A Case Study: Elise

My daughter Elise’s sensory related issues were apparent from the time of her birth. She presented with horrible reflux, colic, constant crying, and an aversion to bathing and dressing. She hated riding in the car, was overloaded by visual and auditory information, and had great difficulty calming herself. She could not fall asleep on her own. Breast feeding seemed to be her only comfort.

Over the first seven months of her life, I kept noticing additional sensory defensiveness. Her feeding was greatly restricted and she gagged on new textures. She began crawling at eight months although she appeared to have the capability to do so before then. It seemed to fit my observation that Elise was fearful of trying new things.

When Elise reached ten months of age, I consulted with Occupational Therapists who began a Therapeutic Listening® program for her. She was too young for headphones, instead we played the modulated music over loudspeakers. We used Rhythm & Rhyme and Mozart for Modulation combined with the Wilbarger Pressure Touch Protocol, oral motor work, and vestibular stimulation. In her first session, Elise ventured purposefully towards the speakers and moved her body to the rhythm of the music.

As we continued the Therapeutic Listening program, I witnessed remarkable chanes in Elise. She had a better grasp of self-regulation and calm, fell asleep on her own without crying, slept through the night, and took consistent naps. By eleven months of age, she was able to eat a varied diet of solid foods. Bath and transition times became much easier. Elise began imitating animal sounds and produced a few words.

Overall, I see a happier, more “typical” baby. Elise’s ability to self-regulate has opened her up to learning opportunities. She is engaging, communicative, and a joy to be around. Her sensitivity has remained, but I am reassured that this is a good thing! I see Elise’s delight when the stereo comes out for a music session and I marvel at the power of Listening!

- by her mother, a Speech & Language Pathologist