Discovering A Non Traditional Listening Therapy And Program

By Amy Watson


When looking for therapies for an autistic child, parents have a number of options. One of the newest is that of a Non traditional listening therapy. While there are a number of different therapies and programs of this nature, some are better than others. In most cases, these are known as auditory integration therapies.

In most cases, these programs and therapies fall under the umbrella of audio integrated therapies. While there are several, two of the most popular are Tomatis and Somonas, each involve listening to a series of different sounds on a repetitive basis. After which, some children have shown more progress than others though there has been very little evidence that any such programs has been effective on a long term basis.

Currently, there is an ongoing debate over these programs and a recommendation from the American Academy of Pediatrics that these therapies have no merit. Still, there are many parents and therapists who continue to use these therapies on a regular basis. For, even without proven research, parents and therapists claim to have seen progress on a regular basis.

As with all programs and therapies, some children respond better than others. It is for this reason that most programs offered in this area are still on a trial basis. One reason that there is skepticism is due to the cost of the equipment and therapies associated with these type therapies such as headphones, specialized CD players, CDs and other equipment. Whereas, if the material was to be made available online, then anyone with an internet connection could simply listen to audio with a pair of earplugs and without having to purchase a number of products to complete a program.

In addition, it is important to avoid any of these programs which are prohibitively expensive, such as those which require ongoing purchases of equipment, and other materials over time. Parents also need to ask to see evidence that the program has been beneficial to other students before registering or place a deposit on one of these programs. For, while there are good programs which can be beneficial, there are also individuals whom promote these type programs and therapies whom are only out to make money.

Before enrolling a child in this type therapy, it is often advised that parents obtain a second opinion. Whereas, if the child is undergoing medical treatment, it is important to check with the primary health care provider as to whether the therapy may be appropriate considering other health issues.

In a lot of areas, therapists and parents are drawn to these type therapies by professionals whom care more about money than clients. As such, it is important that before beginning a program or therapy in this area to check the legitimacy of the practitioner and ask to see proven results. For while not all can cause harm, most drain income and time from interested parties on an ongoing basis.

In some cases, these programs can have negative effects on children, especially those with autism. For, if given hope that life can be less difficult after completing a program, and that does not come to pass, a child can be emotionally damaged. As a result, the child may start showing signs of anxiety and depressive behaviors not present prior to undergoing one of these type therapies or programs.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment