Measuring The Outcomes of Therapeutic Listening in Children with Learning and Developmental Disabilities
Anecdotal reports of the Therapeutic Listening ®-Quickshifts (TL-Q) technique report positive effects on child behavior but the individualized approach requires further supporting evidence. TL-Q is an individualized sound-based program used to facilitate sensory processing skills and is believed to improve interpersonal, social, and cognitive skills (Frick & Hacker, 2001). This study examines the use of a standardized protocol to measure the specific outcomes of the TL-Q program using a practice-based evidence (PBE) approach for the purpose of aggregating data for clinical practice. The protocol was used to measure the outcomes of the TL-Q program in a convenience sample of 23 children, ages 3-12, with learning and developmental disabilities, including sensory processing dysfunction. The protocol was applied in a multi-center, multiple case study design, evaluating changes in sensorimotor skills, self-regulation, maladaptive behavior and activities of daily living (ADLs.) The protocol consisted of pre-test, post-test clinical assessments and semi-structured interviews including the COPM, SPM, VMI, PDMS-2, BOT-2 and a modified Clinical Observations tool. The protocol was applied over a 12-week period and completed in the child’s natural home setting simultaneously with traditional occupational therapy treatment. Significant improvement was seen in individualized goals and developmental posture skills. The outcomes generated from this study support the use of TL-Q in occupational therapy practice. The COPM proved to be a valuable tool for measuring outcomes of TL-Q, suggesting that the assessment may be beneficial to implement in pediatric practice settings.
Therapeutic Listening, Sound Based Therapies, Practice Based Evidence, Listening Therapy, Neuroplasticity, Sensory Integration Therapy, Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Alternative and Complementary Medicine, Occupational Therapy
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