Research

A ground breaking, educational research study being carried out by Rosemary Murphy, Director of The Developmental Learning Centre has yielded its first results. The study’s aim was to explore the effectiveness of sound therapy on children with learning difficulties. In particular Mrs Murphy was interested in exploring the effect of sound therapy on literacy as the most significant learning category.

NOTE: The “Tomatis Method”, as mentioned in some of the studies below, refers to a method of auditory stimulation developed by Dr. Alfred Tomatis. iLs professional training and clinical studies continue in the same vein as Tomatis. iLs is a further refinement of the DLS programme mentioned below in that it includes motor stimulation.

The Developmental Learning Centre is currently undertaking controlled studies in New Zealand schools. Study results will be posted here when available.

Research into the effects of Extra Lesson™ on 15 students with learning difficulties showed that students improved on average by 22 months in reading accuracy and 23 months in reading comprehension after 7 months in the program. (M.Ed Thesis, M. Judd 1997.) ADD and ADHD diagnosed Extra Lesson™ students have shown decreases in behaviours such as inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity and all made substantial academic gains after 20 weeks. (M.Ed. Thesis, L. Craig 2001.)