Therapeutic Listening and Preschoolers

Journal of Occupational Therapy , Schools and Early Intervention published research on the benefits of Therapeutic Listening program for preschoolers with developmental disabilities. The study was performed with one group of 15 preschoolers using a pre-test and post-test design. The preschoolers received their traditional therapy sessions along with the Therapeutic Listening program. Six assessments were used to measure fine motor, visual motor, social, language and sensory processing. Significant improvements were seen in all areas except sensory processing and the behavior sub test of the Social Skills Rating System. Parents, teachers, and therapists observations were consistent with the results. The researchers concluded that Therapeutic Listening with typical therapy services may have a role in encouraging developmental skills for preschoolers with developmental disabilities.

Interesting information but certainly not a strong research design. How was it determined that adding Therapeutic Listening produced the changes and not the therapy sessions themselves??? Not impressed. Would love to hear comments (good and bad) from therapists in the field who use the Therapeutic Listening program.

Reference: Susan Bazyk; Janet Cimino; Kim Hayes; Glenn Goodman; Pamela Farrell The Use of Therapeutic Listening with Preschoolers with Developmental Disabilities: A Look at the Outcomes Journal of Occupational Therapy, Schools, & Early Intervention, Volume 3 Issue 2 2010 Pages 124 – 138