Millions of children in North America are diagnosed with things like autism and ADHD, but a therapy being offered at Kids Matter Inc. is helping many of those families. Integrated Listening Systems combines a listening therapy with visual and balancing games. Doctors say that combination allows the brain to make new connections and improving brain function. It is an enjoyable activity, or “exercise,” which can be customized for all ages and skill levels.
“When our son Joseph was diagnosed with Autism, we were crushed. Without losing a moment, we researched the web and found many resources for ourselves and for our son. After employing numerous solutions from nutritional supplements to dietary restrictions to neurological retraining exercises to behavioural modifications, we stumbled onto iLs. After Joseph’s first intensive, his receptive language increased dramatically as did the quality and quantity of his vocalizations. By his third booster, words started to pop out, his eye contact was perfect and he was now a listener! This program has been nothing short of miraculous for our family. It has returned our son to us and given him the ability to achieve his full human potential.” S.R. Danton, parent.
Using music, iLs stimulates multitasking in the brain. The therapy is based on the concept of neuroplasticity, “which is the ability of the brain to change its function, its organization, its growth and make new neuro connections in response to sensory input,” said Dr. Ron Minson, who helped identify the benefits of combining auditory stimulation with occupational therapy. He said the applications of iLs are numerous. “We know (attention deficit disorder), autism, learning disabilities, sensory processing disorders, attention, concentration, all of these are issues that require optimal brain function,” Minson said. The design of iLs programs is based around the listening component. Each product has a specific listening schedule, into which the balance and visual activities are included. These “integrating” activities comprise 15-20 minutes of each listening session, and are explained in a Playbook which accompanies each product.
Although ASD varies significantly in character and severity, it occurs in all ethnic and socioeconomic groups and affects every age group. Some sources estimate that one child out of every 80 will have ASD. Males are four times more likely to have an ASD than females. iLs appears to be an answer to many prayers from parents and families.
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Contributor:
Kids Matter Inc.
Since 1995, Kids Matter Inc. has been supporting and guiding families in British Columbia, Alberta and California, with ASD, Anxiety Disorders, FASD, OCD, ADD & ADHD. Located in Abbotsford, Kids Matter provides therapy, intervention and programs like RDI (Relationship Development Intervention), Social Skills programs, Service Coordination, Advocacy and Spring/Summer Camps. Funding for programs is available for those who qualify.
For more information visit their WEBSITE or call toll free 1-877-897-0633, local 604-746-4331.
Follow them on Twitter @kidsmatter_inc
Tags: attention deficit disorder, brain function, dietary restrictions, learning disabilities, listening systems, neuroplasticity, nutritional supplements, occupational therapy, receptive language, sensory input, sensory processing disorders, skill levels, vocalizations
I love reading about programs that capitalize on the concept of neuroplasticity! At Eaton Arrowsmith School in Vancouver we have been using the Arrowsmith Program for seven years now. The changes in our students’ abilities to process, remember, understand, attend and interact socially have been outstanding. Children transfer back to typical schools after spending three to four years with us with greatly reduced or no need for learning assistance or accommodations. The brain is truly a remarkable organ…and the resilience of the students we all work with…so inspiring!