The Listening Program Progress Diary: Day 1

Today (Monday 27 December 2010) was the first day we started The Listening Program (TLP).  So, what is The Listening Program??  To help explain, I'll quote from the official website "The Listening Program’s psychoacoustically modified music and patent-pending production techniques are designed to stimulate, or “exercise” the different functions of the auditory processing system. This enables the brain to better receive, process, store and utilize the valuable information provided through the varied soundscapes in our lives such as music, language and the environment in which we live."   

As I have discussed in previous posts, all three of our children have an autism spectrum disorder.  They are all doing extremely well and we are very happy with their progress so far, however their auditory processing is what is holding them back from reaching their potential in life. After one year of school, Jacob and Aaron are still unable to read a reader and recognise more than a hand full of words. Kristie was assessed as functioning just above 'auditory processing disorder' level and struggles with spelling, language and general literacy. I should note, however, that they all have their own unique gifts that they excel at. 

Earlier this year, we were lucky enough to start seeing Vernica Steer, a wonderful Occupational Therapist (OT) from Adelaide, South Australia. Veronica is someone who I greatly admire as not just an OT, but as a person and support for our family. She is a huge part of 'Team Dix' and in addition to being an extremely gifted and experienced OT, she is also a "TLP Provider".  Veronica told me about TLP, which is also used at my children's school.  I was really interested in the program because if it worked, it could be the key to helping our children with their literacy, which would enable them to get through school with a good education and to later get a job. I was also interested in how TLP could help me because I have dyslexia and have always struggled with memory, listening and reading.  Sometimes I find it soooooo frustrating. I can only imagine how frustrating it is for my three muchkins!  I take my hat off to them for how they handle their disorder and get through every day.

Quoting again from The Listening Program Website, the program claims to be beneficial for the following "When auditory perception is distorted—whether through illness, injury, developmental or other challenges—auditory processing problems can lead to academic, emotional, cognitive and social challenges, including problems with the following:

• Attention and concentration • Listening • Speech and language • Memory • Communication • Social skills • Reading • Sensory integration • Self regulation • Physical balance and coordination • Vocal performance and musical ability"

So today the four of us tried TLP for the first time ~ following the individualised programs Veronica put together for each of us.  Jacob & Aaron listened at the same time with separate headphones, and after a very quick protest, started to enjoy it.  Aaron wanted to lie down and relax while listening, which is something he very rarely does and Jacob played quietly on the floor with his mobilo. Although Aaron took off his head phones twice, he was happy to put them straight back on. They both lasted the full 15 minutes and were happy.  Kristie also protested a little, but enjoyed relaxing on her bed as she listened. Then it was my turn.  I listened while  sorting laundry and found it to be an easy and pleasant process.  Aaron later approached me and asked if he could do it again.  I responded by saying "Yes Aaron, you can do it every day morning and night". 

So our first attempt was a success and there were no major dramas throughout the day.  The children were all well behaved and relaxed.  Who knows if this had anything to do with TLP or the fact they are resting after a busy couple of days celebrating Christmas.  

I look forward to posting regular updates of their progress.

Disclaimer: The outcomes noted in this post are only the views, opinions and experiences of Allison Dix and her family.  For further information and advice, visit The Listening Program Website or consult a TLP Provider in your area.

A Celebration of the International Autistic Community

Autistic individuals often have talents and abilities that are not widely recognised by the community.  There is, however, a wonderful Canadian organisation called Naturally Autistic® ANCA® who is holding their Inaugural International Event on 30th October 2010  - showcasing autistic artists, authors, animators, performers, ahievement, mentor and leadership awards.  

These awards are the first of its kind and are uniting the international autistic community in a way that has never been seen before.  Anyone can show their support to Naturally Autistic® ANCA® and the international autistic community by helping their Facebook cause AUTISTIC PEOPLE SPEAK - UNITED WE STAND achieve 10,000 members by October 30th 2010.  Naturally Autistic® ANCA® also has two fun challenges on Facebook. 


The first group is The Future's So Bright.... I've Gotta Wear Shades. Submit your photo wearing your shades.
The second group is Gone Fishing where you can submit your 'fishing' photo.  
Both challenges attract a prize for the most votes!
Please also visit the Naturally Autistic® ANCA® website.



Today, I would like to recognise a wonderful individual who writes beautiful peoms that he shares selflessly with the world on Facebook and who happens to be autistic.  His name is Erik Estabrook and he is from Ft.belvoir, Virginia, USA.  Erik is the author of published books, including A Heart Cast in Verse and Attesting to His Glory.  Erik also has a Facebook group Erik Estabrooks Poetry.  Below is one of his beautiful poems. ENJOY!


Aged Youth

free-spirits enter on a leash,
already equipped for this worlds lies and quips,
they spring forth with bright promise,

old souls with a temperance to change,
may you be kinder when the normal winds,
blow a little strange,

with inherited wisdom and strength,
blessings flow forth from earths crevices
and caves,

enchant us all with a tale,
lead a movement that solemly prevails,

It is up to the aged youth to use their gifts
your socrataic wisdom, your cunning and speech,

when this planet starts to recede,
you'll turn back the tide of the fate we'd receive,

it is up to the aged youth to not be jaded and follow truth.

by Erik Estabrook (c) 2010

Off The Leash

Jacob and Aaron, who are twins, were diagnosed as having Autism Disorder one week before their 3rd birthday. They exhibited most of the classic signs of autism ...... wouldn’t respond to their name, didn’t point, didn’t wave, no speech, in a world of their own, stimming (self stimulation), no sense of danger, so called tantrums all the time, very restricted diet, chronically bad sleepers, etc, etc.

Today, they are six years old and in their first year of mainstream school in separate mainstream classes. They are very lucky and we are extremely grateful that they have an ESO (Education Support Officer) each. So far, they have been attending school part-time, which is due to increase to full-time in the very near future.

Although there have been many, many challenges, they are making amazing progress and are really starting to feel that they are an important part of the school community. Their success is due to adopting a holistic approach to their care as well as the dedication of their support team, which includes our family, the teachers, the ESO’s, the entire school community, the therapists and the Catholic Education Office (South Australia).

I was in the school courtyard to pick the boys up from school at 1:30pm the other day when a year 7 girl told me that the boys were getting their bags to go home. I thought to myself how nice it was that the older students knew who the boys were and even who I was, and were mature enough to approach me to let me know what was happening.

Their ESO then told me how they had the best lunch time ever!! They spent the lunch break playing with a group of year 7 girls who were not only playing with them, but looking after their needs as well. This was just so heartening to hear and made me feel all emotional.

That same afternoon, I decided to take Jacob and Aaron to the Morialta Conservation Park to look at the gushing water as it ran down the stream from the waterfall up the hill. A very dear and special friend of mine suggested that I go have a look as it is at its most beautiful when it’s been raining and we have had a lot of rain over the past couple of weeks.

My friend was right, it was the most glorious scene and the boys thought so too. They were so excited to look at and hear the water in its most magnificent state and enjoyed walking across the two pedestrian bridges along the path. This is something they have never experienced before because until recently, it was not something we could ever safely do with them. Jacob and Aaron used to be runners and with two of them, it made for many extremely stressful outings. Regardless of this, we still tried to take them out as often as possible but we would choose the safest options for them.

The visit to Morialta Conservation Park was a magic milestone for both Jacob and Aaron because although I kept a watchful eye and sounded like a paranoid mother every time they were tempted to go closer to the edge of the water bank, they were essentially able to wonder freely. We always hoped they would be able to go on outings like this, but it never felt real until it became a reality.

Yesterday, Jacob and Aaron went on their very first school excursion to a local theatre to watch a play. When I arrived at the school before heading off with everyone, I got to witness just how much their social skills and interaction has come along. I was really taken back by this and was extremely proud and grateful. They play just like the other kids, who have been so wonderful to them both.

I think it is safe to say that they enjoyed the bus ride with their friends a lot more than the play, but that doesn’t matter! Aaron had to wear his ear muffs because of the noise and kept asking to go home, but by the time the first part of the play started, he was interested in what was taking place. Jacob is lucky as the noise doesn’t bother him so much and he sat on his chair like an angel. Half time and we left the theatre for the lobby. By that time, the boys had had enough. I wasn’t sad at all about this as the theatre was so hot and stuffy that I think out of all the parents, I got the best deal =). Autism can have its advantages!

We are so blessed that Jacob and Aaron have made so much progress. Their sister, Kristie, even feels it and put together a dedication video to them that can been seen at: My Autistic Brothers AMAZING Transformation! Kristie made this video without any help and surprised us with it when finished. As you can imagine, it turned us into embarrassing blubbering parents who couldn’t stop crying from the emotion of it all.

Jacob and Aaron have a long way to go and academically, they are way behind. But consider this..... When they were diagnosed at age 3, they weren’t given much chance of a normal life at all and successful mainstream education wasn’t something anyone considered achievable. We have already witnessed two little miracles who continue to inspire and amaze us each and every day. We love them and their sister so much.

Kids Say the Darndest Things!!

Tonight whilst driving home in the car, our 11yo daughter Kristie pipes up and says

"My Dad is the best Dad in the world. Dad made me and Mum processed me".

Hmmmmm.... does that mean I am only good for processing babies?  It's pretty funny you have to admit and although I was a little taken back by this comment, I thought is was pretty cute that she would come up with something like this.  

Kristie followed up her statement with a humorous giggle, saying that she didn't even know why she said that."  We all had a good laugh and acknowledged Shane for the great Dad he is.

I couldn't help but have images of Shane busily working away to produce this amazingly talented and beautiful child, while I moped around barefoot and pregnant feeling uncomfortable and pretty much like an incubator!  Shane with a big cheesy grin on his face, gloating at his marvellous achievement, and me with a "how did this happen?? I can't wait for it to be over." look on mine.

We both feel very blessed to have Kristie (and her brothers of course).  Her Asperger's diagnosis didn't change this in any way.  Right from a very young age, Kristie would light up the room when she smiled with her effervescent and contagious personality.   She is, and always has been a joy to be around.

Kristie has had some really tough times.  She has had to work through her issues with making friends, struggling with her school work and sensory limitations.  She has had to learn, and is still learning how to interpret language, facial expressions and body language.  But one thing keeps her striving for a happy and fulfilling independent life and that is her love of the arts.  Kristie started singing before she could even speak.  Her singing and love of music gets her through times of sadness. You can watch one of her performances at: Kristie's Performance at the Autism SA Masquerade Ball 31st Oct 2009.  She is also a talented artist and more recently self-taught movie maker.

We look forward to watching her grow into a wonderful young women that we know she will become.

Welcome to My Blog

After a life changing day in July 2007, where all three of our children were diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, me and my family have been on an amazing journey.
This blog is dedicated to my family and the things I have personally learned and continue to learn as a result of the children's diagnosis's. Kristie, Jacob & Aaron are 3 gifts from God and continue to amaze us each and every day.  We draw strength from theirs, and believe that if they can overcome the things they do with the challenges they have, then so can we!
I hope you enjoy reading this blog.