Category: Autism

Surviving the Pandemic with Your Needy Special Needs Child

August 3, 2020

special needs boy learning with tomatis

Keeping your children productively occupied during the pandemic has become a chronic issue, and one that is creating anxiety for parents and caregivers. Our special needs children can be challenging under typical circumstances, but when removed from their daily routine their behavior and meeting their needs can become particularly demanding. This can become another full-time job in an environment where there are other demands on your time. In the coming weeks, we will share blogs targeting specific areas of need and activities. Emphasis of the blogs will include:

  • Sensory processing,
  • Postural control,
  • Motor planning,
  • Emotional development,
  • Memory

Another good idea is to incorporate the FORBRAIN device. The type of feedback it provides especially stimulates attention, language, and memory. For more info visit our FORBRAIN page here.

We’d love to hear your comments or requests in the comment section below, or share your thoughts with us on Facebook!

12 Things To Know About Tomatis®

April 25, 2020

Boy wearing Tomatis training headphones to boost memory, focus, attention, communication

 

1.) What is Tomatis®?
Tomaits is a sound training program that helps your brain to function optimally.

2.) How does it work?
Musical programs are designed for individuals to listen to with special headphones. The music is altered to work on the ear and the brain based on your needs.

3.) How do you assess my needs?
Assessment is a thorough intake which can be done in person or online.
In person testing is available but not required.
We discuss the results and determine goals together.

4.) What is the music like?
The music is mostly Mozart, but there are also waltzes, Gregorian chants, & marches.
At times the music may sound distorted or scratchy to you, but that’s a result of the programs.

5.) What’s the time commitment?
A typical program is 14 days, 80 minutes a day, a break of 4 to 8 weeks, and another 14 days, 80 minutes a day.
However, there is tremendous variability which may include less time and fewer days.

6.) Where do I listen?
Many clients choose to do their listening in my office especially when Occupational Therapy is needed.
Others choose to listen at home, school, or other location.
We also can combine home and office listening.

7.) What is the equipment like?
Programs are encoded onto a proprietary MP3 type player. Included headphones may be wired or wireless. The music is heard through the ear, as well through a small amplifier at the top of the head.

8.) What can I do while listening at home?
You can really do almost anything that does not involve a screen or reading.
This means no cellphones, iPads, computers, tablets or TV.

9.) What will I feel while I’m listening?
You may feel more attentive, grounded, relaxed, organized, and alert.
These leave your brain in a better state to develop and learn.
There are occasions where people feel oppressed or regress as nervous system changes are occurring, but they usually pass quickly.

10.) Who will benefit?
Almost anyone can benefit from Tomatis® training.
A wide variety of individuals ranging from infants through elderly, high functioning to severe issues.
Specific issues can include:

  • Attention- ADD or ADHD
  • Sensory motor integration
  • Postural and motor control
  • Behavior issues
  • Articulation
  • Speech & language
  • Academic skills
  • Developmental issues
  • Memory
  • Energy
  • Pregnancy programs for maternal relaxation and best developmental outcomes
  • Wellness

11.) Who is my Tomatis® consultant?

  • Sue is an Occupational Therapist with decades of experience in service for people with special needs.
  • Her practice is now focused exclusively on Tomatis® training with/without Occupational Therapy.
  • She is a level 4 Tomatis® consultant, which represents the highest level of training available. (A level 4 requires a minimum 4 years of training and mentorship. It confers programming possibilities not available to lesser trained professionals.)
  • Sue does all programing and provision of services herself.
  • Many people present themselves as credentialed Tomatis® practitioners. Please check credentials on the Tomatis® website.

12.) Does insurance cover Tomatis® training?
There are instances where face-to-face training may be reimbursable to you.

 

Now a question for you: Want to learn more about Tomatis® straight from people who’ve tried it? Check out our client testimonials

 

 

 

Asperger’s Questions and Answers

April 16, 2018

At Listen for Change we answer many questions about Asperger’s Syndrome. Asperger’s was identified as a mild form of autism. In recent years, it was declassified as a specific diagnosis and integrated into the diagnosis of Autism. But the syndrome of Asperger’s is originally identified, is still referred to by many and worthy of understanding.

Someone with Asperger’s typically has issues with:

Eye contact
Conversation
Social Skills
Interpersonal Space
May have one or more exceptional skills
May have high intellectual abilities
Hypersensitivities, especially to sound or touch
Anxiety

People with Asperger’s may have sustainable relationships, independent lives and professional success.

“Asperger’s doesn’t define me. It’s a condition that I have to live with and work through, but I feel more relaxed about myself,” she said in the interview. “People will have a greater understanding of who I am and why I do the things I do.”
Susan Boyle, Britain’s Got Talent singing sensation.

Listen for Change has made a substantial contribution to people with Asperger’s. Though the use of individualized music listening training, we impact on the issues that define this disorder. As a result people with Asperger’s are more comfortable with themselves and the world around them.

I you want to learn more about how Listen for Change can help someone with Asperger’s Syndrome, contact us at info@listen-for-change.com. We will be happy to answer all of your questions.

Tomatis® for Autism

April 2, 2018

Autism is in part an issue with sensory processing and motor planning. Tomatis® can help!

Autism is in part an issue with sensory processing and motor planning. Most individuals with autism are overly sensitive to incoming sensory stimuli. They can be seem covering their ears when there are unexpected or unwelcomed sounds, like a fire truck siren or a toilet flushing. They are frequently picky eaters, not liking some textures or density or many foods, and limiting their diet accordingly. They engage in behaviors to block sensory stimuli like jumping or humming. Tomatis® is uniquely designed to assist with integration of these sensory processing issues.

Sensory regulation is an important part of our lives. Not only can it be at the root of sensory sensitivities, but it can also impact of many other automatic functions such as sleep.

Autistic people frequently have many common issues. They have trouble making and sustaining eye contact. They misinterpret social cues and sensory stimuli. Something as simple as a Mother cooing to her child can be met with body rigidity and tears. The Mother feels sad and rejected. This cycle spills over to their relationship and other attempts at emotional contact.

The issue seems to be at the level of neurological processing. The brain gets overly stimulated and inefficient. It cannot figure out what it’s supposed to do. Luckily, the nervous system can change with planned and controlled input. As long as you can learn, you can change. With the Tomatis® method, we can provide highly individualized programs to direct the course of one’s processing.

Here’s are some of the ways Tomatis® has impacted autism:

  • Increase eye contact
  • Improve feeding, language and speech
  • Regulate sleep
  • Increase desire to communicate
  • Improve attention
  • Improved self of well-being
  • Decrease hyper sensitivity
  • Better ability to negotiate the environment safely

Listen For Change has had some wonderful successes working with autistic clients. Using the Tomatis® Method we have been able to assist in improving the quality of life for those with autism and their families. Contact us so we can learn more about your situation and determine how a Tomatis® program can help you.

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