This weeks Works For Me Wednesday is another backwards one where I get to ask YOU for help! As I mentioned in my prayer list, Katharine and I had a terrible week in school last week. All of this brought me to the conclusion that we could no longer wait to speak with an O.T. We ended up at the Dr.'s office on Monday as Maddie was complaining about her ears (which are fine by the way). While we were there I asked for another referral for an O.T. that I had heard about from the mamallama. They called before I left the office to set up that appt...and they actually got one for yesterday (Tuesday) morning! We went in at around 9 and were there until 10:30. The Therapist dually noted my concerns and completely agreed. It is nice to know that I am not crazy and that things are indeed..NOT normal. She noted that Katharine falls on the Autism Spectrum and as we go through more sessions will know more over the next few weeks and hopefully get an official diagnosis. Now I just have to convince my daughter that there is nothing "wrong with her" (UG) and figure out how to deal with all this myself. In one way I am happy as we can now move on and make her life more enjoyable, but on the other hand, that's not exactly something a mom wants to hear either:)
One thing that the therapist wants to try is called Therapeutic Listening. I have lots of research to do on this so if any of you out there find some info I would love to hear about it!
One thing that the therapist wants to try is called Therapeutic Listening. I have lots of research to do on this so if any of you out there find some info I would love to hear about it!
6 comments:
Hi, this post caught my eye from Shannon's WFMW, so I hopped over. I am the mom of a son with sensory issues (11), and am also a speech language pathologist. I can tell you that therapeutic listening isn't endorsed by ASHA (American Speech-Language and Hearing Association), nor is it endorsed by the association for audiologists (forget the name of their national association).
Having said that, last year, I was in the same place as you--$500 system with CDs and headphones, etc. Plus OT, etc. etc. My son has been in OT, vision therapy or PT since he was 4, so I am speaking from experience--though I realize everyone's experience is different. What I found in my research was that while no one could say that the therapy harmed the children, no one could prove that it helped. I found that the therapists were running out of things to try, so rather than say they were stumped, they recommended listening therapy, while not knowing much about it themselves. As a therapist by background, I found that to be a bit irresponsible--why recommend a therapy if you don't have sound basis for doing so? Just because it sounds like a good idea? That wasn't enough for me to spend the time, money and self esteem of my son on one more thing. Therapy in our case has been mostly out of pocket expense. That's fine. It's (mostly) been worth every penny. However, I think we really need to ask questions, get second opinions, and trust our instincts as the best guide for what's best for our children.
Good luck with your decisions, and God bless you and your family.
I am a developmental therapist for my state's early intervention program, as well as the Mom of a son with Asperger's, and another son that shows some sensory sensitivity (and emotional issues).
Anyway, our OT when the younger of those two was little brought out the therapeutic listening just to show it to me, and my son did NOT like it. So, I put it on to hear it, and I hated it. Honestly, I just can't see how there would actually be a beneficial use for it, although the Mom above with the speech background would know that even better.
Good luck to you!
My son has SI issues and we also had a therapist recommend the listening equipment but the cost seemed overwhelming to us with other expenses as well soo...a different OT of ours suggested we try regular headphones with Mozart...and if my son could tolerate that (the very minimal) then the investment may be worth further research.
hey, just saw your post so i thought i'd drop a line, i know that it has to be tough on you, but it's even harder for her, it's great that you guys are finding out while she's still young because although she may not fully understand it now when she is a teenager it'll be a lot easier because you all will understand the whys and hows and stuff, i wish wed've found out when i was young because i feel like i just wasted my teen years, so i'm glad that you all are finding out! knowing helps soo much.
I'm in my last semester of speech pathology gradute school. I worked w/ a child w/ autism in her home and @ her pre-school. She seemed to enjoy the theraputic listening- however, when she wore it at school, it gave her another 'out' to not have to interact w/ the other children, and more attention was drawn to her w/ those huge headphones on.
I did notice a calming affect, but that could also be attributed to not having to deal with 'real life' in the pre-school classroom.
Good luck!
I am in no way an expert on this topic, but I do have a close friend with 2 children with autistic spectrum disorder (twins) and another with serious sensory issues. They have been in developmental preschools and this has helped. But recently her pediatrician began testing them for allergies and she found they are allergic to many, many foods that they have been eating daily for years. They are completely changing the kid's diets and the difference is amazing!! This is not an herbal/natural treatment, but just taking away those foods that they are allergic to. They will do this for 18 months and then slowly introduce them back and test them again for reactions. When before they were screaming and non communicative they are now much calmer and have begun to speak in sentences. As you are beginning to unravel this disorders you might want to look into this aspect as well.
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