If you are the parent of a child with ADD, ADHD, Autism, Downs Syndrome or Cerebral Palsy you might already know that your child’s brain is the starting place of many of their symptoms. What you may not know is that there is a therapy called Integrated Listening System (iLs) that works to retrain and strengthen the brain to address their symptoms at their source.
iLs “is a multi-sensory program for improving brain function. It is an enjoyable activity, or “exercise,” which can be customized for all ages and skill levels... It has a global effect on the brain and central nervous system, influencing the following systems and their function: auditory, visual, vestibular (balance and coordination), motor, cognitive (thinking and reasoning) and emotional.” www.integratedlistening.com
This therapy combines auditory and visual stimulation with movement in a calm but “game”- like activity. The brain’s pathways, all being stimulated at once during the therapy - grow, strengthen and multiply. This increased neuron interconnectivity can lead to improved brain function and strength. Positive results of this therapy may include (but are not limited to): improved attention, emotional regulation, muscle tone, coordination, balance, and sensory processing.
The Integrated Listening System therapy typically involves 20 to 40 sessions, each session lasting about 60 minutes, with three or more sessions per week; frequency can be altered depending on the individual needs of each client and their family.
This is a very short summary of a complex and complicated therapy. If you’d like to know more about how it works, or how it might assist your child in thriving in daily life, please contact our office.
How Brain Training Can Help Children With ADD, ADHD, Autism, Downs Syndrome and Cerebral Palsy
-Jenny Schermerhorn, Contributor
Carolina Pediatric Therapy © March 2014
