The Listening Program Progress Diary: Week 6

Kristie, Jacob & Aaron all dressed up at the movies

Last week Kristie, Jacob & Aaron completed their 6th week on The Listening Program.  I haven't posted a progress report because for the first 5 weeks, the kids were on school holidays.  I noticed some improvement with an increase in Jacob & Aaron's vocabulary and conversational skills, but it was difficult to really know how they were progressing because they were all going to bed way too late (refused to go to bed while the sun was still up!). This obviously meant they were over tired most of the time and you got all the behaviours that went along with it.  I also didn't want to be looking so hard that I saw progress that wasn't really there.  I knew that you couldn't really make any comparisons until they were back to their every day routine.

Because the four of us were doing the program, it meant I had to organise 6 listening sessions a day. I struggled fitting my own sessions in, so after week 4 when I had missed a few, I decided not to continue and to wait until the kids had finished their full program. This turned out to be a good decision for me.  I was disappointed about not continuing with the program though. I really, really loved listening before going to sleep.  I felt so calm and was falling into a deeper sleep than I would normally and it was incredibly quick.  This was great for me because my body clock has been way out since I was pregnant with Jacob & Aaron. 

Last week was the first week back to school.  Kristie started in year 7 (~last year of primary school boohoo!~) and Jacob & Aaron started year 1.  The first day back was a scorching 42 degrees Celsius here in Adelaide and the boys had been up and down all night from the heat. We decided that it wasn't worth risking them having a bad day and starting the year off on a bad note, so we kept them home.  Kristie, however, was happy to go back to start her last year at St Joseph's and to see all her friends.

A lovely Mum on Facebook told me that her daughter would listen while in bed and would always fall asleep during the 15 minutes.  Armed with this information, I thought I would give it a try. To my amazement, the boys responded so well to listening in bed, that I have found bed time on the weekends when they don't have to do the program more exhausting because they aren't as settled.

Before starting on the program, I was mostly worried that the kids wouldn't co-operate and that I would be constantly stressing about how I was going to get them to keep the headphones on for 15 minutes, which can seem like a lifetime for these kids. Jacob and Aaron took to it straight away and have enjoyed playing with their match box cars and building blocks while listening in the mornings.  Kristie has been tricky..... she's 12 with teenager emotions. Anyone reading this who has a teenager or has reared one can relate when I say that making your teenage child spend 15 minutes listening to classical music is totally BORING and UNDESIRABLE!!!!!  She's getting there though and becoming more accepting of it.

On Friday, one of Jacob & Aaron's ESO's (Education Support Officer) at school reported to Shane (Dad) that Jacob had made so much progress since the end of last year.  She was really excited because he had no trouble joining in with the other children and was following instructions without assistance.  Aaron also had a great start to the year and was very settled in his new routine from the start.  

Jacob at Speech

Then on Saturday, we had a speech session with the wonderful Christine Beal, who sees the boys on a monthly basis to track their progress for us.  Christine & I watched in amazement as the boys interacted with us and each other so beautifully.  Christine said that in the time since she last saw the boys, their progress was fantastic and they didn't have to work as hard to find the words for conversation and that they were a lot more fluent. Jacob 's progress was especially obvious as he took our photos with his Nintendo DSi ~ arranging us appropriately and asking us to smile.  He then checked to make sure the photo met his seal of approval LOL! 

It is difficult to say what progress, if any, is being made with Kristie.  It will be interesting to see how the results of her auditory processing test go once she has completed the program.

6 weeks down, 20 to go.  I'm very much looking forward to seeing how things have gone by the end of the program.

READ THE PROGRESS REPORT: DAY 1 (includes information about The Listening Program)

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.

Starting Sunday 9th Jan...New & Exciting Blogtalk Radio Program supporting the International Autistic Community

New & Inspring Blogtalk Radio Show

Commencing Sunday 9th January 2011, Naturally Autistic® ANCA® Radio Shows will broadcast for the first time ~ presenting to you “AUTISTIC PEOPLE, PEOPLE FIRST”.  The international radio show supports the Global Autistic Community – a part of their 2011 APAC Global (autistic people awareness campaign, global). Along with the recently launched Naturally Autistic magazine and online newsletter, this show will inspire a new movement for the international autistic community. 
Join as a member of the radio show channel



Autistic People, People First - Natually Autistic ANCA Radio Show Facebook Page

The January series is aptly titled “Reflections” and will highlight four women and their contribution to the Global Autistic Community in 2010. Details for the Reflections Series are as follows:
When: Sundays during January; 9th, 16th, 23rd and 30th

When: 12:00 noon American Pacific time (Mondays 06:00 am Australian Eastern Standard Time)


Sunday 9th January

Kelly Green

Special Guest: Kelly Green


Kelly is the founder of AutismHWY.com   (an international 'Informative Friendship Network' website for families and autistic individuals), which was just launched in December 2010


AutismHWY website
AutismHWY.com Facebook Page

Lauren S. Henry

Sunday 16th January

Special Guest: Lauren S. Henry (TBC)
Lauren is the founder of With a Brush of Love (supporting families with special needs children with their environments). 

With a Brush of Love Website
With a Brush of Love Facebook Page

Sunday 23rd January

Allison Dix

Special Guest: Allison Dix, co-founder of Rainbowland Autism Services and Autism Rainbow Day - Global Awareness Campaign. 

Rainbowland Autism Services
Jon the 21,000+ members of the Autism Rainbow Day Facebook Cause






Sunday 30th Janaury

Anna Kennedy

Special Guest: Anna Kennedy, founder of several schools for autistic children in the U.K and winner of the Daily Mail’s Inspirational Women of the Year Award in the UK and other numerous awards. 


Anna Kennedy Online Website






Don't forget to Join as a member of the radio show channel.
Tune in and you'll hear from these women first hand how they accomplished what they have!

Naturally Autistic ANCA Hosts: Scott Jackson; Nicole Nicholson and Tim Pylypiuk

Wishing you all the best for a very prosperous and successful 2011!!!
Leo Gregory/Creator
Naturally Autistic ANCA
www.naturallyautistic.com

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.