Building Foundations for Communication, Regulation & Connection
​​​WHAT IS ASD?
Autism (or Autistic Spectrum Disorder) is characterised by difficulties with social interaction, communication , severely restricted interests and highly repetitive patterns of thought and behaviour.
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This includes individuals who are non- communicative at one end of the spectrum and those who are gifted or with genius IQ with mild autism at the other.
What should I do if I suspect Autism?
If your child is showing a significant language development delay, your GP who will refer you to a paediatrician for an assessment or you can seek a private assessment.
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A formal diagnosis can be difficult, as there is a wide range of symptoms and characteristics in Autistic Spectrum Disorder. However, a diagnosis is usually made by the age of 3 years for classic Autistic Spectrum Disorder.
Look Beneath the Surface​
In addition to language and social delays, many children and adults on the autism spectrum also experience sensory hypersensitivity, particularly to sound.
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This can cause reactions such as :
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Withdrawing
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Becoming anxious or overwhelmed
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Struggling to regulate emotions and behaviour
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Understanding the Underlying Challenges
Children and adults with ASD may also experience:
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Auditory processing difficulties
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Sensory-motor immaturities
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Delays in neurodevelopment foundations that support learning and communication
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Modern research suggests that autism may involve differences in cerebellum functioning and sensory-motor integration, which contribute to symptoms such as, reduced cognitive flexibility ( e.g. difficulty adapting to unexpected change or shifting between tasks, restricts openness to new ideas ) , difficulties in understanding others perspectives, and sensory overwhelm (e.g. discomfort from loud noises, touch etc)
How can we help?
Integrated Listening Therapy (iLS)
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Our clinic uses Integrated Listening Therapy (iLS), which was originally developed to support children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other neurodevelopmental challenges.
Integrated Listening Therapy combines:
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Auditory retraining therapy using specially filtered music
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Sensory-motor activities designed to support brain and body integration
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Together, these programmes aim to:
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Support cerebellum functioning
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Improve auditory processing
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Enhance communication and language development
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Reduce sensory overwhelm and anxiety
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Improve regulation and attention
Bone Conduction Therapy
Calming the Sensory System
The iLS programmes are designed to have a calming effect on hypersensitive sensory systems, helping too:
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Feel more regulated
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Process spoken language more effectively
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Engage more comfortably with everyday environments
Many children and adults who have ASD have elevated bone conduction thresholds, meaning sound may feel as though it is being experienced through the whole body rather than only through the ears.
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This can feel overwhelming and highly irritating.
Bone conduction therapy is an additional component of the iLS programme that helps restore balance between:
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Air conduction listening (through the ears)
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Bone conduction listening (through the bones of your skull)
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This improves comfort, regulation, and sound processing abilities.
Integrated Listening Therapy
Helps with ....
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Sensitivity to sound
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Anxiety and dysregulation
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Sensory processing difficulties
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Auditory processing challenges
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Attention and engagement