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Article:5 |
Sound Based Therapies: An Early Intervention Technique by Dorinne Davis |
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The voice-ear-brain connection validated by the French Academy of
Science in 1957, was a result of the work and research of Dr. Alfred
Tomatis. Dr. Tomatis developed the Tomatis Method, a listening
stimulation program that has demonstrated change for individuals whose
voice-ear-brain connection is not working efficiently. |
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Children diagnosed with autism often have issues with processing sound,
that in turn affects their ability to learn language, communicate
effectively, interact socially, maintain appropriate sensory stimulation
levels, integrate appropriate thinking and learning skills, and control
appropriate emotional reactions. The ability to process sound and the
development of language and these skills are intrinsically connected.
What happens when one’s ability to process sound is deprived, altered,
or disrupted? The development of speech, language, motor development,
communication, vestibular function, and proprioception is impacted. As a
result, the voice-ear-brain connection is deprived and development does
not occur as nature intended. Auditory Processing issues often go
undetected, yet they are frequently the root cause of many symptoms
displayed by Autistic children. Auditory deprivation is a result of the body not receiving the necessary sound stimulation to enhance the connective networks between the voice, the ear, the brain, and the rest of the body. This deprivation may be a result of middle ear infections, environmental issues, physical problems and more. The results are often seen as hypersensitivities to sensory input (especially auditory, ie. covering ears), stilted learning skills, disconnected speech, difficulty listening in background noise, auditory processing timing lags, weak auditory discrimination skills, difficulty localizing sound, emotional instability, attention and focus weaknesses, and vestibular and balance disorders. If hearing and listening skills are not functioning well, the individual may want to be isolated when there is too much sound, will avoid noisy situations, have difficulty listening in background noise, avoid talking to others, appear over anxious, and have diminished language skills. What is most important is to determine if the breakdown is with hearing, or listening, or both. The next step is to determine if a Sound Therapy can help. If so, choosing the appropriate sound therapy will establish the foundation for the changes needed to improve the processing function. There are many Sound Based Therapies available today. They are NOT the same and should not be lumped into one category. Sound Based Therapies, following the appropriate protocol, will achieve positive changes. An overview of the therapies will review what they do anatomically and physiologically. Parents will learn the differences between the therapies and how to determine if Sound Based Therapy can help their autistic child. BIBLIOGRAPHY Bellis, Teri James, Central Auditory Processing Disorders in the Educational Setting: From Science to Practice, Singular Publishing Group, Inc., San Diego, CA,1998 Campbell, Don, The Mozart Effect, Avon Books, Inc, NY, 1997 Davis, D., OTITIS MEDIA: Coping with the Effects in the Classroom, HEAR YOU ARE INC: Stanhope, New Jersey, 1989. Davis, D., Parent and Child. “The Resounding Impact of a Middle Ear Infection.” Vol. 1, No. 9, May 1992, 6-7. Davis, D., A Parent’s Guide to Middle Ear Infections, HEAR YOU ARE INC: Stanhope, New Jersey, 1994. Davis, D. “Auditory Processing and Autism”, DAN Conference Bulletin, Sept. 2000. Davis, D. & Edwards, S., “BioAcoustic Voice Print Frequencies & Otoacoustic Emissions”, Poster Session, American Academy of Audiology Convention, Philadelphia, PA, 2002. Davis, D. “Davis Addendum to the Tomatis Effect”, Proceedings of the International Tomatis Conference, Vienna, Austria, May 2003 Davis, D. Sound Bodies through Sound Therapy, to be published book 2003 Kirby, Wayne, Brain Disorder, Auditory Hyperacusis and the Promise of Music Technology, presentation at Sixth International Technological Directions in Music Learning Conference, San Antonio, TX, Jan 29, 1999 Leeds, Joshua, The Power of Sound, Healing Arts Press, VT, 2001
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Next article (6): Educating The New Tribal Culture By Peter Kline |
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