Family Feedback Spectrum Center non-verbal language disability and a huge visual-spatial problem New York Tomatis Method Auditory Training Sensory Vestibular Integration Autism Bethesda Maryland Chicago Valerie Dejean ADD PDD

While Leslie spoke beautifully, she did not understand non-verbal cues such as body language. She did not know if someone was joking or being sarcastic. She was unable to hop on one foot or catch a ball and fell out of chairs. She was tone deaf. After testing at Massachusetts General Hospital the diagnosis included a non-verbal language disability and a huge visual-spatial problem.

In 6th grade Leslie started occupational therapy and was enrolled in a school for children with severe learning disabilities. These efforts helped her self-esteem but despite trying hard she was not succeeding. While at the OT's office Leslie's mother Amy had a conversation with an autistic child's nanny. The child made progress after being taken to the Spectrum Center.
Amy, exploring further, was advised by Leslie's school not to expect a miracle. A neuropsychologist who had never heard of the program agreed that they should try it.

After therapy, Leslie hears voice tones, can sort out sounds, and is going to a small regular private school. She has gone from not being able to find her way home from 5 houses away to telling her family how to get home from Cambridge. She now has the logic of a 14 year-old and has gone from a 3 to 10 year-old visual intelligence level.
"Leslie is bright but no one knew how to unlock her problems. Not everyone will have the success that
Leslie has had. However, even if they have 20% of that, it's good,"says Amy,"The Spectrum Center has my heart and my gratitude."

Leslie P and Her Mother Amy

Dave and I would have to say that the Tomatis Method of Auditory Training has been like watching a miracle happen before our eyes.It has opened up a whole new, bright, wonderful world again for our family. We can truly say we are finally enjoying a fun and rewardingfamily life. We owe a great deal of thanks to everyone at the Spectrum Center.

Dave and Patty Seidl
Indianapolis, IN

Our son's language and social skills have improved using Tomatis Auditory Training. As a result, our family has been able to function in a more "normal" manner.

Steve and Christine Chapman
Atlanta, GA

Three days after Tomatis therapy began, I called our son's name to ask him a question...and got ready to say his name a second time, alongwith the obligatory reminder to look at me as I spoke. BUT, for the first time ever in his (then) 6 years, my son promptly answered:"what?". Everyone who knows our son agrees that his progress over the course of the last year has been remarkable.
While we attribute this to many factors, a critical element is clearly auditory training.

Jackie Leifer
Maryland

Not only have we seen improvements in Bud's "monotonic" voice quality, but in other areas as well. Four days into the program we noticed postural changes: he was standing/sitting straighter, his stomach was not protruding, etc. Bud's body awareness also improved. The two most dramatic improvements were in "memory" and language or conversation. Bud's language improved in a couple of ways. He started asking more questions (something he rarely did prior to the training), and he began to talk in much
more complex sentences. I would say that his conversational ability is at a whole new level of complexity.

Mary Riley
Alexandria, VA

After first hearing about Tomatis Therapy, I hesitated to believe that simply listening to music through headphones could do
anything for me that the years of inner processing work that I'd done hadn't already accomplished. I continue to be amazed
and very grateful for the ways that my life has turned around and for all the new choices that have opened up for me since
beginning the program. I am also very grateful to all of the staff at Spectrum for all the love and support I have felt each step of the way.

Marietta Lehman
Great Falls, VA

Jacob and His Mother Alex Freer-Balko

Jacob Freer Balko could identify any alphabet letter by the age of two, count to twenty at the age of two and a half, operate the computer, microwave oven, and VCR by age three. But by age three and a half, Jacob still wasn't talking.

"He was constantly reciting videos, CDs, or computer (games) he had heard, " says his mother, Alex. "However, he never said anything original. And he never answered even the most basic questions."

By the time Jacob was three and a half, his parents were worried. A friend recommended the Spectrum Center in Bethesda, Maryland, and Alex's husband scheduled an evaluation for Jacob.

"The initial assessment experience was incredible," Alex recalls. "Although Jacob typically avoids strangers and new situations,
staff members made him feel immediately comfortable. During the assessment, Valerie clarified Jacob's issues for us."

Valerie Dejean , director of the Spectrum Center, explained to the Freer-Balko family the sensory integration issues Jacob had. They agreed Jacob was a perfect candidate for the Spectrum Center program.

"During our first fifteen days, Jacob's language exploded," says Alex."He went from using 'Mommy' for just about everything to using two and three word phrases to express himself. He also was able to follow verbal directions for the first time,

"When we sit at the breakfast table and Jacob asks, 'How is your cereal,Mommy?' I cannot help but smile, "Jacob's mother says."We waited a long time for him to say anything, so every word is preciuos. I cannot thank the Spectrum Center enough for
helping our son find is voice."

Alex Freer Balko
parent

"It's easier for me now to understand what people are saying. I don't have to ask them to repeat what they said, and I can remember better. My supervisor at work has noticed the difference in my ability to follow instructions. I'm concentrating better on my studies, and best of all— my grades are improving!
Jason C.
college student, age 19 Adult and Adolescent Program

"I was initially interested in Tomatis therapy becuase I was experiencing great difficulty in word retrieval. I just could not remember the word I needed to express myself. Therapy helped and an unexpected benefit was the ability to tap into a hidden reservoir of energy and I stopped yelling at cars in traffic!
Susan F.,
office manager, age 45 Adult and Adolescent Program

"It's easier for me to express myself and I'm staying on track with deadlines. Tomatis therapy has given me more confidence. I used to be shy!"
Anna W.,
college student, age 21 Adult and Adolescent Program

"Background noise doesn't bother me any more and I'm a lot less irritable. I'm more aware of my errors in speech and correct myself if I use the wrong word. I feel so much more energetic!"
Maria B.,
Homemaker, age 38 Adult and Adolescent Program