AUTISM THERAPY
sponsive became less aroused and those who
were under-responsive became more aroused.
ABAS Test (Adaptive Behavior Assessment System, often used for measuring change in autism interventions) showed improvement in all
sub-categories, with significant improvement in
Communication and Self-care;
for participants whose arousal decreased. This small
study is one of the first to provide empirical evidence
of the effects of the iLs program and to suggest an
impact on underlying physiological mechanisms.”
BASC Test (Behavior Assessment System for
Children) showed significant changes in 7 of the
sub-tests, including Hyperactivity, Aggression,
Anxiety, Depression, Atypicality, Adaptability
and Activities of Daily Living.
Excerpt from Conclusion: “This study provides
preliminary evidence that iLs is effective in ameliorating conditions for some of the children
with sensory over-responsivity and auditory
processing impairments…notable changes included following directions, completing daily
tasks (e.g. homework, morning routine, putting
away belongings) in a timely manner and reducing emotional outbursts.”
Post testing three months after program completion showed that the physiological and behavioral changes were sustained beyond the
end of the program
Parents reported qualitative comments such as
the following:
“His reading scores came up four levels.”
“He sleeps better.”
“He is happier at school.”
“His behavior in school is better.”
“She is able to joke with others.”
“He picks up on sarcasm more quickly.”
“Her face seems more animated.”
Study author, Dr. Sarah Schoen, commented “changes
in physiological arousal suggest the iLs program is impacting underlying regulation mechanisms that may
be contributing to the observed behavioral changes.
Behavioral changes included increased relaxation,
fewer meltdowns and a generally calmer disposition
For those interested in reading more, the study
is available at no cost online. Information on iLs’
home program may be found at www.integratedlistening.com/iLs-at-home/.
Randall Redfield is co-founder and CEO of Integrated Listening Systems (iLs). iLs provides a
multi-sensory program for improving brain function and emotional regulation while training the
brain to process sensory information. iLs’ newest product, the Dreampad, is a specialized pillow that delivers sound through a subtle vibration
which stimulates the body’s relaxation response.
The Dreampad was initially developed to help children with autism reduce their anxiety and improve
their sleep. Soon after the product release in November 2013, iLs was contacted by parents letting
the company know the Dreampad helped their children and was also helping their own sleep. Since
then, iLs has initiated multiple studies measuring
the effect of the Dreampad on sleep with different
conditions, including stress-related sleep difficulties, Parkinson’s, Autism, Alzheimer’s and ADHD.
Randall earned a M.A. in International Communications from The American University in Washington,
D.C. He lives in Denver, CO with his wife and two boys.
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