Auditory Integration Therapy ~ Neat Story!

Our triplet boys have very sensitive hearing, which is quite common

in children with autism. They are nonverbal, sensitive to sounds, and

they have auditory self-stimulation, such as constant humming

and covering their ears. We purchased some simple sound

blocking headsets at Lowes that are made for

construction workers using loud power tools.

The boys just love them and wear them and Alex especially

wears them constantly. But.... it is a quick fix to the sensitivity

and not a solution to the problem as a whole.

Spencer doing his Auditory Integration Therapy session.

Auditory Integration Therapy dates back 4o years ago to a French

ear surgeon, Dr. Alfred Tomatis, who made a series of

groundbreaking discoveries about the role of the ear and

hearing in brain development and organization.

Tomatis is still a well known name in this type of therapy, with

several Tomatis Centers around the country. ~~~~

Since there weren't any centers in our state, we chose an at-home

therapy based on the Tomatis plan. I did a lot of research and ended

up choosing Rocky Mountain Learning Systems out of Colorado.

They have a 10 week program ~ a set of 10 cd's of classical music

laced with different pitches and tones that de-sensitize the hearing.

Using The Listening Program literally exercises and tones tiny muscles

in the ear and helps build stronger multi-sensory pathways in the

brain. The brain receives especially rich auditory stimulation,

and its ability to process sound improves.

And I must tell you that it was expensive and we decided to

forego our Christmas gifts to each other to

get this for the triplets last December.

~~~~

When I called to get the final consultation and order

the set, the lady said that I really should get their headset

with Bone ConductionTechnology along with the cd's to obtain

the maximum benefit for the boys. These are specialized headphones

adding subtle vibration of the skin and skeletal system,

engaging the whole body and brain in the listening process.

This multi-sensory approach accelerates and expands the benefits

of the therapy. It was another $1000 just for the headset!

I kindly explained that it would be financially impossible to do

that and that I would just order the set of 10 cds.

She did encourage me to buy a really high quality

headset then, which I agreed to do.

~~~~

Well, the package came from them in the mail a few days

before Christmas. I hid the unopened box in our bedroom

because the boys will open any shipping box hoping it is

something neat for them! LOL!

I was busy with Christmas preparations and wasn't

going to be able to pour over the material and

start the therapy until the next week.

~~~~

When I finally opened the box, there was a letter on the top

from the lady at the center. She thanked me for my order

and said that the set of cd's and all the necessary materials

were enclosed. She also said that she included the

special Bone Condition headset, considered a permanent loan,

because she was so impressed with our family and couldn't

imagine trying to get therapy for three boys with autism.

I remember just sitting in our living room

frozen with disbelief for quite a few minutes.

I called her and cried and she cried, too!

I called my husband who was really shocked and happy!

And I called Willow who reminded me that there are blessings

to be had by people if they will just step up and take them!

~~~~

I know that God gave that woman a special blessing.

She didn't know us and didn't have to do anything but take my

order! And I know that God was doing just what he says he will do....

"exceedingly abundantly above what we can ask or even imagine"

~~~~

We have completed 2 cycles of the therapy. Very severe cases like

our boys may take many many months. We have seen some

improvements in Spencer with a few more words

and better pronunciation. He rarely

wears his sound blocking headset from Lowes. :)

Alex still is very sensitive and lives in his headset.

Harry constantly hums and covers his ears once in a while.

~~~~

We will continue to do the therapy and thank God for a wonderful

gift from a stranger willing to be used by him.

~~~~