Lighthouse Project
The Listening Program
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Adapted from: Information presented at "Listening With the Whole Body: With Sheila Frick and Colleen Hacker, 1999&2000.
The Listening Program
Strategies to Support Your Child During Listening
Use gentle insistence to encourage your child to wear the headphones for the entire duration of the listening session. Your therapist may have you participate in a session to guide you through this process. For a child who is resistant it is generally advisable to set up an activity that the child enjoys such as playdough, a board game, movement, favorite toys, etc and engage the child with the headphones on. Instead of saying "It's time for you to listen" say "It's time for us to play Candyland and we'll listen to our music too."
Offer the child sensory diet input which may include some of the following:
* Deep pressure touch: Firm, like massage or "brushing"
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* Proprioception: Sensations to the joints and muscles which give information about movement, location, and force exerted on muscles and joints. For example: Tug of War or wrestling
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* Heavy Work: Proprioception- making the muscles work against resistance, including whole body action such as pushing, pulling, lifting, moving, or playing with fidget toys.
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* Oral Motor: Chewing resistive foods, sucking a fruit rollup, blowing bubbles. Listening may be done while eating a snack or during a meal.
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* Movement: Swinging, rocking, jumping, etc. Rhythmic movement is very calming in contrast to fast changeable movement.
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Initially you may notice an increase in sensitivity and emotionality. This is in response to the high intensity of sensory input and is only temporary. The changes may not occur immediately however, if they do occur they are usually seen within 28-72 hours. These behaviors may be expressed differently in different children and may include sadness, anger, or joy and tend to ease with movement. Emotionality supports learning. Positive changes should accompany these behaviors. It is necessary to find a balance and support the nervous system to maintain an optimal level of organization. It should also be noted that not every child experiences or displays increased emotionality. If you find the increase to be uncomfortable for your family, contact your supervising therapist immediately and alterations will be made to your child's program.
For further information and initial consult please contact Kohar Enemark
Lighthouse Project (408) 871-8711 or email:
kohar@thelighthouseproject.com
