| Submitted by: Robin Bonsall OTR |
| "I have been using The
Listening Program in a multitude of ways in my practice
as a pediatric Occupational Therapist. I use the
program as an integral "sensory tool"
to facilitate an optimal state of arousal which
is most conducive to learning new skills. I have
also found the TLP assists children with sensory
modulation difficulties to self regulate and again
achieve appropriate adaptive responses to their
environment. I have recently completed advanced
certification in sensory integration and feel that
auditory processing is a key to sensorimotor development
that has not yet been utilized to its capacity to
facilitate function in children. It is felt, within
our profession that there is a strong correlation
in how all of our senses interpret incoming information
and that the auditory and vestibular system are
truly interrelated. (The vestibular system is the
system that interprets unconscious information in
regard to equilibrium, gravity, movement and changes
of position in space. The receptors are located
in the semicircular canals in the inner ear.) This
system along with visual, tactile and proprioceptive
are integral systems that OT's tap into to provide
a sensory integrative approach to promote motorical
development.
The TLP is easy to use and pleasurable for those
who use it. I have yet to have any adverse reactions,
although I am cautious with providing input as
I am with all therapeutic interventions.
One of the most dramatic changes I have encountered
with the children I use the TLP with is in automatic
voice quality changes on some children. Increased
spontaneous verbalization, tonal quality improvement
(less whiney, high pitched voice) and increase
in words used "The bumblebee is on the yellow
flower!" are just a few of the changes I
have seen with my clients.
I have also noticed a more smooth or automatic
sense of movement after using the TLP when prior
to the program my clients had significant motor
planning difficulties and balance difficulties.
Some of my autistic clients have made great gains
in their affect and social skills and being able
to function with their peers in a more appropriate
way."
Robin Bonsall, O.T.R.
Pediatric OT, Private Practice |
|
