......................Phone 1-877-4AUTKID

When the teaching
of reading
involved
Phonics plus Tomatis
the improvement
in reading was substantial
tomvision

Certified Tomatis Clinic- Phonics and Reading

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HONICS AND THE TOMATIS METHOD. In a recent study (Summer 2006) at the University of Padua, the Tomatis Method was tested to see if it could help reading skills in school children. The results were mixed. When the teaching of reading involved Phonics plus Tomatis, then the improvement in reading was substantial. If the reading was by sight only (ie, not Sounding the words out), then the reading progress was unaffected.

This will be no surprise to Tomatis Listening Therapists. The Tomatis Method treats the Listening Function (through the ears) on the theory that mere hearing becomes Listening  and listening (through the attenuation of the Electronic Ear) becomes paying attention and  recognition.  Recognition becomes knowledge and understanding.

This is the opposite of speed reading, and its derivitives.  Speed reading was supposed to be primarily a visual experience, where the aspiring speed reader was told NOT to sound the words out.

Our theory of Tomatis Phonics would be to sound the words out and to incorporate the hearing- listening auditory system into the teaching of reading. The auditory system is much more basic to the ontogenic development of the foetus in utero than the visual system, so that in treating the functions of the ear you are dealing with a more basic sensory system than with vision, and as such,  with Tomatis you are then listening (and reading) with the whole body.

Think of Tomatis as an enhancement for the teaching of phonics.

When seen in this light, the usual claims of  Tomatis practicioners  (listed below)  become consistent and more understandable.  To wit:

A PPLICATIONS of the Tomatis 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.

  • Autistic Spectrum Disorder (Multi-system developmental disorder, autism, pervasive developmental disorder

  • Auditory Processing Disorders
  • Attention Deficit Disorder (hyperactive and non-hyperactive)
  • Learning Disabilities (dyslexia and other verbal and non-verbal learning disabilities)
  • Sensory Integration Disorders
  • Organizational Disorders, (motor planning disorders, disorder of executive functions)

  • Developmental Disorders

    • 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 phonics clients.

    karavalerie dejean
     


    The Spectrum Center 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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