Integrated Listening Systems and Lindamood Bell Visualizing and Verbalizing
No matter what job you have, I’m sure you have some favorite tools to do it. When you find something that works, you always want to use it. Sometimes you even try to find multi-purposes for the tool. I am no different, and love to find tools that are useful in many situations.
In the last few years, I have found two tools that I have been able to use in several ways with client who have autism, ADHD, speech and language disorders, and a variety of processing issues. They are the Interactive Language System (ILS), and Visualizing and Verbalizing by Lindamood Bell. These tools have been very helpful when working with my communication clients. I am able to use both with children from toddlers all the way up through young adults.
The ILS has been helpful to clients with articulation difficulties, language delays, and processing delays. The program has two components, including a listening program and a more specific language program. I have clients that have used just the listening component, and others that have used both. The headphones for this system not only provide sound through the air, but also through bone vibration which allows a better “hearing” experience. For clients that are not yet ready for the language program but can benefit from hearing through bone conduction (which includes many children with autism), I use the headphones and microphone to work on articulation or language production. With clients that need specific work on auditory processing, I use the language program components. The listening program on it’s own can result in better listening, understanding, and overall awareness of the environment. This program has been such a versatile tool, and I know I will be using it for a long time to come.
The visualizing and verbalizing program has also been a great find that has made such a difference for my clients who struggle with auditory and reading comprehension. It has also been helpful for children that have difficulty with visual processing that results in academic struggles. The program teaches clients how to make mental images, allowing them to learn how to comprehend spoken and written language. This program has also helped children by increasing vocabulary, improving short/long term memory, and understanding perspective. The clients I work with also show an improvement in their communication skills as we progress through the program. I have found this program easy to adapt based on the skill level of my clients, and the pictures and stories hold the clients attention. It has been valuable for clients with autism as well as a wide range of other disorders. This is another tool I will be holding on to for the foreseeable future.
It has been fun and exciting to see the changes that both of these programs have produced. If you have a child that is struggling with communication, processing, comprehension, listening or awareness, I would encourage you to find a therapist that utilizes these programs. You can also visit our website to find out more information on these and other communication topics.
Written by: Erin Roon, MA CCC-SLP
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Horizons Development Resource Center serves the following areas in and around Grand Rapids,
Wyoming, Caledonia, Kentwood, Middleville, Lowell, Forest Hills, Hudsonville, Walker, Holland,
Zeeland, Rockford, Byron Center, Allendale, Grandville, East Grand Rapids, Wayland, Jenison, Ada,
Ionia, Newaygo, Grant, Sparta, Cedar Springs, Kent City, Hamilton, Hastings in the state of Michigan
and all surrounding areas. If you are not located in or around these cities, we still may be able to help
you, please contact us here http://www.horizonsdrc.com/contact-us with your specific need.
