
Alfred A. Tomatis
A
PPLICATIONS of the Spectrum Center Method®
The use of sound stimulation or Listening Training
can
be employed in the treatment of physical, attention, learning and
communication disorders including reading and phonics.
A bout Dr. Alfred Tomatis
French physician and Otolaryngologist, Tomatis' life's works was devoted to the understanding of the ear and the many dimensions of human listening. In doing this he re-examined the anatomy and neuro-physiology of the ear and in doing this he challenged conventional medical beliefs and proposed revolutionary theories about auditory physiology and the therapeutic use of sound.
He realized that the functions of the human were poorly understood and that the ear had functions that far exceeded those traditionally assigned to it. He felt the ear was the most complex, the most archaic, as well as the newest and most conscious of the body's sensory systems. He felt that the ear played a primary role in human evolution, human development, and in personal evolution and development. He studied the benefits of improved listening from a physiological, psychological, cognitive, and ultimately spiritual perspective. His understanding of the ear's neuro-physiology led to the development of theories regarding the interconnectedness of the body, mind and spirit in what he called the listening function.
We at the Spectrum Center use Tomatis Method therapy in combination with sensory integration techniques pioneered by Dr. A. Jean Ayres, Ph.D., OTR. She was dedicated to providing services to those who would otherwise be lost in the education and health care systems. Dr. Ayres' resolute drive to improve the knowledge and application of sensory integration theory and principles through continuous research was founded on the desire to help those with learning disabilities.
Put simply, sensory integration is the ability to take in, sort out and connect information from the world around us in an organized manner. The brain needs sensation, and without it, will create its own. With too much un-modulated sensory information a person can either become over-stimulated or so overwhelmed they shut down. Without adequate sensory integration we may not be able to participate effectively in daily life activities, such as work, leisure, socializing and learning to read through phonics.
The combining of these techniques: Tomatis therapy and Sensory Integration, has provided dramatic results for our clients. We call it Vestibular Re-Integration.
The Spectrum Tomatis Center (Bethesda, MD and New York, NY) has improved people's lives since 1992 by providing a broad spectrum of therapeutic services. We create an individualized program for each client to enable him or her to overcome communication, behavioral, or learning difficulties.
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