Auditory Training: Improving the Lives of Children and Teens with Developmental Delays, ADHD or Learning Difficulties

No one wants to discover that their child is behind in their development or learning. However, when a problem is recognized, it can be dealt with. More and more parents are learning about how music-based auditory training can improve the lives of children with learning difficulties and developmental delays.

How can musical frequencies help my child’s development?

Auditory training with classical music with modified frequencies effectively encourages the growth of pathways in the brain, which in turn can improve overall brain function.

Low frequencies stimulate motor skills, sequencing and sensory integration; middle frequencies bolster attention, memory, fluent speaking, understanding conversation, writing and reading; high frequencies help the brain with mental clarity, higher order thinking skilsl, impulse control, social awareness and mood.

Dr. Alfred Tomatis

The connection between listening problems and learning problems was made over half a century ago by Dr. Alfred Tomatis, ENT. He developed a method of modifying music that helps correct many learning, auditory, social, and sensory problems. His method of modified music training focuses on the following areas:

• The auditory system for listening with greater focus, tuning out background noise, and experiencing less sound sensitivity.
• The vestibular system for better balance, motor coordination, sensory integration and muscle tone.
• The brain for improved sensory integration, eye contact, language, reasoning, processing speed, memory, mood and attention span.

In addition to improving overall brain function, the frequencies of the modified music has been shown to decrease symptoms associated with…

• Dyslexia/Poor Reading
• Auditory Processing Disorder
• ADD/ADHD/ Short Attention Span
• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Sensory Integration Disorder
• Developmental Delays
• Language Delays
• And more

Dr. Tomatis was able to help many people with his method, including actor Gérard Depardieu. Depardieu struggled with reading comprehension, recall, and speech fluency issues, but the Tomatis method enabled him to overcome his deficits. He went on to become a famous and engaging actor.

Benefits for Gifted Children

Listening training isn’t limited to children with disabilities. Average and above average students learn more quickly with improved memory, reading speed, comprehension, and concentration. Homework is less of a hassle and grades improve. And for older students, higher college entrance exams and scholarships are more likely to be obtained.

Also, gifted students achieve higher test scores for special programs such as Duke’s TIP program and magnet programs. And as stated above, gifted students who undergo listening training achieve higher college entrance exams scores and are more likely to receive scholarships.

What happens during a training session?

During an auditory training session, children have fun playing with toys, games, and puzzles. Also, crafts such as beading, drawing, and painting are encouraged. While their hands are busy playing, their ears are listening and their brain pathways are growing.

For more detailed information on the training programs we offer, please visit our Auditory Programs page.

Auditory Training Success Stories

Here are a few success stories that demonstrate the effectiveness of listening training for children with developmental disorders:

Our daughter repeated a grade, because she failed the reading portion of our state achievement test. When she was tested at the U. of Florida, we were told she had an auditory processing disorder that interfered with her reading and prevented her from understanding her teacher’s instructions. After her auditory training, Sheri could understand her teacher, and her reading scores shot up. The next year, she was on the honor roll!
- Gainesville, FL, Parent

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Alex

By first grade, Alex cried nearly every morning, because he didn’t want to go to school. He had learning disabilities in reading and auditory memory, which made school seem like a punishment. With brain & auditory training in 3rd grade, Alex excelled so much that he no longer needed special ed. services. Now, Alex gets his homework done without frustration, reads for enjoyment, and gets A’s in school. We highly recommend the Brain Works program.
- Steve and Karri C.

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At age 3, our little boy didn’t talk or look at others. When I tried to leave his side, he would scream—especially at bedtime. Our son had Autism. His father said he would give anything if his son would just look him in the eyes. Due to his auditory training at Brain Works, our little guy now looks at and even laughs with his father. He is also talking well enough to get his needs met. I can now walk away from him with no problem, even at bedtime.
- Grateful Mom

Would my child benefit?

If you are still unsure if listening training would be beneficial for your child, ask yourself the following questions:

• Are you worried about your child’s intellectual or emotional development?
• Have you seen warning signs such as a short attention span, speech delays, sensitivity to sounds, or impaired social skills?
• Is your child struggling in school with reading and writing?
• Are you constantly getting reports about your child’s inability to sit still and pay attention in class?
• Is your child especially gifted? Do you want to do everything you can to help him reach his full potential?

If you answered “Yes” to any of these questions, your child would probably benefit from listening training.

What’s the next step?

As we have demonstrated, listening training can benefit both children with developmental disorders and children with gifted minds. Let us show you how music can improve your child’s quality of life. Please contact us for a free consultation today.

If your child receives free or reduced lunch, please ask us about our special pricing.