Earobics™
Earobics™ is an interactive language-training program
from Cognitive Concepts. It uses various techniques to improve
auditory processing, phonological awareness, and language
comprehension. This program is used on a home computer with
the child wearing headphones. Five training sessions of 20-30
minutes in duration per week are recommended, monitored weekly
by the child’s speech-language pathologist.
Fast ForWord™
Fast ForWord™ is an interactive language-training program
from Scientific Learning Corporation. Fast ForWord helps children
with central auditory processing disorders build the skills
necessary for language competence. Training focuses on phonological
(speech sounds) and receptive auditory (listening) skills.
The program requires that the child train 100 minutes a day,
five days a week for four to eight weeks. The child’s auditory
processing abilities will be assessed prior to starting the
program and again at the end of the program. Parents administer
this program at home, with software purchased through The
Therapy Place. The family’s home computer must meet certain
specifications and be connected to the Internet. The child’s
speech-language pathologist will complete the pre- and post-therapy
testing and will be available to answer any questions parents
may have while completing the program.
Interactive Metronome™
The Interactive Metronome ™ is a computer-based technology
that facilitates increased motor coordination, balance, timing,
and sequencing in order to plan and execute smooth and controlled
movement patterns. Correct timing and sequencing of actions,
information, and ideas are critical skills in development,
as timing and rhythm play a role in underlying cognitive (thinking)
processes. Hand and foot sensors are used to objectively measure
and increase one’s ability to coordinate symmetrical and asymmetrical
motor patterns. Potential outcomes include but are not limited
to:
- Increased cognitive processing performances in mathematics,
reading, and language skills - Sequencing thoughts for problem-solving
- Increased concentration and intention to carry out
complex motor skills including bilateral skills, physical
coordination, and visual motor skills - Increased concentration, attention to task, and response
time - The Interactive Metronome™ is a 15-session program performed
in the clinic. Depending on the pre-test scores, children
may be required to complete pre-synchronization sessions prior
to starting the program. At least three sessions a week are
recommended and each session is approximately one hour long.
Listening Programs
Listening is the ability to accurately perceive, process,
and respond to sounds. Problems with listening are often part
of other perceptual, motor, attention and learning difficulties
that affect a large number of children and adults with sensory
processing problems.
Sound training consists of equipment, materials and a prescribed
program designed to produce specific effects on listening
skills. Sound-based technologies combine the therapeutic benefits
of music with sophisticated sound technology. These tools
allow therapists to approach a child’s auditory (hearing and
listening) system directly through the use of electronically
altered music. Two of these programs are available through
The Therapy Place.
The Listening Program Created by Advanced Brain Technologies
- This is a sound stimulation auditory training method for
use in the home, school, or clinic. - The Listening Program was developed collaboratively by
The National Academy of Child Development, Advanced Brain
Technologies, The Center for Inner Change, and Applied Music
and Sound. - The Listening Program is designed for children and adults
with:
- Learning and attention difficulties
- Auditory processing problems
- Sound sensitivities
- Receptive and expressive language problems
- Perceptual difficulties
- Sensory integration challenges
- Developmental delays
- The Listening Program uses clinically-proven sound stimulation
techniques known as filtration and gating.
- Filtration: the removal of specific frequencies from an
existing sound recording. With filtration, any part of the
low, mid, or high end of a recording can be withdrawn and
reintroduced as desired. - Gating: refers to the creation of a random sonic event.
This is done by electronically processing a soundtrack so
it unexpectedly jumps between high and low frequencies.
The effect of this sound treatment is an extensive exercising
of the muscles of the middle ear. - Effects of filtration and gating: by gradually gating
and filtering out the lower range of music and then adding
the frequencies back in, a retraining of the auditory processing
system occurs. The effects of filtration and gating are
felt on a psychological and physical level.
The Listening Program consists of eight CD’s and guidebook.
For home use, this program requires good quality headphones
and a CD player. Recommended listening time is 15 minutes
twice daily for five days per disc, then two days of rest
before starting the next CD.
Therapeutic Listening Designed by Sheila Frick, OTR
- This program is designed for children and adults with:
- Learning and attention difficulties
- Auditory processing problems
- Sound sensitivities
- Receptive and expressive language problems
- Perceptual difficulties
- Sensory integration challenges
- Developmental delays
- Includes electronically altered compact discs used
in a prescribed manner. Requires a CD player and good quality
headphones. - Combined with sensory integrative treatment techniques,
uses a whole body approach. - The listening programs are individualized to each client
and are suited for use at home and school. - Maximum effectiveness in treatment outcomes is promoted
by daily use. - typical program may involve two to six month of participation
for initial gains.
The Therapy Place is authorized to sell and monitor both
The Listening Program and Therapeutic Listening program