The Tomatis Method and Children with Autism and PDD
The Spectrum Center uses the Tomatis Method of "auditory training" in conjunction
with sensory integration techniques to treat a spectrum of conditions that
includes Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD). We look at
the children we treat from the perspective of a developmental model that
incorporates the theories of Dr. Alfred Tomatis and Dr. A Jean Ayres (the
developer of sensory integration theory).
This view presupposes that many of the behavioral and communicative
idiosyncrasies observed in Autism and PDD, are not the causes of the disorder,
but rather are symptoms based upon an underlying "biologically based" regulatory
disorders.
The focus of the treatment is on the sensory systems involved in the child's
ability to self-regulate. In improving this we hope
to provide an improved foundation upon which normal development can take
place. There are many studies about how the lack of, or abnormal sensory
stimulation can results in delayed or atypical development. It is theorized
that in children with Autism and PDD, that their central nervous systems
do not allow them to properly perceive, process and organize sensory information
from their bodies and their environment. Therefore they are not able to
respond adaptively and develop normally.
copyright Valerie M. Dejean, Spectrum Center Method, 2002.