AUTISM THERAPY
NEW RESEARCH:
Program Offers Help for Autism
and Sensory Processing Disorder
By Randall REDFIELD,
Co-Founder and CEO of Integrated Listening Systems
Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is closely aligned with autism in that most individuals on the autism spectrum have significant struggles with SPD (autismspeaks.org).
The Sensory Processing Disorder Foundation conducted a pilot study on seven children with SPD who
went through the iLs program (Integrated Listening
Systems), a brain-training program which combines
specifically processed music with visual, balance and
coordination exercises. The study measured functional, emotional and behavioral changes before
and after the 40-session iLs program. In addition to
standardized behavioral assessments the study used
a physiological measure, EDR (electrodermal response), to measure change in the children’s arousal
levels. The researchers use the term ‘arousal’ in reference to the autonomic nervous system; for example,
an appropriate level of arousal supports attention
and learning, too much arousal results in anxiousness or ‘fight or flight’ behavior.
C
hildren with sensory impairments find it
difficult to process and act upon information received through the senses, resulting
in challenges such as clumsiness, anxiety,
and social and behavioral problems. Additionally, many of them have sensory-related sensitivities which impact them on
a daily basis. A recently published study offers help
to those with SPD and autism, especially to those
who are looking for a program which can be done at
home and does not involve medications.
34 | Autism Parenting Magazine | Issue 44
The iLs program objective is to build a strong neurological foundation for processing information as
well as for sustained focus and emotional regulation. While iLs is often used in conjunction with other therapies such as occupational therapy, ABA and
speech therapy, for the purposes of the study it was
the sole intervention.
The results of the pilot study were significant:
iLs was conducted at home by parents four
times per week, and once a week in clinic with a
para-professional;
Both under-responsive and over-responsive children realized physiological change in the 40 hours
of therapy; in other words, those who were over-re-