Autism Success Story: 3-Year-Old Twins and The Listening Program®

Margaret and Elizabeth, born prematurely at 31 weeks, presented as breech and delivered via Cesarean section, entered the world as fighters, weighing 5.2 and 3.8 pounds, respectively. Their early arrival and delicate start would set the stage for a journey filled with challenges and triumphs that would touch the hearts of all who crossed their path. The girls faced an uphill battle, spending 21 and 23 days in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). While their gross motor skills showed promise, it became evident that the developmental path would not be without its hurdles.

As the girls grew, their developmental delays became apparent. Elizabeth, with her low muscle tone and aloof behavior, faced an additional set of obstacles. Her verbalization was delayed and characterized by a gentle, low-tone melody, and sensory issues played a prominent role in her early years. Margaret, on the other hand, radiated vibrancy and joy yet grappled with crippling anxiety and struggled with transitions and changes in her environment.

The Twins’ New Diagnosis: Autism Spectrum Disorder

Margaret and Elizabeth’s journey took an unexpected turn when they were seen at the Walter Reed Military Treatment Center on October 4, 2021. At the tender age of 20 months, they were diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) by a pediatric behavioral specialist. The words echoed in their parents’ ears, carrying a heavy weight, as they were told that these challenges would be lifelong companions for their precious girls.

However, in the face of this daunting diagnosis, their parents found strength and determination that would ignite a flame of hope within them. Fueled by an unyielding love for their daughters and an unwavering belief in their potential, they sought the best therapies and interventions to unlock Margaret and Elizabeth’s hidden strengths. Margaret and Elizabeth’s story would not be defined by limitations but rather by the milestones they surpassed, the barriers they shattered, and the extraordinary individuals they would become.

Join us as we delve into the inspiring story of Margaret and Elizabeth, two incredible girls who turned their developmental delays into stepping stones with the support of specialized interventions, holistic nutrition, and The Listening Program.

Initial ATEC Evaluation: Assessing Progress and Challenges

In September 2022, when the girls were just 2 ½, Margaret and Elizabeth underwent an evaluation using the Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC). Developed by Dr. Bernard Rimland and his team, the ATEC is a comprehensive tool that assesses the effectiveness of interventions for individuals with autism. It covers domains like speech, sociability, sensory awareness, and health/behavior. By quantitatively measuring progress, the ATEC provides valuable insights and empowers families and professionals to make informed decisions for optimal development and improved quality of life.

The ATEC uses a scoring system that ranges from 0 to 180, with higher scores indicating more significant challenges in the assessed areas. Both girls had relatively high scores at the time, reflecting their initial difficulties. Below are the totals derived from all four subtests:

A New Daily Routine: The Listening Program

On September 12, 2022, The Listening Program® (TLP), Spectrum with the Waves Air and Bone Conduction Headphones became a cherished part of their daily routine. TLP Spectrum is a gentle TLP Core Program that supports developmental milestones, sensory processing, motor coordination, and emotional regulation. The girls used Waves headphones which engage multiple sensory pathways, combining bone conduction for a vibratory sensation in the head and neck and air conduction through traditional headphones for auditory stimulation. This comprehensive sensory experience enhances the program’s effectiveness and promotes a holistic approach to brain training.

The girls’ mom worked closely with Denise Decker, an educational therapist, and TLP Certified Provider, for six months. Denise carefully evaluated the girls’ medical and developmental history, interviewed their mother, and developed a program plan. After Denise and their mom carefully reviewed equipment training, program implementation, and recommended listening activities, the girls were ready to begin.

At only three years old, both girls eagerly anticipated listening each day for 15 minutes. With remarkable adaptability, they effortlessly adjusted to wearing the headphones, embracing this immersive experience. During her sessions, Margaret found solace at a table or on the floor, engrossed in activities such as working on a 100-piece puzzle or assembling blocks.

Activities for Engagement and Sensory Exploration

Due to Elizabeth’s low muscle tone, she required a therapeutic chair and table to ensure proper posture during her listening sessions. Additional sensory equipment, such as a squeeze ball and an oral chewing device, aided her in finding comfort and focus. Elizabeth’s sessions were filled with a variety of stimulating activities, including coloring, self-reflection in a mirror, magnet play, clay manipulation, and working with stickers. These activities contributed to her engagement and sensory exploration while she listened.

Both Margaret and Elizabeth remained actively engaged and relaxed throughout their listening sessions. As the modules concluded, their excitement overflowed, and they joyously clapped their hands, celebrating the power of sound in their journey toward growth.

In addition to TLP Spectrum, Margaret and Elizabeth delighted in the musical companionship of Advanced Brain Technologies’ Music for Babies collection, including: Cheerful Baby, Peaceful Baby, Sleepy Baby, and Playful Baby. These complementary programs provided further moments of happiness intertwined with their daily activities.

The Listening Program became a cherished component of Margaret and Elizabeth’s lives, creating a symphony of possibilities. With each session, their auditory processing skills were nurtured, their sensory experiences enriched, and their overall well-being enhanced. The harmonious blend of sound and engaging activities allowed Margaret and Elizabeth to flourish, paving the way for their continued success and an enriched quality of life.

Nutrition and Specialized Interventions

Both girls actively participated in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, a scientifically proven approach focusing on teaching and reinforcing positive behaviors while reducing challenging ones. They sought speech-language therapy to enhance Margaret and Elizabeth’s communication skills, helping them express themselves and engage with others more effectively.

Understanding the unique challenges faced by Elizabeth, she received additional support through occupational therapy and physical therapy. These specialized interventions helped address her specific needs, including improving her muscle tone, enhancing her motor skills, and supporting her sensory processing.

Margaret began attending a General Education Pre-K program three times a week in February. This experience allowed her to immerse herself in a diverse educational setting, fostering her cognitive growth, expanding her social connections, and preparing her for future academic endeavors.

Recognizing the value of social interactions and play in their daughters’ development, they actively sought out a parent-led playgroup, which provided a supportive and inclusive environment for Margaret and Elizabeth to interact with peers and develop their social skills.

Exceptional nutrition was another significant factor in supporting their daughters’ health and well-being. They diligently ensured that Margaret and Elizabeth received a well-balanced diet, rich in essential nutrients and tailored to their specific needs. Understanding the profound impact of nutrition on cognitive and physical development, the parents prioritized providing them with wholesome, nourishing meals. Recognizing the importance of a holistic approach, the parents also explored complementary therapies like homeopathy, which aimed to support the girls’ well-being and address any underlying imbalances.

Bursts of Language, Emotional Regulation, and Eye Contact

Soon after beginning Spectrum, Elizabeth experienced a language burst after her listening sessions. She began saying phrases like “Put shoes on” and “Bye, bye Mom,” counting to 20 and reciting the alphabet. Her mother noticed how Elizabeth mouthed or babbled during the listening sessions and appeared to conduct music, and observed her eyes taking in the melodies and repetitive patterns. On the other hand, Margaret hummed while listening and showed improvement in assembling puzzles and building animals with her blocks using illustrations from books, such as a giraffe. Later they used watercolor paints during their sessions.

Therapists also noticed the girls’ progress within a few months and encouraged their parents to continue with the therapies. Elizabeth exhibited more eye contact, better attention, and increased engagement with others. Both girls showed improvement in reflexes and language skills. By the end of November, Margaret exceeded her vocabulary expectations and began speaking in full sentences. She learned to use language to express her feelings when she felt anxious and developed self-regulation skills to calm herself and maintain focus.

By December, Elizabeth’s gait and language improved as well. She became more grounded and settled, making sustained eye contact, using fewer repetitive movements, and demonstrating reduced low tone. She even started singing, dancing, and playing notes on the piano, showing eagerness to participate in various activities. Now she is saying three-word phrases, a marked improvement.

Overcoming an Autism Diagnosis

February 8th became an unforgettable day in Margaret’s journey when her Developmental Pediatrician made a momentous announcement – she no longer met the criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This remarkable milestone marked a significant turning point in her development. To solidify this achievement, an independent evaluation conducted by a hospital further confirmed Margaret’s progress.

In May 2023, the girls received their latest ATEC scores from their ABA therapist, and the results were truly remarkable. The scores showcased the tremendous progress they had made on their developmental journey. Elizabeth’s score had dropped to an impressive 51 (her initial score was 76), reflecting significant improvements in various areas. However, Margaret’s score was the most striking achievement, which significantly reduced to an astonishing 20 (her initial score was 43).

Margaret and Elizabeth’s parents found Spectrum with Waves an invaluable program providing a solid foundation for their daughters’ improvements. It seamlessly fits into their busy schedules, and they even use it during family vacations to maintain consistency. Most importantly, the girls loved and eagerly anticipated their listening sessions, experiencing significant improvements in various areas. The Listening Program became an integral part of their routine programs, continuing to support their ongoing progress.

Exploring New Opportunities

In conclusion, The Listening Program has been a transformative force in the lives of Margaret and Elizabeth. It has brought about remarkable gains, each unique to their individual journeys. Margaret, once diagnosed as autistic, now presents as a typically developing three-year-old. She has surpassed all expectations, becoming fully verbal and capable of engaging in conversations. TLP has played a significant role in supporting her development, helping her self-regulate and maintain focus. It has allowed her to explore new areas of interest and learning, expanding her cognitive abilities and opening doors to educational opportunities.

Elizabeth’s IEP was recently updated, and she has been identified for a General Education Classroom for the start of her PreK 3 class. Initially, she had been designated for a self-contained classroom. Now, her evaluation team feels that the general education population is a better fit and would support her growth with language and socialization.

Margaret and Elizabeth have experienced positive changes in reflexes, sensory processing, and motor skills, allowing them to navigate their surroundings efficiently and engage in physical activities joyfully. Elizabeth’s progress has also been astounding. From limited language skills, she has made tremendous strides in expressive and receptive language, enabling her to engage in meaningful conversations and express herself with clarity. Her improved communication skills have enriched her social interactions and strengthened her connections with others.

The journey with TLP has defied the initial prognosis and exceeded expectations. Margaret and Elizabeth’s successes are a testament to their resilience, the dedication of their parents, and the efficacy of the therapies and interventions they have embraced. The Listening Program has been invaluable in unlocking their potential, empowering them to overcome challenges, and embracing a future filled with possibilities. They are living proof that with love, support, and access to effective interventions, the potential for growth and development knows no bounds.