“A Study to Establish Whether the Use of The Listening Program is Effective in Improving Auditory Skills for Children with Autism” was presented by Gwyneth Jeyes  at the Developmental Practitioners Association Conference “Children Matter” In Nottinghamshire, United Kingdom back in September.

Twelve children on the autism spectrum ranging in age from 5 yrs. 8 mo. to 12 yrs. 4 mo. in Northern Ireland participated in the study. Results from the SCAN-C test for Auditory Processing Disorders demonstrated improvements in auditory skills in all children who completed The Listening Program® method of music listening therapy.

The Listening Program® has been widely used for more than a decade to reduce auditory hypersensitivites, improve auditory discrimination, increase communication skills, and social engagement for children on the autism spectrum. The outcomes of this research are encouraging, consistent with other studies,  and warrant the design of  a larger, controlled study to explore the feasibility of more widespread use of this music listening therapy method to improve auditory processing skills for children with autism spectrum disorders.

To read the full study

It’s Autism Awareness Month. This is a time the world is bringing autism spectrum disorders (ASD) to light, so they can be better understood and appreciated.

The autism community is unfortunately divided. Lines are drawn in the sand, Accept/Cure, and on. This post will not delve into the divide. I am not a parent of a child on the spectrum and  have not walked in their shoes. 

However, I am someone who cares deeply for families touched by autism as my family has for generations. What I think important is that we recognize each individual labeled as having an autism spectrum disorder as the unique and special person they are. For they like everyone I want nothing more than the BEST possible life they can have.  And, for those that love them to appreciate they have infinite potential. We should do all that we can to understand the cause(s), develop reliable early indentification, and provide sufficient opportunities for growth, learning, and personal development.

My company is the developer of The Listening Program® method of music-based auditory stimulation. It’s used by parents, educators, and healthcare professionals with hundreds if not thousands of people diagnosed with ASD’s on a daily basis.  I am vested in this discussion.  We work with people across the globe challenged with how to provide the best opportunities for families touched by these disorders.  Ultimately we all want the same thing, a happy, fulfilling life for those we serve. That’s where my awareness centers, today and everyday. 

Here are a few links I hope you find helpful:

AutismSpot www.autismspot.com

Autism Hangout www.autismhangout.com

Autism Research Institute www.autism.com

Autism Treatment Center of America www.autismtreatmentcenter.org  

Autism-Asperger’s Digest Magazine www.aspergersdigest.com

DIR®/Floortime www.icdl.com

Dr.Charles Shidlofsky www.dr-s.net 

Enzymedica www.enzymedica.com

National Association for Child Development www.nacd.org 

SI Focus Magazine www.sifocus.com

The Listening Program® www.thelisteningprogram.com

Autism: What the Experts Know http://tinyurl.com/dd583n (Disclaimer, while a contributor to this resource I in no way see myself as an expert on autism).

Autism Twitter Day – Tuesday, Dec 16th pacific standard time – 9AM, 12:30 PM and 8 PM.  Prizes will be given out and a panel will be available with information and to answer questions.

This is open to twitter members, specifically those who are members of the autism community, whether it be a parent, sibling or relative.  If you are on the spectrum you are welcome to take part.  Most of the prizes are geared to children and young adults with autism or asperger syndrome.

The hashtag to be used for autism twitter day is #ASD.  This means when you post a tweet that day which is on the topic of autism – positive autism awareness, please use the hashtag, either in front or at end of the tweet.  Open up a window at www.summize.com and input #ASD to follow along with the conversation at the specified times.  Most likely they will run longer than one hour.  Stay tuned here and to my blog for prize and panel info.  http://autismfamiily.blogspot.com

Members of our staff and community of Advanced Brain Technologies will be participating in this event and contributing to the panel, including myself. I really encourage twitter members to get involved and raise positive autism awareness. 

Learn More http://autismfamily.tumblr.com/