SPEECH

Results of Pilot Study Published in Journal Music and Medicine Reveal The Listening Program Helps Children With Down Syndrome Improve Speech Skills

2010-08-05

OGDEN, Utah, Aug. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Advanced Brain Technologies today announced results demonstrating that a modified music program followed for ten weeks, improved speech skills in children with Down syndrome. The results of the study, conducted in Nottingham, United Kingdom, were published Monday, in an early online before print version of the article scheduled to appear in the journal Music and Medicine(i).

It is well documented that children with Down syndrome have difficulty with hearing, auditory processing and language development. This pilot study was undertaken to trial tests and questionnaires for suitability for use with the children, to determine if any benefit could be established from the use of The Listening Program� as a prelude to a more formal study. The Listening Program� was developed by Advanced Brain Technologies (ABT) as a modified music method to improve auditory processing, self regulation and brain performance.

Nine children between the ages of 5 and 12 years took part, acting as their own controls. They used The Listening Program over a 10-week period. Each child listened to acoustically modified music, through headphones, for two 15-minute sessions, 5 days a week, for 10 weeks. A battery of tests recommended by specialists in speech and language and human communication, were performed before and after intervention. In addition, questionnaires were completed at the end by parents and teachers involved.

Although the children only completed half the recommended twenty week protocol due to time constraints, all experienced positive changes in speech and listening. Some made improvements in a number of additional areas. These positive findings are consistent with previous research studies using The Listening Program with children with learning difficulties, auditory processing disorder, and autism; among other issues.

"There is a great need to have a cost-effective, non-invasive approach to improving speech and language skills in people with Down syndrome," said Alex Doman, founder and CEO of Advanced Brain Technologies. "While further study into the impact of The Listening Program is required for this purpose, the pilot study demonstrated this approach could be a very useful tool in improving communication in children with Down syndrome".

Down syndrome is a genetic condition that causes delays in physical and intellectual development. It is the most frequently occurring chromosomal disorder, present in one of every 800 live births.

About Advanced Brain Technologies

Advanced Brain Technologies (ABT) is a leading provider of non-invasive brain training programs. Building upon 70 years of experience, the company's multidisciplinary research and product design team develops brain plasticity based software and music programs. ABT programs are available online, and through a worldwide network of health and education providers. www.advancedbrain.com.

(i) Jeyes, G., Newton,C. Evaluation of The Listening Program in Assessing Auditory Processing and Speech Skills in Children with Down Syndrome. Music and Medicine August 2, 2010 doi: 10.1177/ 1943862110371809

Don Harris MS, CCC-SLP

Speech and Language Milestones

2010-05-29

I have parent�s asking me all the time, �What should my child be able to say and understand�. So here�s a summary of what a typical two-year old should understand and express:

6 Months

� Vocalization with intonation
� Responds to his name
� Responds to human voices without visual cues by turning his head and eyes
� Responds appropriately to friendly and angry tones

12 Months

� Uses one or more words with meaning (this may be a fragment of a word)
� Understands simple instructions, especially if vocal or physical cues are given
� Practices inflection
� Is aware of the social value of speech

18 Months

� Has vocabulary of approximately 5-20 words
� Vocabulary made up chiefly of nouns
� Some echolalia (repeating a word or phrase over and over)
� Much jargon with emotional content
� Is able to follow simple commands

24 Months

� Can name a number of objects common to his surroundings
� Is able to use at least two prepositions, usually chosen from the following: in, on, under
� Combines words into a short sentence-largely noun-verb combinations (mean) length of sentences is given as 1.2 words
� Approximately 2/3 of what child says should be intelligible
� Vocabulary of approximately 150-300 words
� Rhythm and fluency often poor
� Volume and pitch of voice not yet well-controlled
� Can use two pronouns correctly: I, me, you, although me and I are often confused
� My and mine are beginning to emerge
� Responds to such commands as "show me your eyes (nose, mouth, hair)"

Even if you feel your child is delayed, you should be noticing that your child is doing new things with his/her speech and language each month, such as adding new words or using them in new ways.

Perhaps you�ve discussed your concerns with your pediatrician and been instructed to give your child time to develop. Research supports that children who receive early intervention have a better outcome than children who receive services when they are older.

Don Harris, MS, CCC-SLP
Certified Speech Language Pathologist
www.SpeechAndListening.com

Proven Programs to Improve Your Memory

2010-04-03

Uh-oh. Your spouse just pointed out that you forgot to pick up your 12-year-old niece, Gail, who arrived at the train station at 8:15. You have only a vague memory that your friend Dale was coming on the 8:50 train.

What happened? Although your spouse said Gail, you heard Dale�and since Dale did not need to be met, you did not listen carefully, record deeply or recall the message.

Scientific research has revealed that three core trends begin to affect brain function as early as age 30. We likely don�t notice at first, but ultimately these brain changes lead to less mental precision and weaker recall, as in the example above. Read below to find out what these changes are and why they aren�t as inevitable as once thought.

SPEED�Slower Processing

Like our bodies, our brains gradually slow down�but the speed of information coming in does not. As a result, we begin to miss details that are essential to our ability to receive, interpret and remember information.

ACCURACY��Fuzzier� Processing

Over time, input from all our senses loses its fidelity (strength and clarity). Our sensory organs (eyes, ears, etc.) weaken and so does the brain machinery that processes sensory input. Like the grooves of an old record, the brain�s neural pathways often get fuzzier, scratchier or even distorted, making it harder to separate the static from the sound.

RECORDING�Lowered Neuro-modulatory Production

With each passing decade, our brains tend to produce fewer neuromodulators�chemicals that signal to the brain what is important enough to remember. A deficit of neuromodulators hinders the brain�s ability to record new information�in other words, its ability to learn and remember.

The brain�s ability to create clear memories depends on its processing speed, processing accuracy and neuromodulatory production. Posit Science� has gathered some of the world�s leading authorities on the brain�scientists who have contributed to a revolutionary new understanding about changes in the brain that arise with age. The Brain Fitness Program, a novel approach to improving cognitive function in adults, is built on their research.

Please contact us with your comments or questions about improving your business communication skills or how our accent reduction programs can help you be more successful.

Don Harris, MS, CCC-SLP
Certified Speech Language Pathologist
Business Communication Coach
www.SpeakingSuccessfully.com

CD Music Sets For Babies, Infants And Children

2010-04-03

Our web site contains a number of award-winning recordings include classical, folk music, and instrumental versions of lullabies and nursery rhymes that nurture the rapidly developing brains of children from birth to three.

Just as food nourishes a baby's growing body, the elements of music - melody, tone and harmony -nourish a baby's rapidly developing brain. Even before children are born, research shows that music has a beneficial effect on the network of neurons that will be the foundation of their later learning, language development and music ability.

By helping create a peaceful and loving home environment, These CDs help build stronger family relationships. Another great benefit is the strengthening of the parent-child bond. Today, we see countless Moms, Dads, young children and babies sitting together on the living room floor listening to these magical recordings.

Your Baby's Hearing

To learn easily and communicate effectively, your child needs to hear well. Hearing damage is the number one undiagnosed health issue in infants, and it can lead to language and learning disabilities. Providing children with a high-quality, audio-enriched environment can augment auditory development and help them have a lifetime of healthy hearing.

Ear infections and middle-ear fluid can damage a child's hearing and listening ability. Otitis Media is the most common ear infection in children. Make sure your child is not a victim of Otitis Media or other problems by having your child's hearing regularly checked by a medical professional.

Exposure to loud sounds ("toxic noise") is another threat to hearing health. It can be especially harmful during the early, developing years; even everyday sounds can damage the delicate auditory apparatus in very young children. Speech Pathology Associates encourages you to monitor your children's audio environment to promote their hearing health.

For more information about hearing health and toxic noise, visit the National Campaign for Hearing Health.

Click Here to receive a hearing checklist for your baby.

Don Harris, MS, CCC-SLP
Certified Speech Language Pathologist
www.SpeechAndListening.com

TLP in The Classroom

2010-03-11

I was pleased to provide The Listening Program to a group of students I was serving a couple years back. I've included the link to the report I wrote. The results were better than I expected.

Click Here to Read my TLP School Report.

The American Bounce

2010-03-11

Learning to speak in the rhythm of an American can be a little tricky. The 'American Bounce' is slower and more deliberate than the 'intonation' of many other languages.

One of the easiest (and least expensive) ways to learn the 'American Bounce' is by watching television (especially soap operas). Study the mouth movements of the speakers. Try to repeat what they say and copy their intonation and rhythm.

Slow down your speech until you've learned the different intonations and rhythms of English. If you speak too quickly we will have a harder time understanding you.

And please don�t be concerned about your listener becoming impatient with your slow speech, accuracy is way more important than speed!

Don Harris, MS, CCC-SLP
Certified Speech Language Pathologist
www.SpeechAndListening.com

The Benefits For Improving Communication Skills

2009-08-02

Are your communication skills preventing you from obtaining your business or personal best? How would your company benefit from corporate speech improvement training?

Speaking Successfully is dedicated to helping you achieve your goals in the workplace and at home. There isn't any reason why your communication skills should be holding you back. We want you to be wildly successful!

Our Business Communication Specialists will help you modify or soften your accent so you will be better understood by your customers, your friends and your boss.

Employee Benefits
� Greater advancement opportunities mean greater chances for a better career
� Increased professional performance
� Increased customer satisfaction - face-to-face and over the telephone
� Increased confidence: professionally, socially, and personally
� Improved organizational communication and efficiency

Employer Benefits
� More effective and efficient communication with customers
� Increased productivity and effectiveness because your teams can do more work
� Decreased costs because now you don't have to supervise so closely
� Increased staff loyalty since opportunities for advancement are more available
� Increased customer retention and satisfaction

Who Benefits from Training?...ANYONE!

Physicians, pharmacists, engineers, accountants, bankers, teachers, college students, teenagers, receptionists, executive assistants, managers, public speaker, trainers, sales reps, call centers, people with foreign or regional accents, clergy, coaches�anyone!

Don Harris, MS, CCC-SLP
Certified Speech Language Pathologist
www.SpeechAndListening.com

How Can I Help My Child With APD?

2009-08-02

Difficulty with following directions is possibly the single most common complaint about children with Auditory Processing Disorders (APD).

Some of things you can do that may help:
� Reduce background noise.
� Have your child look at you when you're speaking.
� Use simple, expressive sentences.
� Speak at a slightly slower rate and at a mildly increased volume.
� Ask your child to repeat the directions back to you aloud and to keep repeating them aloud (or to himself or herself) until the directions are completed. Make certain your child understands the directions and isn't just copying your words. You can be more certain of this if your child is able to rephrase the directions.

For example, "Take the garbage to the side of the house," may be restated as, "You want me to take the garbage to the side of the house, not to the front."

For directions that are to be completed at a later time, writing notes, wearing a watch, and maintaining a household routine also help. General organization and scheduling also seem to be beneficial for many children with APD.

It's especially important to teach your child to be responsible and actively involved in his or her own success. Your child can be encouraged to notice noisy environments, for example, and move to quieter places when listening is necessary.

These other home strategies may also be helpful:
� Provide your child with a quiet study place (not the kitchen table).
� Maintain a peaceful, organized lifestyle.
� Encourage good eating and sleeping habits.
� Assign regular and realistic chores, including keeping a neat room and desk.
� Begin an auditory processing improvement program.

These are all very important goals. Your modeling of these behaviors goes far toward encouraging them in your child.

Don Harris, MS, CCC-SLP
Certified Speech Language Pathologist
www.SpeechAndListening.com

Best-Kept-Secret Career: Accent-Reduction Specialist

2009-04-06

Snapshot: A customer-service person in India speaks perfect English but wants his accent more clearly understood by Americans. A Chinese scientist at a government lab speaks poor English and in such a heavy accent that it's hard to understand him. A corporation has executives with thick Brooklyn, African-American, Latino, or southern accents, and the company believes they'll be more credible if they sound more like a TV news anchor. These are typically the clients of accent-reduction specialists, also known as accent neutralization or accent modification specialists. Demand for this specialty is strong. Most accent-reduction specialists come from the ranks of speech therapists or English-as-a-Second-Language teachers.

Getting there:

Typical qualifications: a master's or Ph.D. in speech-language pathology, a license in speech-language pathology in your state, or a specialty credential in accent reduction or ESL training.

Reported by US News & World Report

Don Harris, MS, CCC-SLP
Certified Speech Language Pathologist
www.SpeechAndListening.com

Specialized CD - Speech & Language Integration Classic 1

2009-02-18

TLP Specialized CD - Speech & Language Integration Classic 1

The relation of the ear and language is today, undeniable. Yet it was Dr. Tomatis who discovered a simple, basic fact, just decades ago. It's known as The Tomatis Effect. The voice reproduces only what the ear hears. The Tomatis Effect is held in high regard in relation to our development of Music-Based Auditory Stimulation.

Speech & Language Integration Classic CD 1 has a very significant emphasis on the frequencies fundamental to our understanding and production of spoken language by focusing stimulation of the fundamental frequencies for many languages, especially in North America.

The Benefits You Can Expect

Speech & Language Classic CD 1 is appropriate for enhancing your receptive and expressive language, sense of melody, pitch discrimination, fluency, voice modulation and control. It may be used during silent or out loud reading activities at a low volume. Many find this CD very helpful to listen to prior to speaking on the phone for long periods of time, before a public speaking engagement or presentation, and while writing.

It may also be used in connection with vocal exercises and may have some benefit with second language acquisition. This is a tremendous tool for voice coaches, reading and learning specialists, speech and language pathologists and those working with communication difficulties. It also proves helpful developing your attention, memory and concentration. You may practice active listening with SL Classic 1 but you might also want to hum, sing or explore your voice during your listening sessions.

With the emphasis of the speech and language frequency band, especially with the fundamental frequencies and lower harmonics of the strings in the right channel and reduction of volume to the left ear. The SL Classic 1 can be useful in reinforcing right ear laterality.

Call our Certified Provider today at 509-833-3264 or Contact Us Online to further discuss the many ways The Listening Programs and the TLP Specialized CDs will benefit you and your family.

Don Harris, MS, CCC-SLP
Certified Speech Language Pathologist
Business Communication Coach
www.SpeakingSuccessfully.com