The Focus System & Autism Spectrum Disorders
We support a multi-disciplinary approach to helping those on the autism spectrum, including behavioral, relationship-based, sensory and bio-medical methods.
Behavior Based Interventions
Many ABA trained therapists implement The Focus System alongside ABA. The benefits of this combination are evidenced by both immediate (better quality ABA sessions) and long-term results (social/behavior change is accelerated by improved regulation and processing).
Relationship-Based Interventions
DIR/Floortime, Relationship Development Intervention (RDI) and SCERTS are excellent complements to The Focus System’s approach. The Focus System headphone equipment can be worn simultaneously to these approaches with children over 2 years of age.
The Focus System & Other Therapies
The Focus System is an effective intervention on its own or may be implemented in conjunction with a range of other therapies, such as Speech, Occupational and Physical Therapy.
ASDs (Autism Spectrum Disorders) are characterized, in varying degrees, by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and non-verbal communication, hypersensitivities, attention, motor coordination and repetitive behaviors.
The Focus System addresses the development of whole brain/body integration through a staged developmental approach, starting with the fundamentals of sensory integration and then extending through more complex cognitive functions, including language, self-expression, and social skills.
Supporting Research
In 2012 an independent, non-profit research group conducted a survey with therapists who had used iLs with over 1300 children on the autism spectrum in order to determine areas of efficacy. The complete study is below and the full survey may be found on the Research page.
Outcome measure & Perceived Frequency of improvements
| Never | Rarely | Sometimes | Often | Always | Often + Always | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Coordination | 10% | 40% | 47% | 87% | ||
| Self-Regulation | 10% | 46% | 41% | 87% | ||
| Sensory Int/Processing | 7% | 40% | 50% | 90% | ||
| Arousal | 13% | 53% | 28% | 81% | ||
| Attention | 13% | 54% | 33% | 87% | ||
| Transitions | 1% | 10% | 61% | 24% | 85% | |
| Following Verbal Directions | 14% | 47% | 37% | 84% |
Spiral Foundation Study
The Spiral Foundation of Boston, MA conducted a controlled study of 18 children diagnosed with autism. Significant improvement was shown in the areas of social skills and emotional regulation; quantity and quality of atypical and problem behaviors including behavior during treatment; number and severity of autistic behaviors; and overall functional adaptive behavior skills; visual, fine and gross motor. The iLs programs were conducted at home by parents. A synopsis of the study.
Hundreds of iLs-trained therapists are working with the ASD population, and their constant feedback helps iLs management continually improve the program and training.
