A case study of a five‐year‐old child with pervasive developmental disorder‐not otherwise specified using sound‐based interventions

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of The Listening Program (TLP) in treating a child with pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS). Using a single-subject case study design, one child with PDD-NOS was administered a 20-week TLP intervention focused on improving sensory processing and language function. Data collection included pre- and post-evaluations using video footage, and Sensory Profile and Listening Checklist questionnaires. Results of the study indicated improved behaviour and sensory tolerance in the post-intervention video footage, including active participation in singing and movements to song. Sensory Profile and Listening Checklist questionnaires indicated significant improvements in sensory processing, receptive/expressive listening and language, motor skills, and behavioural/social adjustment at the post-intervention assessment. Although small in scope, this study highlights the need for continued research by occupational therapists into sound-based interventions. Particularly, occupational therapists need to perform larger-scale studies utilizing TLP to verify the efficacy of this alternative treatment method.

Efficacy of a Sound‐based Intervention with a Child with an Autism Spectrum Disorder and Auditory Sensory Over‐responsivity

“…Notable changes in the direction and level of the trend lines were noted prior to, during and when the intervention was withdrawn. This directional change is consistent with findings from other studies using a caregiver judgement-based questionnaire measuring the contextual impact of sensory processing on a paediatric client's functional capacities (Hall and Case-Smith, 2007;Nwora and Gee, 2009).…”

“…There is a paucity of peer‐reviewed evidence supporting the use of TLP with children diagnosed with ASD; most information is anecdotal at the time of this study. In a single case study, Nwora and Gee () reported mild to moderate improvement in behavioural and sensory tolerance in a 5‐year‐old child with pervasive developmental disorder using TLP. The improvements were determined by comparing pre‐data and post‐data through the Sensory Profile, the Listening Checklist and clinical observations.…”

“…One avenue paediatric occupational therapists use to address auditory and other SOR-related behaviours in children and adolescents is SBIs (Bazyk et al, 2010, Case-Smith et al, 2008, Hall and Case-Smith, 2007Nwora and Gee, 2009,). The Listening Program ® (TLP; Advanced Brain Technologies, Ogden, UT, USA) is one of several SBIs used by paediatric occupational therapists to address behavioural disturbances related to sensory processing in children with ASD (Nwora and Gee, 2009;Gee et al, 2013).…”

Evidence‐based practice: SLTs under siege or opportunity for growth? The use and nature of research evidence in the profession

“…Even when evidence appears to be favourable it must be inspected with caution by SLTs. For example, recent single case studies (McCollum 2006, Francis 2007, Nwora and Gee 2009) suggest that listening therapy (a sound therapy derivative of AIT) is beneficial, Nwora and Gee (2009) claiming, for example, that it improved a multitude of skills including behaviour and tolerance, sensory processing, receptive–expressive listening, motor skills and behavioural adjustment. Such an impact across multiple systems is always suspicious and an examination of the measure used to evaluate language is warranted—in this case a judgment based instrument.…”

Effect of Therapeutic Listening� Quickshift on Bilateral Coordination in Healthy Adults

“…A wide range of sound based therapies, such as Binaural Beats, Mozart Effect, Tomatis Method®, Auditory Integration Training, Listening Program®, Samonas, Integrated Listening Systems, and Therapeutic Listening®, are available for use by therapists for children with atypical development (Cassity, Henley, & Markley, 2007;Corbett, Shickman, & Ferrer, 2007;Sinha, Silove, Wheeler, & Williams, 2006). These therapies use modified music or sounds that contain different frequencies, which researchers claim influences the brain (Nwora & Gee, 2009).…”