How can Tomatis® complement Auditory Processing Disorders Therapy?
Envision this, a teacher may say, "Please raise your hand," while the student may understand it as "Please haze your plan." Or you might say, "Grab your rain gear," but your child may decode it as "Grab your reindeer.” This chaos is the reality of individuals with Auditory Processing Disorder (APD). Hearing is not a problem for those with APD; interpreting what they hear is. Worry not, Tomatis® can help.
Table of Contents
- Auditory Processing Disorders and the Tomatis® Method
- What does Auditory Processing Disorder look like?
- APD and overlapping conditions
- How can the Tomatis® Method help auditory processing disorder (APD)?
- Benefits expected from using the Tomatis® method:
- Other intervention options
- Tomatis® success stories for APD
- Frequently Asked Questions
Auditory Processing Disorders and the Tomatis® Method
Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) causes confusion in understanding sounds. Hearing is not a problem for children and adults with APD, but interpreting and processing what they are hearing can be a challenge. Dr. Tomatis® recognized these as problems with listening and perception. This was even before the label ‘Auditory Processing Disorder’ came into being.
APD affects approximately 5% of school-aged children and continues into adulthood (Silman et al, 2000). APD is neither a hearing loss nor a learning disability, it is the brain’s inability to process sounds the way it normally should. With the use of the right support such as the Tomatis® Method, individuals with APD can improve their ability to listen which helps them to learn, communicate and function better.
What does Auditory Processing Disorder look like?
Auditory Processing Disorder is best described as your ears and brain not being in sync. This results in a disconnect between how a sound is heard and how it is interpreted leading to the inability to process information as effectively as others. The following list of behaviours can help you better understand what an Auditory Processing Disorder can look like in both children and adults.
APD in Children
- Frequently saying “huh,” “what,” or “I don’t understand” and asking for repetitions.
Struggling to hear in noisy environments like classrooms or supermarkets.
Having difficulty distinguishing between similar sounds, such as “f” and “Sh.”
Finding it challenging to determine the direction of sounds.
Having trouble following spoken directions, except when they are short and simple.
Inability to follow conversations involving multiple speakers or topics.
Showing poor musical and singing skills, and difficulty learning songs or nursery rhymes.
Facing difficulties in paying attention and being easily distracted.
Being slow in processing information.
Experiencing problems with reading, spelling, comprehension, math, and science as language-based subjects become more challenging.
APD in Adults
- Difficulty multitasking in auditory situations, e.g. listening and taking notes at the same time
- Display disorganization and forgetfulness.
- Struggle to analyze and make inferences.
- Miss the bigger picture in conversations, strategies, ideas, etc.
- Find it difficult to understand metaphors or humour.
- Experience difficulty processing information in social situations.
- Face challenges when learning a new language.
- Show poor musical and singing skills.
- Have difficulty distinguishing between sounds in noisy environments, e.g. echoing noise or when more than one person is speaking.
- Struggle with communication, particularly in complex or crowded settings.
- Encounter difficulties in processing information and comprehending social cues in various situations.
As a stand-alone method or in conjunction with any other APD intervention, the Tomatis® Method can help improve your listening abilities, which in turn can improve your processing, learning, and communication skills.
APD and overlapping conditions
Research has also shown that a strong relationship exists between Central Auditory Processing Disorders (CAPD) and language disorders, learning disabilities, and Sensory Integration Dysfunction. (Glendenning 2007.) In addition, APD has many overlapping and identical signs with conditions like Dyslexia, ADD, ADHD, Autism, speech delay, and learning disabilities. So when a child is labeled as “disobedient” or often told “you’re not listening,” it is important to determine if they may, in fact have an Auditory Processing disorder.
Auditory Processing Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
ADHD may co-occur with APD, making it challenging to distinguish between the two. Both conditions can lead to difficulties in focusing and processing information, following verbal instructions, paying attention in environments with auditory distractions.
Auditory Processing Disorder and Dyslexia
Dyslexia and APD have some similar signs, such as trouble with reading and distinguishing phonemes. However, dyslexia primarily affects language processing related to reading and writing, whereas APD affects auditory processing. Both APD and dyslexia can impact reading and spelling.
Auditory Processing Disorder and Language Disorders
APD and language disorders can coexist, leading to difficulties in comprehending and communicating language. Individuals with APD might struggle to grasp complex language or follow conversations, which could be mistakenly identified as a sign of a language disorder.
Auditory Processing Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
While APD and ASD are distinct, some children with ASD might also experience auditory processing issues akin to those in APD. These challenges, common to both, include difficulties in processing auditory information, like struggling to comprehend speech in noisy environments or to distinguish between different sounds.
Auditory Processing Disorder and Learning Disabilities
APD can affect learning abilities, notably in reading and spelling, which depend on proficient auditory processing. It often coexists with other learning disabilities, contributing to challenges in processing and responding to information. APD particularly affects a child’s ability to understand verbal information, crucial in verbal classroom instruction, is a key factor affecting learning.
Auditory Processing Disorder and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)
SPD affects how the brain processes sensory information, and APD can be considered a type of sensory processing disorder focusing on auditory inputs. When APD and SPD co-occur, individuals might face compounded challenges, potentially complicating their ability to manage daily activities, social interactions, and educational settings.
APD can exist on its own or with other conditions, but it’s frequently undetected due to mirrored signs with other disorders. It’s crucial to recognize APD as a significant complicating factor. Conducting a detailed and extensive assessment for APD is essential to identify and address a child’s multifaceted needs.
How can the Tomatis® Method help Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)?
The Tomatis® Method stimulates the auditory pathways and improves the speed of processing of auditory signals and information. In simple terms, the program is the ear and brain gymnastics. It trains the brain and the auditory system to distinguish and filter sounds with state-of-the-art technology and decades of research. By correcting listening, processing information becomes easier and opens a new world of possibilities.
A Tomatis® listening session transmits classical music rich in harmonics with abrupt changes in tone. These frequency contrasts induced with proprietary Electronic Gating® are completely unpredictable, leading the brain to stay focused to listen and process stimuli better. A key component of the Tomatis® Method is brain plasticity, or the capability of the brain to change and learn new skills as it undergoes training. Session after session, the Tomatis® Listening Program facilitates the brain to develop greater listening clarity, ultimately resulting in improved listening and, thus improved auditory processing.
The Tomatis® Method works because it does not simply address the signs; it directly addresses how the brain processes auditory stimuli.
Potential Benefits expected from using the Tomatis® Method for APD
With impaired listening, everything is lost in translation. The Tomatis® Method is a progressive approach to educating the ear to sort, prioritise, analyse, and accurately use auditory information. Parents and practitioners frequently report the following benefits*:
Enhanced Listening
Trains the brain to discern sounds, tones, and nuances, aiding in following complex verbal communication and filtering background noise.
Improved Speech and Language Skills
Better listening leads to clearer speech, facilitating sound decoding and speech fluency.
Enhanced Academic or Work Performance
Promotes a relaxed, refreshed state, supporting positive changes in academic and work environments.
Elevates Memory and Attention
Targets ineffective listening and processing, enabling better retention, focus, and attention.
Enhanced Reading & Comprehension Skills
Assists individuals with APD in reading, comprehension, and communication. Reading for long periods becomes easier, too.
Boosts Learning
Helps children better comprehend, remember, and carry out spoken directions. Specific learning difficulties (SpLD), math, literacy, and handwriting also improve.
Reduced Stress and Anxiety
Promotes better sleep, reduced anxiety, clearer thinking, and improved self-esteem.
Improved Social Skills
Enhanced listening and language abilities enable improved communication, interaction, and social skills, boosting confidence in social settings.
Clearer Voice & Speech
Improved listening often correlates with clearer speech and enhanced voice quality since speech and pronunciation are developed through auditory perception.
*The Tomatis® Method should be understood as a supplementary tool rather than a replacement for conventional therapy in managing Auditory Processing Disorder. Outcomes of this method can differ among individuals, so it’s crucial to seek advice from a qualified professional who can assess and recommend the most suitable strategy for your unique situation.
Which Auditory Processing Disorder Therapy can Tomatis® complement?
Besides the Tomatis® Method, various other techniques are employed to assist individuals with Auditory Processing Disorders.
- Speech and language therapy – speak better
Speech and language therapy is not only for speech delays. It can help those with APD in differentiating sounds and phonological awareness. The Tomatis® Method can enhance the effectiveness of these therapies by improving auditory processing and listening skills.
- Classroom support for children – learn better
Classroom interventions like sitting in front of a class, written instructions, audio-visual cues, and speaking at a slower pace can minimize APD struggles. It can be more effective when paired with the Tomatis® Method to improve auditory attention and processing.
- Cognitive Therapy – focus better
Cognitive therapies that focus on improving memory, attention, and executive function can be complemented by the Tomatis® Method, which can help in better auditory information processing.
- Occupational Therapy – function better
For those with APD who also have sensory integration issues, occupational therapy combined with the Tomatis® Method can be beneficial in improving overall sensory processing.
- Assistive hearing technology – hear better
To enable hearing/listening allowing people with APD to participate in multiple life situations like classrooms, meetings, etc. Better hearing increases confidence and reduces fatigue.
These APD therapies are usually done in conjunction with one another. There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to children and adults. Each will respond differently to the various tools laid out for auditory processing.
Tomatis® success stories for APD
Frequently Asked Questions
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