TLP Autism Research Published in Occupational Therapy International

Research measuring the effect of The Listening Program®, shows promise for children with autism who suffer with auditory hypersensitivity. The results indicated a decrease in the number of negative (avoidant, verbal and physical negative) and self-stimulatory behaviors following intervention.

Auditory hypersensitivity is a common and significant sensory processing disturbance for individuals with autism spectrum disorder. In a 2012 Autism Science Digest article Auditory Hypersensitivity and Autism Spectrum Disorders: An Emotional Response authors Jay Lucker and Alex Doman discuss the application of The Listening Program® as the initial treatment approach for individuals with autism and auditory hypersensitivity in order for them to find comfort and safety in relationship to the sounds in their world.

The findings in this current study by Bryan Gee, Kelly Thomson, and Holly St. John Efficacy of a Sound-based Intervention with a Child with an Autism Spectrum Disorder and Auditory Sensory Over-responsivity published in journal Occupational Therapy International support what Lucker and Doman describe in their article. The results indicated the child had a decrease in negative and self-stimulatory behavior, which is one of the outcomes we want for children with autism spectrum disorder who demonstrate auditory sensory over-responsitivity (SOR).

The results are consistent with countless parent, teacher, and clinician reports, and build on the growing body of evidence which demonstrate both the safety and efficacy of this music listening method for children with autism. It is important to note this study looked at the results of a 10-week time frame rather than the 20 to 40 week protocol which would typically be a full course of recommended listening. This is something the authors address in the article. In addition they recommend the use of The Listening Program® as a part of a comprehensive occupational therapy using a sensory integrative approach (OT-SI).

Other studies on TLP and autism are ongoing.

Read the study

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