain optimization often enables:
Increased energy throughout the day
Better sustained attention in class
Improved working memory
Facilitated emotional regulation (less irritability, reduced frustrations)
Increased motivation for learning
Better quality sleep
Scientific basis
Cognitive nutrition research demonstrates the direct impact of micronutrients on brain functions:
Magnesium modulates synaptic plasticity and hippocampal neurogenesis
DHA represents 40% of polyunsaturated fatty acids in the brain and is crucial for myelination
B vitamins are essential cofactors in neurotransmitter synthesis (dopamine, serotonin, GABA)
The synergy: why combine these 3 approaches?
Each pillar acts on a different but complementary aspect of neurological development:
| Approach | Main target | Impact on dyslexia | |
| Giger MD® | Neuromotor coordination | Improves posture, writing, lateralization, balance | |
| Audio-psycho-phono | Central auditory processing | Improves phonological discrimination, reading, speech | |
| Functional med. | Metabolic environment | Optimizes energy, attention, memory, mood | |
💡 Result: By acting simultaneously on motor skills, listening and metabolism, we create optimal conditions for your child's brain to reorganize and develop new learning strategies.
How does the support work? (patient journey)
📞 STEP 1: Free consultation (30 min) Objective: Assess your child's specific needs Format: Phone or video interview with a therapist Content: Discussion on observed difficulties, history, objectives Without obligation: this consultation does not commit you to anything
📊 STEP 2: Audio-psycho-phonology assessment (1h30) Cost: CHF 130 Content: Listening test, dyslexia questionnaire, auditory evaluation Result: Personalized recommendations on program duration and type
🚀 STEP 3: Program launch (4-5 months) Weeks 1-9: Giger MD (1 session/week at center) + Audio-psycho-phonology at home (1st intensive of 10 days) 1-month break: Neurological integration Continuation: 2nd then 3rd audio intensive with Giger MD in parallel Nutrition: Supplements started from the beginning of the program
📈 STEP 4: Follow-up and evaluations Regular assessments: Before each audio intensive Final evaluation: 2 months after program completion Long-term follow-up: Possibility of booster sessions if necessary
⏱️ Total duration: 4 to 5 months on average for a complete program 📍 Location: Activate Center, Rue de la Pélisserie 18, 1204 Geneva (Giger MD sessions) + home or on-site (audio-psycho-phonology)
Testimonials and observed results
"Clara gets very good grades in all subjects and her progress is impressive! We congratulate her for her results and the determination she showed this term in all areas. Clara seems to have gained confidence. She actively participates in all lessons, asks questions and seeks out adults when needed." — School report after program, Geneva
📊 Data figures
Over 70% of children who followed our complete program see lasting improvement in their symptoms, including:
Improved reading speed and fluency
Reduced letter reversals
Better reading comprehension
More legible writing and less tiring
Significantly increased self-confidence
Regained school motivation
Reduced fatigue during homework
✓ These improvements are lasting: Observed benefits generally persist for several years after the program, as we work on neurological foundations rather than symptom compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
❓ From what age can we start?
Audio-psycho-phonology: from 4 years Giger MD: from 5 years (from 1m20)
The ideal is to start as soon as difficulties are identified, as the young brain has maximum plasticity.
❓ How long does the program last?
Total duration: 4 to 5 months on average for a complete program
• Giger MD: 9 weeks (9 sessions) • Audio-psycho-phonology: 3 intensives of 10 days spread over 3 months • Functional medicine: throughout the program
❓ Does my child have to stop other therapies?
No, absolutely not. Our approach is complementary to speech therapy, psychological follow-up or any other support your child is already receiving.
We work on neurological foundations (coordination, auditory processing, metabolism), while speech therapy specifically targets written and oral language. Both approaches reinforce each other.
❓ Does this replace speech therapy?
No, our program does not replace speech therapy.
Speech therapy works on reading strategies, spelling, text comprehension, etc. Our program strengthens the neurological foundations that allow speech therapy to be more effective.
Think of it as solid foundations on which speech therapy can build more effectively.
❓ Are there reimbursements?
Yes: • Giger MD: reimbursed by LAMal (mandatory basic insurance) • Audio-psycho-phonology: possible reimbursement via supplementary insurance (according to your contract) • Nutritional supplements: generally not reimbursed
We advise you to check your coverage before starting the program.
❓ Can my child do the program at home?
Partially: • Audio-psycho-phonology: ✅ At home (1h/day with rented headphones, but no insurance reimbursement in this case) • Functional medicine: ✅ At home (taking supplements) • Giger MD: ❌ Requires coming to the center (1x/week)
The Giger MD device being a specialized medical device, sessions must be done at the Activate Center in Geneva. Audio-psycho-phonology is covered by supplementary insurance when follow-up is done on site.
❓ What results can we expect?
Results vary for each child, but our experience shows that: • About 70% of children see lasting improvement • First results often appear from 4-5 Giger MD sessions and after the first intensive audio-psycho-phonology session • Improvements concern: reading, writing, concentration, self-confidence, coordination • Benefits are lasting over time (several years)
Important: each child progresses at their own pace. Some experience spectacular improvements, others more gradual but equally significant progress.
❓ My child has dyspraxia in addition to dyslexia, is the program suitable?
Yes, absolutely. Our approach is particularly adapted to children with several associated DYS disorders.
Giger MD works specifically on motor coordination (dyspraxia), audio-psycho-phonology on language (dyslexia/dysphasia), and functional medicine optimizes overall nervous system functioning.
❓ What if my child cannot come every week?
We understand family constraints. Regularity is important to optimize results, but we can adapt the schedule if necessary.
Contact us to discuss your specific situation and find the best solution.
Comparison table: our program vs other approaches
| Approach | Target | Duration | Reimbursement | |
| Speech therapy alone | Written/oral language | 1-2 years+ | ✅ Yes (LAMal) | |
| Neuropsychology | Cognition, evaluation | Variable | ⚠️ Partial | |
| ⭐ Our Activate program | Neuromotor + Auditory + Metabolic | 4-5 months | ✅ Yes (LAMal + Suppl.) | |
✓ Advantage of our approach: By acting on several systems simultaneously, we optimize the chances of improvement and reduce the time needed to obtain significant results.
Practical information
📍 Activate Center
Address in Geneva: rue de la Pélisserie 18, 1st floor, 1204 Geneva
Address in Lausanne: avenue Alexandre Vinet 25, 2nd floor, 1004 Lausanne
Hours: Monday to Friday, by appointment only
Contact: Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 6:30 pm
Coverage area: Geneva, neighboring France, Lausanne and surroundings.
Ready to help your child regain confidence?
Over 70% of our young patients rediscover the pleasure of learning. What if it was your child's turn?
✓ Without obligation ✓ 30 minutes of discussion with a qualified therapist ✓ Personalized assessment of your child's needs
Or call us directly Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 6:30 pm at +41 22 577 55 50
Scientific references:
Schalow G. "Scientific basis of the GIGER MD medical device", Combo Ltd., 2021
"Rehabilitation approach using the GIGER MD device in children", Frontiers in Neurology, 2023
Navarrete-Arroyo S. et al. "Beneficial effects of music listening intervention on neural speech processing in infants at risk for dyslexia", Clinical Neurophysiology, 2024
Malak R. et al. "The role of Tomatis sound therapy in the treatment of reading difficulties in children with developmental dyslexia", 2017
Hornickel J. et al. "Assistive listening devices drive neuroplasticity in children with dyslexia", PNAS, 2012