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Home Pediatric Occupational Therapy Therapeutic
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Therapeutic Listening®
is an evidence-backed protocol that combines a sound-based intervention
with sensory integrative activities to create a comprehensive program that
is effective for diverse populations with sensory challenges. Therapeutic
Listening can impact sensory modulation, attention, behavior, postural
organization, and speech and language difficulties. Trained therapists
learn to use modulated CDs to set up programs for clients in homes,
schools and clinics. Listening is a function of the entire brain; when we
listen, we listen with the whole body. Therapeutic
Listening A tool for restoring sensory systems with:
Sensory Integration
and It’s Connection Children typically
develop sensory integration abilities in the course of regular childhood
activities. The ability to respond to sensation in an adaptive manner and
motor plan is a natural process. Yet, if this process is disordered,
problems in learning, behavior or development may occur. Many researchers
consider ‘listening’ to be a form of sensory integration that uses
sound vibration to stimulate brain processing. There continues to be
indication that some children have sensory dysfunction in the areas of
touch, movement, smell, taste, hearing and/or vision. These senses may be
either highly responsive (hypersensitive) or low to respond (hyposensitive)
to stimulation. Our senses help us to understand our world and enhance
development. If there are problems with sensory processing, the problems
will impact the mastery of fine and gross motor skills and
social/emotional development. Listening difficulties (the ability to
accurately perceive, process and respond to sounds) are often a part of
perceptual, motor, attention and learning difficulties. What is Therapeutic
Listening? Therapeutic Listening
uses sound stimulation in combination with sensory integrative techniques.
Strategies that are emphasized include vestibular, postural and movement
strategies. This treatment technique involves listening to specifically
modulated and filtered music on compact discs through headphones.
Initially treatment is carried out with a trained therapist and within a few days ‘Listening’ can take
place in the home or school. While the child is ‘Listening’ they may
be engaged in daily activities or other therapeutic activities. These
might include oral motor, respiratory, deep pressure, touch or other
activities that facilitate increased ability to perceive sensation and
integrate it for use. Other children may be more active, actually jumping,
moving through obstacle courses or performing other challenging activities
that work on postural control and organization. The Therapeutic
Listening® program evolved through the development of listening
techniques used by Alfred Tomatis and Guy Berard, French physicians, and
then integrated into a sensory processing model by Sheila Frick, a
registered occupational therapist. How Does It Work? The vestibular-cochlear
system is the attending and organizing mechanism of the middle ear.
Therapeutic listening stimulates and exercises this system as well as
their interconnections throughout the body’s central nervous system. The vestibular-cochlear
system provides the foundation for time and space organization of all the
other sensory systems. It is the first system to develop in utero and
provides the background rhythm and beat for all other learning. Individual listening
programs are designed to meet each child’s needs. The choice of music,
listening times, and types of activity programs depends on the needs of
the child. Therapeutic Listening
includes comprehensive assessment and treatment planning which addresses
listening skills in the context of the child’s daily life. A typical
program may be set for two to six months. However, some children may
continue past this time using several compact discs as part of their
sensory diet. Who Therapeutic
Listening May Help Children with the following needs or diagnoses may benefit:
What Type of
Changes Could You Observe? In general, your child’s program may involve sensory modulation, postural tone and attention, motor control and communication. Other changes you may observe:
This therapy program,
like other treatment options is not a guarantee cure. It is a treatment
technique used by trained therapists and when combined with other
individualized treatment programs can significantly impact the child’s
functional abilities. If you are interested
in learning more, please contact us. We would be happy to share additional
information and help you determine if this is the best approach for your
child.
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124 Hall Street,
Suite H, Concord NH 03301 |
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