This guest post on Integrated Listening Systems (iLs) is written by Lauren Brukner, MS, OTR/L. Lauren is the author of The Kids’ Guide to Staying Awesome and in Control: Simple Stuff to Help Children Regulate Their Emotions and Senses, and we thank her for writing another guest post to introduce her book on our Special Needs Book Review site.
Updating post March 2016: Then in Dec. of 2015 Ms. Brukner came out with her second book, How to Be a Superhero Called Self-Control!: Super Powers to Help Younger Children to Regulate their Emotions and Senses.
Lauren is a pediatric occupational therapist, and mother of 3 young children. Graduating with a Masters of Science in 
Occupational Therapy from New York University, she currently works in a school-based practice, but also has experience with spinal cord injury, burns, psychological disabilities, and neurological impairments. Ms. Brukner holds advanced training and certification in Integrated Listening Systems, and is a Certified Screener for Irlen Syndrome/Scoptic Sensitivty. She is a contributing author to Autism Parenting Magazine.
I had read a little about Integrated Listening Systems (iLs). On integratedlistening.com/ I learned, ” iLs is a complementary approach to brain fitness which can be integrated into a broad variety of educational, therapeutic and self-improvement programs. In the same way we can train our bodies to become stronger and healthier, iLs trains the brain to process sensory, cognitive and emotional information more effectively. With better synaptic connectivity, we perform better. It’s about as simple as that.
We start with music and movement, and then gradually integrate language and cognitive processes. The exercises appear simple but become increasingly difficult as we add new layers for simultaneous processing. The program involves no computers or screens of any type. Someone once referred to iLs as “a boot camp for the brain.” We’d like to think of it more as play, and we all know we work hardest when we play!”
What Folks Are Saying About Integrated Listening Systems (iLs)
“I would highly recommend the iLs to SLP’s for treating patients with sensory, reading, or auditory processing disorders. We have seen amazing results using the iLs Interactive Language Program.”Shannon L. Williamson, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
“When I began using iLs as tool with children on the autism spectrum, I immediately saw their anxiety reduced. They were more attentive, calmer, and overall more available to me so that when I implement other therapies with them we see real progress…When a child’s movement, balance and regulation improve, the child feels successful. My goal as a therapist is to increase self-esteem and social skills; with these new skills a child can then go out and play with kids, learn to ride a bike… he can be more active.” Deborah Merritt, PhD, LPC, ABA Post-Graduate Certificate
Find more testimonials about iLs.
Pierrette and I thank Lauren Brukner for her guest post telling us more about Integrated Listening Systems (iLs)
What Are Integrated Listening Systems (iLs)?
iLs a an extremely multi-sensory approach to address the concept of neuroplasticity and its effect on the individual’s ability to maximize function. Its design and implementation combines vestibular, visual, and movement-based component activities with an auditory program. All three of its programs apply a neuro-developmental approach in order to achieve therapeutic goals for specified populations (whether in clinics or schools).
Depending on the goal that is established, iLs programs are specific to these objectives, with specific frequencies of sound that then correlate to these goals; iLs programs include Sensory Motor, Concentration & Attention, Reading & Auditory Processing, and Optimal Performance.
I utilize the iLs Focus™ Series in my practice. It contains four full-length programs, as well as the Calming/Preparatory mini-Programs. The four programs are, as mentioned above: Sensory Motor, Concentration & Attention, Reading & Auditory Processing, and Optimal Performance.
I should note that utilizing these programs, while extremely effective, requires both consistency, and a definite time commitment (which, depending on the program chosen, can be pretty extensive). For example, let’s briefly look at the Sensory Motor Program, which targets individuals with poor balance and coordination, gravitational insecurity, motor planning difficulties, fine and gross motor concerns, low muscle tone, and/or poor spatial awareness. This program is comprised of 60 one-hour sessions. This can be broken down into 20 weeks if you do the prescribed movement activities combined with listening to the music with the rented/purchased iLs equipment three times per week. You need to know, in advance, that you will be able to devote the financial resources, and shell out that amount of time per week on a consistent basis.
I should also note that utilizing any program should only be under the guidance of a trained and certified iLs Practitioner.
Follow Lauren Brukner, MS, OTR/L:
- Web site: www.awesomeandincontrol.com
- Twitter: @brukner_lauren
- Facebook.com/TheOtChic
- Pinterest.com/lbruker/
Buy books by Lauren Brukner, MS, OTR/L.
- How to Be a Superhero Called Self-Control!: Super Powers to Help Younger Children to Regulate their Emotions and Senses (Dec 21 2015) Amazon.com Amazon.ca
- The Kids’ Guide to Staying Awesome and In Control Simple Stuff to Help Children Regulate their Emotions and Senses (July, 2014) Amazon.com Amazon.ca
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