Re: Cindy TLP- any one heard of All Things Well company?

[Guest guest]

If all things were equal I'd always go with the program that is

recommended by your child's therapist/s. Actually I only took my

boys to therapists that I respected so I always went by their

opinion. It appears from these past emails that all things are not

equal -it appears the listening program is way more expensive then

Vital Links if you are talking it's over a thousand dollars -and for

what? If you are going to pay so much more why not go with Vital

Links which is an " AOTA-approved provider of continuing education

opportunities that incorporate Therapeutic Listening®, vestibular

habilitation, and core development " You have over 5000 providers and

now some offer " libraries " so you don't even have to purchase each CD

but can borrow them as you need to for a one time fee -and perhaps

borrow or rent the headphones too! But even if you purchased them I

even found the Sennheiser HD500A headphones here on sale from around

210 dollars to 170 dollars

http://www.rehabtoys.com/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=12 & idproduct=298

The only other thing I now remember we bought was a belt so that it

held the CD player while Tanner walked around with his headphones

on. We still have some photos of him- so cute!

Below this one example of " library " information with actual prices I

have my first message about why we used Vital Links and that was back

before they even had a website! (can you imagine! -I really am an

old timer and that was only from 2001!!!) Anyway- it explains why we

only needed the two discs -we were using this for Tanner for

stuttering -not for sensory -even though he still has some sensory

issues. BTW Mr. feel no pain I posted the other day said he had a

sore throat with no other symptoms (and he had trouble with the word

and said systems until I motor planned the word for him -remember?)

Well yesterday I called his ped and they said if it still hurt him

last night to bring him in today which I did this morning- and the

doctor was shocked he could even swallow water as apparently his

throat is super raw and he's just been tested for strept as that's

what is suspected. Tanner was playing basketball -went to school

yesterday ate and slept fine -but somehow had some crazy sore

throat. Both me and Glenn thought he was faking it to perhaps get a

day off from school -poor little guy!

Anyway for the listening program I put in the state of Florida and

there are 30 providers...for the entire state of Florida (Florida is

a huge state!!) And interestingly enough when I searched Vital Links

I have 3 providers alone right in my small town! Then again these

two methods are not the only two. Explore them all and don't just go

by what I or any other person says (outside of your child's therapist

that is) check out the differences -and don't invest huge in a

program you may not even want to do more than a few times or guess

who will putting a thousand dollars of " trying it " up for sale on

Ebay next month for the " great price " of only 300 dollars?!! (around

the price for Vital Links!)

Here's a great article on various methods with links to each of them

from the Vital Links website

Sheila M. Frick OTR/L

The therapeutic use of music has a long history. Since the mid-1900's

when Alfred Tomatis began his work with the application of sound to

treat specific symptoms and behaviors, there has been a veritable

explosion in the types of auditory interventions available. As the

effectiveness of sound as a treatment modality continues to achieve

credibility, the rapid growth of this field of therapy will likely

gain even more momentum. While the growth of auditory tools is both

promising and exciting, it can be challenging for the therapist and

parent to choose the most potentially effective therapeutic strategy

for a specific child.

The following provides an overview of auditory intervention methods

in common practice in the United States. There are several

distinctions between Sound therapy programs. Some programs are clinic-

based, some home based, some Provide only passive input unless used

in conjunction with other forms of therapy, other programs inherently

contain an active component. Interventions usually require a training

or certification for practitioners beyond their already established

professional background. Parents should be careful to note a

practitioner's professional background and advanced training.

The Tomatis Method

Alfred Tomatis, MID, a French Ear, Nose and Throat specialist, was

the first practitioner to develop an approach for treating listening

difficulties. Tomatis originally defined the role of the ear as

the 'integrator' because the ear was significant in structuring

organization at all levels of the nervous system. He recognized the

close relationship between the auditory and vestbular systems and the

importance of both as integrators of the nervous system. He connected

listening to the development of receptive and expressive language,

learning, motor control and motivation. Through his clinical work

with opera singers and factory workers, Tomatis recognized that the

voice can only produce what the ear can hear, a principle now known

as the " Tomatis effect " . His study of the ear led to the conviction

that, beyond hearing, the auditory system and vestibular system work

together to detect and analyze movement. He described the function of

the vestibular portion as picking up and discriminating the larger

movements of the body, which we can see and feel. Similarly, the

auditory system registers and regulates the finer movements of sound

waves, which pass through the air and are funneled into the ear.

In the 1950's Tomatis developed a listening technique to 're-educate

the ear' based upon the following four principles:

Motivational and emotional needs begin with listening.

Listening plays a fundamental role in language.

Through it's close connection with the vestibular system, the

auditory system relates self to self, to others, and to the universe

The brain needs sound energy to enable the thinking process and

integration

Tomatis developed the first auditory training or listening training

device, the electronic ear. This device uses progressively filtered

sound, specifically those sounds rich in high frequencies (i.e.

classical music, the mother's voice, Gregorian chants) to effect

change. Tomatis was the first to recognize the importance of high

frequency audition. He spoke of high frequency sound as charging the

brain. The Tomatis method of auditory training is a chnic-based

program, requiring the use of specialized equipment and the expertise

of a practitioner trained in the Tomatis approach.

Auditory Integration: Berard Method

Most of the clinically based auditory training techniques are based

on the early work of Tomatis, including that of Guy Berard, MID, a

French medical doctor who studied and worked with Tomatis.

Berard felt that the original protocol of Tomatis was too lengthy and

developed a different method of filtering sound. This technique,

which uses filtered popular music in which sound frequencies are

electronically modulated at random intervals for random periods of

time, is called Auditory Integration Training (AIT). Berard believes

that hypersensitive hearing causes auditory processing problems.

Berard and his technique gained worldwide recognition in 1990 with

the publication of bel Stehli's biographical account of her

daughter Georgie. The Sound of a Miracle describes how Georgie,

diagnosed with severe autism, greatly benefited from a course of 20

AIT treatments with Berard. AIT is a clinic based program;

implementation relies upon the use of the Audiokinetron, a device

developed by Berard for filtering music and upon a practitioner with

specialized training.

Both the Tomatis and Berard programs are delivered by specific

machines using earphones. With the advent of new technology, similar

altered music has become available on compact disc. The discs do not

replace either the Tomatis Method or the Berard Method. The compact

discs do provide a less intense way to access both the auditory and

vestibular systems to impact neural function and integration and are

easily available to clinicians in a variety of practice arenas.

www.autism.org/ait2.html (not maintained by Vital Links)

The Samonas Method

The SAMONAS method is another listening approach, which has combined

some of the ideas of Tomatis with advances in both technology and

physics. Ingo Steinbach, a German sound engineer with a broad

background in music, physics, and electronics developed this method.

All of the recordings used in Steinbach's work are based on the SONAS

(System of Optimal Natural Structure) principle, which make it

possible to maintain the valuable elements and Structure of natural

sounds throughout the entire process of recording, processing and

reproduction. The choice of music is based on the principles of music

therapy. Most selections are classical music and some include nature

sounds.

Steinbach wanted his recordings to be as realistic and as spatially

expansive as the sounds one hears in the concert hall. He realized

that sound reflects the space in which it is recorded, and that

choosing the space for recording was a critical factor in the quality

of the recording. He also paid particular attention to the music used

and the instrumentation. He uses only natural instruments, which

produce tones rich in harmonics. Additionally, Steinbach believes

that sound carries intention and that the musician's state of mind is

reflected in his/her work. For this reason, he only records when he

feels that the musicians are playing with a sense of joy. Steinbach

also developed a special device called the envelope shape modulator

which enhances the upper frequency range of the music,

thereby 'spectrally activating' the recordings, The higher

frequencies provide information about directional distances of sounds

as well as other detailed information about the sound source. In

addition to the spectral activation, there are also brief passages on

the CDs with intensive filtering so that almost nothing but the

overtones are heard. Listening to these 'high extension' passages

theoretically trains the ear to pay attention to the upper ranges in

the sound spectrum. The higher tones are the parts of the sound

spectrum that captivate attention and hold interest. These recordings

are identified as SAMONAS, which stands for Spectrally Activated

Music of Optimal Natural Structure.

Steinbach creates several different levels of compact disc with

varying intensities of spectral activation and filtering. The less

intense compact discs are available to therapists with an

understanding of the implication of filtered sound. These lower level

CDs can be incorporated into entry-level practices in the use of

modulated sound such as Therapeutic Listening® (see below).

The more intense compact discs require a longer more intensive

training period which provides the therapist with more advanced

information regarding sound and training in more sophisticated pieces

of equipment used in SAMONAS Sound Therapy. To use the title " trained

in Samonas " a therapist must complete a five day training course; a

year of practical experience and then present documented case studies

for peer review. Those who are looking for a therapist with

appropriate qualifications may use the therapist database that will

be available Beginning February 2000 on the web at: www.Samonas.com

Therapeutic Listening®

Therapeutic Listening® is a term used to describe combined use of a

number of electronically altered compact discs in a prescribed

manner, but with equipment that can be used in many environments.

Sheila Frick, OTR designed this program. Therapeutic Listening TM

implies that the listening programs are individualized to each client

and are suited for application in home and school settings. Maximum

effectiveness in treatment outcomes is promoted by daily use. The use

Of Modulated and filtered music in conjunction with sensory

integrative Occupational therapy techniques seems to increase the

effectiveness of both treatment modalities. There is commonly a

decrease in the time necessary to meet treatment goals in the areas

of: modulation, balance and movement perception; an increase in

exploration of the environment, sense of physical competence, and

drive to challenge one's practice and sequencing abilities; and

improved social competence and language abilities.

Therapeutic Listening ® programs can be carried out at home, school

or in the clinic with ongoing support from a therapist who is trained

in their application. A typical program may be in place for two to

six months for initial gains; however, many individuals continue past

this time frame or find several of the compact discs useful as part

of an ongoing sensory diet. Currently, EASe, and 'entry level

SAMONAS' CDs fall under this use. With the rapid growth of sound

therapy, it is likely that other products will also be included in

the future.

Listening Fitness

Another home listening program, the Listening Fitness program, is

just being introduced in the United States and Canada. This program

provides listening training using sound stimulation. It is designed

by Madaule who worked closely with Dr. Tomatis and has used the

Tomatis method for over 30 years. While the Listening Fitness program

shares some similarities with the Tomatis Method, it differs

substantially in assessment procedures, audio equipment, and focus

and is not regarded as being equivalent. It can be a useful part of a

home treatment regimen where the goal is to help an individual to

develop and improve both receptive and expressive listening. Like the

other listening techniques, Listening Fitness includes a passive

phase of intervention. Unlike the other auditory based home programs,

Listening Fitness provides an active component or the 'expressive

phase'. This is where one gains control over voice and body through

voice exercises (humming, singing, reading in a microphone). The

total program lasts about 10 weeks With usually 1 hour of listening a

day and a short interruption between the 2 phases. Close monitoring

and coaching are provided throughout the program.

Listening Fitness Instructors are carefully screened and trained, and

are supervised for I year by a highly qualified training team of

consultants from the Listening Centre in Toronto. Founded over 20

years ago by director Madaule, the author Of When Listening

Comes Alive, the Listening Centre is a leader in the field of

listening. Currently the Listening Fitness program is being used with

children with listening and learning difficulties. At this point in

time it is not being used with individuals with a medical or

neurological diagnosis Such as Autism ADD, or other neurological

disorders.

" A clinician trained I in Several different forms of auditory

intervention I on might reflect less specific bias in

methodology. . . "

Interactive Metronome

Recent clinical studies are indicating that another auditory based

intervention which is quite different from all of the above listening

techniques may also be effective with individuals who experience

difficulties with motor planning and sequencing. Interactive

Metronome is based on the premis that neural timing difficulties

underlie difficulties with learning, cognitive and social skill and

interfere with praxis. Occupational therapists have understood that

motor planning and sequencing are key facets in the development Of

functional skills. They have traditionally addressed these

difficulties with sensory integrative techniques.

A new PC-based interactive version of the traditional music metronome

is now being introduced as a viable tool for individuals with a broad

variety of challenges. From existing studies and clinical reports,

the most promising areas Of use include treatment for persons with

difficulties in motor planning and sequencing, rhythmicity and

timing, primary motor control, language and speech, learning and

cognition and social development and communication. Stanley 1.

Greenspan, MD, a psychiatrist and clinical professor of psychiatry at

the Washington University Medical School, is (lie Director of

Research for the Scientific Advisory Board of the Interactive

Metronome. He states that " the ability to plan and sequence action

emerges early in the first year of life. It is essential for adaptive

motor delopment and language development. " He goes on to state

that " it is essential for complex social behavior involving a number

of sequential steps, such as sharing toys, complex greeting patterns,

or simply playing with others. " In a letter to parents of children

with special needs. Greenspan states that " the soon to be published

research using this tool strongly indicates new hope that the new

method may enable children to improve underly processing abilities

for motor planning and sequencing, strengthening their most

fundamental learning capabilities. "

A program utilizing the Interactive Metronome entails 15 hours of

treatment. The typical training schedule is 3 times a week. In the

Studies, treatment protocols of less than 3 times a week were not

known to be as effective. More detailed review of current research

can be found at the site: www.interactivemetronome.com (not

maintained by Vital Links)

Summary

Given the volume of information available on auditory interventions a

parent has a formidable task in selecting the clinician and type of

program most suitable for a child's specific needs. Each of the forms

of auditory intervention available has something to offer and each

has points of applicability. A clinician trained in several different

forms of auditory intervention might reflect less specific bias in

methodology and be helpful in guiding the parents through the method

of training or the proper sequencing of treatments that will be most

beneficial.

For more detailed information on Therapeutic Listening TM Auditory

Integration Training, Samonas Listening Fitness and Interactive

Metronome, contact Vital Links at 608-270-5424.

Sensory Integration Quarterly Spring/Summer 2000 Published by sensory

Integration International

References

Frick, S. (2000) Listening with the Whole body. Madison, Wl. Vital

Sounds, Inc. (In Press)

Madaule, P. (1994) when listening comes alive. Norval, Ontario

Canada. Moulin Publishing.

Steinbach, 1. (1997). SAMONAS sound Therapy. Fakenham, England. The

Whole Idea.

Tomatis, A. (1 996) The ear and lan- guage. Norval, Ontario, Canada.

Moulin Publishing.

For more information check out www.Samonas.com. (not maintained by

Vital Links.)

http://www.vitallinks.net/auditory.shtml

I guess Vital Links is " Progressive " (get it? If not nevermind)

Here's more info on this new " library " system some are doing for

Vital Links and below that the 2001 archive.

Accessing a Therapeutic Listening® program?

To implement a Therapeutic Listening® program the therapist needs to

have highly specialised training from Vital Links. on

has completed the advanced training and is able to assess and develop

an individualised Therapeutic Listening® program. Each client will

need to be assessed for the suitability of implementing such a

program which will always be coupled with the implementation of a

sensory diet.

Each person's Therapeutic Listening® program will be monitored and

updated throughout their ongoing treatment intervention

with `Sensational Kids OT'. Therapeutic Listening® programs can be

carried out at home, school/childcare or at the clinic with ongoing

support from a therapist who is trained in their use. Each CD is

reviewed on a fortnightly basis with the overall program typically in

place for two to six months for initial gains. However, many

individuals continue beyond time frame or find some of the CD's

useful as part of an ongoing sensory diet. As you need to be a

licensed provider to purchase Therapeutic Listening®

CD's `Sensational Kids OT' is happy to purchase these CD's for

ongoing use as requested.

The Therapeutic Listening® CDs include sounds that can not be

replicated by most headphones. The dynamic range and resistance

specifications are critical and have been specially formulated to

provide the best results from the program.

High quality HD500A Sennheiser stereo headphones are designed

specifically for use with Therapeutic Listening® CDs. Improved audio

technology is fused with a " BioNetic " design that offers unsurpassed

comfort for children and adults.

Headphone Hire

Sensational Kids OT understands families may prefer to hire the

headphones due to the upfront cost. We have a limited number of hire

HD500A Sennheiser stereo headphone sets available to you for the cost

of $50 per month. You will typically require the headphones for 3

months and the service is dependant on availability.

Therapeutic Listening Library

The Therapeutic Listening Library has been created to service

Sensational Kids OT clients while they are on the program. These

specialised Therapy CD's can only be purchased and prescribed by an

accredited professional. Sensational Kids OT will prescribe the

correct CD for your child's individualised needs and will change CD's

at least every 2 weeks inline with your child's progress.

How much does it cost to become a library member?

To become a Sensational Kids OT Therapeutic Listening Library member

costs $100 per year working out to be a little over $8 per month.

This includes unlimited CD hire for one year with a limit of one CD

at a time. Payment of $100 is upfront.

Is becoming a library member good value, can I purchase my own CD's?

The Therapeutic Listening CD's are more expensive than a conventional

CD due to the specialised research and audio engineering required.

The CD's can be purchased separately for you if you would prefer,

however most families believe the library is better value as they

will need a minimum of 6 CD's costing between $41 and $83 per CD.

Sensational Kids OT has created this library to keep the costs down

for parents.

What CD's are in the library currently?

Code Baroque for Modulation (BRQ01) - Acoustically modified (Retail

$66)

Vivaldi for Modulation (BRQ02) - Acoustically modified (Retail $66)

Disc Ease 2 (DE102) - (Retail $83)

Disc Ease 4 (DE104) - (Retail $83)

Apricot Jamz - (JAMZ3) - Acoustically modified (Retail $66)

Peach Jamz - (JAMZ5) - Acoustically modified (Retail $66)

Rhythm & Rhyme - (KIDZ1) - Acoustically modified (Retail $66)

Mozart for Modulation - (MZT01) - Acoustically modified (Retail $74)

Nature Pop - (NPM01) - Acoustically modified (Retail $66)

Nature Sounds - (NS101) (Retail $58)

Vivaldi 1 Gearshifter (GEARV1) (Retail $41)

Kids Mix 1 Gearshifter (GEARV1) (Retail $41)

Headphone Purchase

Some families choose to purchase the Therapeutic Listening®

Headphones upfront so they can keep them for " top up " sessions after

the program has completed. Sensational Kids OT can source the

headphones for you from overseas at cost price plus a small

administration and postage fee (Usually around $190 dependant on

exchange rates). This service is only for current Sensational Kids OT

clients and is a substantial saving when compared with purchasing

through Australian stores. Please note there may be lead times of a

couple of weeks for this service.

http://www.sensationalkidsot.com.au/TherapeuticListening.htm

" Therapeutic Listening " for stuttering apraxics?

"

[Guest guest]

Hi Dana!

You wouldn't need to see the therapist that worked with your child to

select the correct CDs that often if you couldn't for whatever

reason. Once you own the CD or CDs and the headphones you could use

them at home or with your child's current therapists. Who knows? It

may inspire one of them to get trained! Did you try all the other

listening methods to see if anyone is closer?

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