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
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.
~~~~