Using the Tomatis ® Method of Therapy with Autism

Autism manifests in so many ways and each child lives with their own unique form of the condition. The good news is, as autism is neurobiological in nature the Tomatis® Method can help.
The Tomatis® Method works by re-patterning the nervous system and the neural pathways using a sophisticated device called the electronic ear. The Tomatis® Method is a neuro-developmental therapy designed by Dr Tomatis, a French ENT Specialist.

This method of brain training stimulates the neural circuits concerned with the decoding and analysis of sound, bodily movement, balance and coordination.

Autism can manifest as any number of difficulties including challenges with: cognition, communication, sensory overwhelm, difficult behaviours, reduced capacity for social interaction and empathy, speech and language delays, gross and fine motor skills, spatial awareness and so on.

By acting on the neural circuits the Tomatis® Method improves both the capacity to communicate through language and speech and the ability to relate. Other improvements we see are better spatial awareness, great tolerance for sensory stimulants, improved behaviour and ability for self-control, plus mobility and fine and gross motor skills. Over its 50 years of use around the world this method has demonstrated its effectiveness in helping people who suffer from autism.

The Tomatis® Method cannot promise to eliminate the problems associated with autism, but it does help the person to better manage their symptoms and in this way effectively overcome them.

A proper functioning inner-ear is of prime importance to development. Every muscle of the body is in communication with the vestibular system and the vestibular system is housed in the inner ear; it controls balance, coordination and muscle tone. Along with that it plays an important role in processing sensory input. Together with its other goals the Tomatis® Method aims to regulate vestibular function and improve sensory integration. When it comes to developing speech, it has been found that children with delayed speech often start to produce sounds when their vestibule is stimulated as it is with this method of therapy.

One of the important goals of the Tomatis® Method in relation to autistic kids is to awaken the desire to communicate, learn and embrace life. The ears both listen and hear. Whilst hearing is passive, listening is active. One must tune into a sound outside of themselves in order to listen. When we tune out the outside world we become inwardly focused on our inner thoughts and feelings. The Tomatis® Method stimulates the ear and the brain and therefore the child wants to listen and to engage with the outside world. This in turn stimulates the desire to actively engage with the external world through communication and expressive language.

The Tomatis® Method gradually desensitizes children from their hypersensitivity to sounds, touch and visual input. The specially developed headphones used with the Tomatis® Method incorporate a bone conduction vibrator that sits at the top of the skull and transmits sound directly to the bone. Sound sensitivity is not limited to the ears and auditory system, both the bones and skin conduct sound. The Tomatis therapy works on all aspects gently and gradually to reduce this over-sensitivity allowing the child to build up their inner filters and the ability to discriminate between sounds, block out distractions and focus on a primary sound e.g. the voice of a person talking, while blocking out the surrounding noise of traffic or other speakers.

In this way sensory integration occurs and parents report positive changes such that the child is no longer disturbed by sounds that in the past used to cause him to ‘lose it’. Or they can be around music or noise and no longer need to cover their ears.

At the same time tactile defensiveness declines and eye contact improves. While both fine and gross motor functions increase. Sleeping patterns often improve and appetite picks up together with a greater ability to eat a larger variety of foods and a willingness to try new foods.

Sensory regulation occurs.

As the nervous system integrates cognitive and behaviour changes occur. Many children become more emotionally expressive, showing great affection and more interest in others. They become more flexible and able to cope with change and transition. As a result hand flapping, repetitive body movements and self-destructive behaviours decrease.

Those with language skills start to speak more clearly, using longer sentences and more appropriate words. Concentration and the ability to stay focused improves. They make better eye contact and handle social situations better. All in all parents report that the Tomatis® Method helps their children to come out of their ‘shell’.

Tomatis Melbourne

The Tomatis® Method is by no means a cure for autism, but in conjunction with other therapies it brings about wonderful improvements. Many also report that it speeds up other therapies and supports their children in becoming more present, more aware and more ‘switched on’.

CALL: 0437 048 833 TO FIND OUT MORE.

 

Therapy for Children Melbourne | Tomatis Melbourne | Reflex Integration Melbourne
Sharon Chinen, Pakenham, Victoria, Australia.