Auditory Function in Academics

Expanding auditory digit span remediates many learning problems

Kay Ness, MS Neurodevelopmental specialist has written an intriguing article citing the importance of the auditory system for reading, conversational language, understanding complex instructions, learning long words using phonics, solving psychological problems and improving maturity. ADD, ADHD, autism and Down syndrome are mentioned. Much of the article is focused on auditory digit span. This is very interesting.

Kay said, “If I was going to pick the greatest functional problem in our society today, I would choose auditory processing.” Kay definitely made her case.

Sounds of Learning

Studying the Impact of Music on Children with Autism

Newswise.com reports research conducted at UCLA using music to help children with autism spectrum disorders experience emotions, an essential part of relating to people (challenging for many people with ASD). The 12-week program uses the Orff method, developed by 20th century German Composer Carl Orff. Music and movement activity are “elemental” according to Orff. Singing, clapping, dancing, musical games are used to connect learning to emotions, in an interactive setting. Interesting how educational practices a hundred years ago knew what body brain research confirms today! It’s time educators today get with it, rather than cutting music and physical education programs, making these programs central to learning.

Alternative Therapies from A to Z

Dozens of natural (non-drug) therapies for LD

Karen Johnson and Jodee Kulp have briefly described dozens of natural non-drug approaches to help remediate learning challenges. It is one impressive list offered by Tool Box Parent.

Stimulating the Autistic Brain

Using Motor Patterning and Childhood Reflexes

Suzanne Amanor-Wilks article explains, “how cognition and movement are really the same” and how therapies for autism, leading to higher levels of behavior and learning are centered on movement, reflexes, posture and muscle control. Suzanne briefly explains the role of primitive reflexes, motor patterns, sensory-motor integration, and brain stimulation.

Dr. Svetlana Masgutova, who is developing a body of research showing how brain structure can change after a few hours of reflex integration therapy, is offering an extensive Family Education Conference for Children and Adults with Challenges and Gifts. The program is open to children with Cerebral Palsy, Autism, Asperger Syndrome, ADD, ADHD, Dyslexia, Down’s Syndrome, Developmental Delay, Speech and Language development delay, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Emotional Instability, and other symptoms, such as chemical imbalances, metabolic disorders and allergies.

Autistic Developmental Challenges

Six basic developmental skills lay a foundation for learning

ICDL, The Interdisciplinary Council on Developmental and Learning Disorders website provides insight of the milestones needed to lay a solid foundation for learning and development. Autistic and other special need students need more time and help to master these skills. ICDL addresses this challenge with their DIR®/Floortime program that targets social interactions and problem solving, as well as sensory-integration therapy, designed to change the way the brain processes sensory input.

An article written on Edutopia focuses on Overcoming Autism: Public Schools Deal with a Growing Problem

Autism Games

Use play for social, emotional and sensory motor development

Tahirih Bushey has developed a playful site full of articles and fun videos showing how to play with an autistic child. Autism Games shows a variety of effective ways to use play to build language and boost attention. Sensory and motor skills are being developed through repetition. Visit Tahirih’s blog and enjoy her engaging ways to help autistic children "regulate emotions… navigate the social world… and interact in the physical world.”

CranioSacral Therapy and Autism

Autism Spectrum Disorder: How CranioSacral Therapy Can Help

According to Tad Wanveer’s article, “CST, CranioSacral Therapy has been successfully used to help the brain decrease levels of abnormal inflammation, sensation, tension, toxicity and chaos leading to greater ease and efficiency of nervous system processing, which often manifests as a reduction of ASD systems.” Spend time reading more about CST on The Upledger Institute website, including natural headache relief . Once again, the body/brain shows natural healing capacity.

Autism Spectrum Disorder Management

Special report rating educational strategies and associated therapies treating ASDs

Pediatrics, Official Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics offers an online Report on Educational Interventions, Speech and Language Therapy, Social Skills Instruction, Occupational Therapy and Sensory Integration Therapy, Comparative Efficacy of Educational Interventions for Young Children, Programs for Older Children and Adolescents, Medical Management, Seizures and Gastrointestinal Problems, Sleep Disturbance, Evaluation of Challenging Behaviors, Psychopharmacology, Complementary and Alternative Medicine, and Family Support.

Treat ADHD, Dyslexia, Autism Naturally

Non-drug approaches treat and prevent learning challenges

Myomancy.com plays an important role exploring body-brain causes of ADHD, Dyslexia, and Autism. Many articles examine natural ‘non-drug’ approaches currently being used to effectively prevent and treat these learning challenges. I thoroughly enjoy Myomancy’s critical thinking dealing with such emotional issues. Once again the body-brain's capacity to strengthen itself and overcome living and learning challenges using movement and exercise prevails.

Developmental Delay Resources

Visit this comprehensive website chalked full of useful resources!

Developmental Delay Resources http://www.devdelay.org/ is phenominal. Parents and professionals will discover bountiful resources on health, diet, lifestyle, learning and ways to help people developmentally challenged.

Patricia Lemer, Executive Director, her staff and advisors offer a Radio Archive http://ehlradio.com/ArchivedShows/Index.htm and handy Article Search http://www.devdelay.org/cgi-bin/search and much, much more.

http://www.devdelay.org/people.html lists the Advisory Board and their websites. Hats off to all of these exceptional people for donating their time helping people achieve their living and learning potential.

Jeff Haebig

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome --

Build Better Baby Brains – Avoid Alcohol While Pregnant!

http://www.betterendings.org/ Jodee and Liz Kulp’s website provides much information on FASD, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Their books are very compelling. Did you know:

FASD is the leading cause of mental retardation in our country.

FASD is often misdiagnosed as ADHD, bipolar disorder, autism and RAD.

http://www.fasdcenter.samhsa.gov/documents/WYNK_Physical_Effects.pdf describes FASD, its causes, health affects, and treatment. Best advice, “Stop and think. If you’re pregnant, don’t drink.”

Jeff Haebig

Autism Issues and Sensory Therapies

Read Temple Grandin's article regarding Holding Therapy

Read http://www.thechildrenscenteraz.org/HoldingTherapy.html by Temple Grandin to better understand Autism... its causes, related sensory problems, brain research, sensory therapy, and tactile research. The article focuses on Gentle vs. Forced Holding. The author relates her own experiences as an autistic person using this therapy. This is a wonderful article by a leading expert.

Jeff Haebig

New Move, Play and Thrive Website

Be sure to check this out!

I just received an e-mail from Sonia Story today announcing her new website http://www.moveplaythrive.com/. I am impressed. Sonia shares information relating movement to vibrant living and learning. One can see how the Neuro-Sensory-Motor system controls our physical, mental, emotional and social functioning. Delays in the development of our body/brain system create many problems cited on the website, including Attention Deficit Disorder, dyslexia, developmental delay, sleep problems, bedwetting, autism, sensory processing disorders, text anxiety, handwriting difficulties, stess and overwhelm, PTSD and trauma release. I recommend people interested in optimal learning to become familiar with Sonia Story's wonderful work.

Today is Thanksgiving... let's pause and reflect on our magnificent body responsible for life's successes.

Jeff