Posts Tagged 'autism'

Music for the Mind- The Art & Music of Ostad Elahi

Published January 13, 2011 music Leave a Comment
Tags: , , , , , , ,

Music has a number of positive physiological and psychological benefits. Over the centuries, the therapeutic benefits of music have been extensively studied in various settings. More recently, neuroimaging studies have helped us better understand the effect of music on the brain.  The music of Ostad Elahi has gained tremendous attention in the West since its release to the public in the 90s as a unique and powerful music. Ethnomusicologists, neuroscientists, and musicians have begun to explore the potential benefits of his music, and to discusss adapting therapeutic music programs based on unique musical repertoire like his.  Music for the Mind is a superb example of a sound stimulation auditory training program that can help facilitate profound changes through the power of music and active listening.

I was fortunate to co-produce Music for the Mind with Richard Lawrence and Dr. Kamran Fallahpour, and later a second program with Greg Lawrence and Dr. Fallahpour. I am greatly looking forward to contributing to a lecture on the intricate music of Ostad Elahi, a master musician and virtuoso of the tambour, this lecture takes us on a magical journey of the power of his music.

The lecture is at Winifred Smith Hall, Clair Trevor School of Arts, University of California, Irvine on Thursday February 3rd, 2011 from 7-9 pm. It is sponsored by UCI Clair Trevor School of Arts, UCI Susan Samueli Center for Integrative Medicine, The Department of Pharmaceuticals Sciences, and The Nour Foundation.

Program

Welcome- Dean Joseph Lewis II- Dean, Clair Trevor School of Arts

Keynote Speech- Professor Jean During- Director, Department of Ethnomusicology, French National Centre for Scientific Research (CRNS)

Discussion- Dr. Kamran Fallahpour, Director, The Brain Resource Center and Alex Doman, Founder & CEO, Advanced Brain Technologies 

Musical Performance- Professor Jean During and Mr. Porya Foghani

Proceeds will be doanted to the center initiatives on autism.

If you live or will be in Southern California  on February 3rd I hope you will consider joining us for this exciting and eductional evening!

Sound Advice on VoiceAmerica Autism One Radio

Published December 10, 2010 autism , The Listening Program Leave a Comment
Tags: , , , , , ,

It has been some time since I have shared here at The Brain Understanding Itself.  Definitely a reflection of  an extremely busy and exciting time in my life. Please forgive my sparse posts!

I wanted to share my interview with Teri Arranga and Kristin Selby Gonzales on the VoiceAmerica Talk Radio Network-Autism One Radio from earlier this week. We discuss autism spectrum disorders and the application of The Listening Program®, and how it can help children listen, learn, and connect.

Here is a link to the interview. Get the podcast in iTunes.

If you get a chance to listen I would love to have your questions and comments here.

Autism Symptom Remission NIH Patient Study Recruitment

Published October 12, 2010 autism , brain research Leave a Comment
Tags: , , , , ,

The NIH is running a study that many of you will find of interest. Please read below and consider sharing with parents you know who have children on the autism spectrum who have had a reduction in  symptoms. I am very encouraged to see NIH investigate the growing reports of recovery and symptom remission in children diagnosed with asd’s.

==================================================

Patient Recruitment Announcement at NIH:

Identification of Characteristics Associated with Symptom Remission in Autism

We are recruiting children and adolescents (ages 7-17) who, since being diagnosed with autism, have made significant improvements such that they no longer meet criteria for a diagnosis of autism.  We are also recruiting children who continue to meet criteria for autism, as well as typically developing children.  Our goal is to better understand how children who make remarkable improvement may differ from children who continue to meet criteria for autism.

The study involves several inpatient and outpatient visits to Bethesda, MD, that may occur over a few days or several weeks, depending on what works best for the child and his or her parents.  The study involves an autism diagnostic evaluation as well as a thorough neuropsychological and medical evaluation.  A summary of all clinically relevant study findings including results of the neuropsychological exam will be provided. There is no cost to participate and children are compensated for their time.  Travel assistance and lodging may be provided.

For further information please call the study coordinator at 301-435-7962 (TTY 866-411-1010) or email autismoutcomestudy@mail.nih.gov

==================================================

This study announcement is from the NIH Patient Recruitment web site:

Visit the NIH Patient Recruitment home page at http://patientinfo.nimh.nih.gov/

Modified Classical Music on iPods Helps Toilet Train Liverpool Children

Published July 8, 2010 auditory system , autism , brain and technology , brain research , music research , neuroscience , The Listening Program Leave a Comment
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Liverpool Echo published an article today about the results of a pilot study which examined the effects of  modified classical music and a specific protocol to help children with autism and other cognitive and developmental challenges to be toilet trained.  This is a world first project, conducted by June Rogers head of NHS Liverpool Community Health’s Integrated Paediatric Continence Service.

Children listened to 30 minutes of music a day through a special audio system which provided the music through both auditory pathways, air and bone conduction. The outcomes are positive and have been presented at European conferences. We now await approval for a large scale clinical trial to confirm these results in a larger sample size.

Continence problems severely impact quality of life, self esteem, and have large costs associated with supporting these children as they enter school. Our protocol holds promise to help children with toilet training problems, reduce costs of services to them, and help them live a happier more fulfilling life.

Note that the program name in the article is incorrect. What is referenced as the Listening Project is supposed to be The Listening Program® developed by Advanced Brain Technologies in Ogden, Utah.

Read the full article

UPDATE: Thank you to the staff at the Liverpool Echo for making the correction to the program name!

Girls with Rett Syndrome Benefit from The Listening Program

Published April 29, 2010 brain research , music research , The Listening Program 2 Comments
Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

Rett syndrome is a unique developmental disorder first recognized in infancy and is generally seen in girls. It is often misdiagnosed as autism, cerebral palsy, or a developmental delay. Caused by mutations in the X chromosome it occurs in 1 of every 10,000-23,000 female births. Rett syndrome causes problems in the brain affecting; learning, communication, sensory processing, movement, breathing, cardiac function, chewing, swallowing, digestion, and more.

The host of challenges that come with a Rett syndrome diagnosis affect the family as a whole, with most individuals requiring assistance in most every aspect of their life. The needs vary through the four stages of Rett syndrome from Early Onset, Rapid Destructive, Plateau, and on to Late Motor Deterioration.

A British research study showed that 5 girls with Rett Syndrome benefitted from listening to a music listening method developed by my company Advanced Brain Technologies called The Listening Program®. The findings show improvements in a number of areas with the strongest trend toward increased engagement and decreased anxiety. Sensory processing appears to be improving which is consistent with outcomes of other studies.  These findings were presented by the investigator Helen Francis at the International Rett Syndrome Congress in Paris back in October 2008.

We are encouraged by these results and the potential to improve the quality of life for those with Rett syndrome. A larger controlled trial should be conducted, and I am hopeful this study will help make that happen.

Review the research poster and learn more about Rett syndrome at the International Rett Syndrome Foundation.

Webinar-The Listening Program and Autism Spectrum Disorders

Published December 18, 2009 auditory system , autism , music , The Listening Program 4 Comments
Tags: , , , , , ,

If you have an interest in learning more about The Listening Program® method of music listening therapy please join me for a live webinar this Sunday organized by the Akhil Autism Foundation.

The Listening Program® (TLP) is a music listening therapy that provides engaging brain stimulation to improve performance in school, work and life. This introductory webinar is free and will provide an overview of  the auditory system, auditory processing, and how music listening therapy can help improve the life of a child on the autism spectrum.

Date: Sunday, Dec. 20, 2009
Times: USA  11:00 AM – 12:00 PM EST (Eastern Standard Time)
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM MST (Mountain Standard Time)
India    9:30 PM – 10:30 PM IST (Indian Standard Time)

TO REGISTER: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/790568674

After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about the Webinar.

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
PC
Required: Windows® 2000, XP Home, XP Pro, 2003 Server, Vista

Mac
Required: Mac OS® X 10.4 (Tiger®) or newer

New Autism Study Demonstrates The Listening Program Improves Auditory Skills

Published December 2, 2009 auditory system , autism , music research , The Listening Program Leave a Comment
Tags: , , , , ,

A new study in the UK demonstrates The Listening Program® developed by Advanced Brain Technologies improves auditory skills in children with autism.

“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

Therapeutic Power of Music

Published April 13, 2009 music , music research , The Listening Program 2 Comments
Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,

I just ran across an article published in Scotland on Sunday titled “Doctor Beat”. The author Janet Christie highlights some of the current research findings uncovering the therapeutic  power of music. Included within is a spotlight on the music research conducted by my friend and colleague Vera Brandes at the Paracelsus Private Medical University in Salzburg, Austria. Her study demonstrated clinically significant  improvements in heart-rate variability after patients followed a specific music program 2 x 30 minutes a day for five weeks. Heart-rate variability is an indicator of autonomic nervous system function.

Coincidently the article also highlights the story of young Ethan, a boy diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome who benefited from listening to our very own The Listening Program® method for 2 X15 minutes a day for eighteen months at his primary school in Midlothian, Scotland. His mother, Wendy Brooks shares ”The music helped with his concentration and social skills, which is a huge thing when you’ve got Asperger’s. He used to get frustrated and upset really quickly but he became a lot calmer and it became easier to get through to him. He’s a maths whizz, so that became more focused too, because he can concentrate better. Before the program, he just wasn’t listening,” she says. “It has had a very powerful effect because he hasn’t been as difficult to deal with and his conversational skills are very good now. You’d never know how he was at three years old.”

While the article focuses on varied examples of the healing effects of music including music therapy, interestingly it concludes with a list of music that is reported to inflict pain and distress by military and law enforcement agencies. I would have never considered the theme of Sesame Street as torture, however I can see repeated exposure to the Bee Gees “Staying Alive” as being a detriment to my cognitive and emotional state. 

Read Article http://scotlandonsunday.scotsman.com/spectrum/Doctor-beat.5162577.jp

Autism Awareness Month-Best Possible Life

Published April 3, 2009 autism , The Listening Program 1 Comment
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

waa_day

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).

Occupational Therapy International Publishes Research on The Listening Program

Published February 20, 2009 autism , music research , The Listening Program 1 Comment
Tags: , , , , , , , ,

Occupational Therapy International has just published a peer-reviewed special issue paper on the effectiveness of The Listening Program®. 

 

This purpose of this single-subject case design was to explore the efficacy of using The Listening Program® (TLP) method to improve overall sensory processing, and receptive/expressive language skills in a child diagnosed with pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS).  

 

This research was conducted by, Amy J Nwora, Occupational Therapy Department, D’Youville College, Buffalo, NY, USA and  Bryan M Gee, Department of Physical and Occupational Therapy, Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID, USA.

 

Quotes from Nwora and Gee*

“He demonstrated increased eye contact with his teacher/music leader, caregivers (smiling and waving) and improved interaction with peers.”  (p.33) 

 

“Results of the Sensory Profile section summary also indicate marked improvements in function from pre- to post-intervention” (p.34)

 

With my company, Advanced Brain Technologies being the developer of The Listening Program® I am naturally very happy with the findings of this case study. Larger scale studies need to be conducted in order to help us bring this important intervention to the countless children on the autism spectrum that can truly benefit. This paper takes us one step closer.  

 

To view the abstract or to download the full article please visit http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/122205224/abstract  

 

* Amy J Nwora, Bryan M Gee (2009). A case study of a five-year-old child with pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified using sound based interventions. Occupational Therapy International,16 (1). 25-43.  

 

Next Page »

Latest

RSS

Archives

Categories

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Join 2,138 other followers