iLs trains for brain/body integration through a staged approach, starting with the fundamentals of sensory integration and then extending through more complex cognitive functions, including language, self-expression and social skills.
The programs are designed to be fun, and may be used on their own or in conjunction with other methods.
What distinguishes iLs?
Combined sound and movement – iLs integrates specific vestibular and visual activities with our auditory program; of course, OTs have their own sensory regimen but many incorporate iLs activities into their OT gym, and iLs makes it easy for parents doing supplementary therapy at home to have a multisensory program.
Customization – iLs has created targeted programs which can be customized for specific client needs. These include programs to help with emotional regulation, sensory processing, learning and attention, auditory processing, cognitive functions and rehab for stroke and head injury.
Bone conduction – We find this is, arguably, the most important element to a clinic-level, sound-based therapy, especially one that works with SI (sensory integration) issues. For bone conducted sound to accelerate SI, it should be part of the headphone apparatus, as in iLs equipment, so that it provides ongoing auditory/vestibular stimulation (this is in contrast to bone conduction in a microphone apparatus, which is activated only when one is speaking).
Expressive Language Program – iLs’ VoicePro™ is used by therapists and educators focusing on language-related skills, including phonics, articulation, auditory processing, auditory figure ground, dichotic listening and social skills. It is also helpful as a voice training tool for actors, singers and others seeking to refine their voice quality and control.
PROFESSIONALS INTEGRATING ILS INTO THEIR PRACTICE:
Clinical practice and research show iLs to be uniquely effective in the four following areas:
– EMOTIONAL/PHYSICAL SELF-REGULATION: regulates both physical and emotional state
– SELF-CONFIDENCE/SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT: supports confidence, motivation and desire to engage/communicate with others
– SENSORY INTEGRATION: process sensory input easily
– LANGUAGE & COGNITIVE PROCESSING: improves receptive/expressive language, reading and higher executive functions
Revolutionary Products:
Safe and Sound Protocol™ (SSP)
Developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, the SSP is a five-day intervention designed to reduce stress and auditory sensitivity while enhancing social engagement and resilience. By calming the behavioral and physiological state, further therapy is enhanced or even accelerated. The SSP is ideal as an introductory therapy for those experiencing high levels of stress, especially related to trauma, autism and anxiety, as well as those with auditory sensitivities.
Application: trauma and anxiety, auditory hypersensitivity, inattention, behavioral dysregulation, difficulty with social communication, preparation for therapy
Training and supervision required
iLs Focus™ Series
The iLs Focus Series is iLs’ core therapy: a multi-sensory program which combines auditory, balance and visual exercises. All Focus systems include music programs loaded onto an iTouch, air/bone conduction headphones, and Integration Kit (movement and balance equipment and guidebook). The Focus Series allows clinicians and educators to select specific iLs programs to be loaded onto the iPod for their clients’ needs.
Applications: sensory processing and body organization, learning and attention difficulties, symptoms related to ASD, cognitive efficiency and poor memory, head injury and stroke rehab
Training or supervision required
Research – iLs continues to invest in research to gather data and give scientific validation to clinical results. (See the Research section of our website for studies in the areas of sensory processing, autism, reading, auditory processing, academic improvement, head injury, stroke, sleep.)
Technology – iLs finds iPods a preferred form of delivery – you can’t scratch them, they don’t skip, and the sound quality is excellent. Our mini-amplifiers are very durable and hold up under rigorous conditions such as an OT gym or home. iLs headphones and bone conductors are custom designed by iLs and manufactured expressly for iLs; we use the highest quality Japanese cabling for better sound quality and durability.
Music Quality & Program Organization – We receive many compliments on the high quality of our music, the gentle progression of our programs and the easy-to-understand organization of iLs programs/systems.
Online Assessment – the iLs Portal is designed for iLs Associates and their clients to use for pre-post program assessments as well as tracking home programs. The Measure of Functional Abilities (MFA) is a symptoms based assessment which helps to gauge change in six functional areas before and after an iLs program. The MFA report features a graphic representation of a client’s change, which is very helpful for therapists as they discuss the program with their clients after completing a program.
