Watch this 45-minute on-demand webinar for an overview of the Focus System, how it can be incorporated into treatment sessions, and applications in the areas of speech, cognitive and sensory processing, emotional regulation, and neurodevelopment.
Improve Function, Skill Building and Nervous System Regulation with the Focus System
The Focus System is a multisensory auditory intervention using specially-treated music and movement to support brain integration and skill-building for a wide variety of clients with sensory-motor and neurodevelopmental challenges.
Ideal for both children and adults, the Focus System is easily integrated into your current therapeutic programming to quickly add value for each client, and can be delivered in person or remotely with easy-to-use online tracking and monitoring.
“Just wanted to pass on that we just began our two-hundredth client. We feel truly blessed to be doing what we do and are thankful every day for the opportunity to change lives. We cannot thank all of you enough for your on-going work and support.” – A. Freer, Focus System Trained Therapist
Overview
Neurons that fire together, wire together
The Focus System is based on the fact that we can change our brain – we can re-wire it through specific and repeated stimulation, a concept known as neuroplasticity. As in building strength and endurance with physical exercise, we are able to build neurological pathways and synaptic activity at any age.
How the Focus System Works
Focus System programs provide simultaneous multisensory input to help develop new, and reinforce existing, neural pathways governing organization of the body and brain function.
Specially-treated music is delivered via air and bone conduction headphones, providing auditory input to the brain and sensory input to the body. Movement activities using the integration kit, customizable for all levels, provide additional sensory and motor input for body organization.
Finally, cognitive activities, added later, challenge the brain to process multiple pieces of simultaneous information, which is reflective of demands required of the brain in our day-to-day world.
The Focus System includes the following programs:
- 10-hour Calming Program
- 60-hour Sensory & Motor Program
- 40-hour Concentration & Attention Program
- 40-hour Reading & Auditory Processing Program
- Two 24-hour Optimal Performance Programs
Easily integrated into your current therapeutic programming to enhance outcomes.
Programs can be delivered in person or remotely using a convenient smartphone app and MyUnyte platform.
Training, resources and ongoing support so you can confidently deliver the Focus System.
Includes comprehensive listening programs and all of the tools you need for successful delivery.
Accelerate Client Outcomes with the Focus System
Effective for both children and adults, the Focus System has been shown to improve skill-building and long-term function. Clinicians can integrate the Focus System into a broad variety of practices:
- Occupational Therapy
- Speech Therapy
- ADHD Coaching
- Autism Specialties
- Physical Therapy
- Psychology/Counseling
- Sports Coaching
Outcomes
The Focus System develops a foundation that may never have been fully developed or was interrupted due to an event. With appropriate stimulation, the brain’s ability to successfully process and retain information leads to:
- Improvement in concentration and memory
- Better academic outcomes including improvement in reading comprehension
- An increased ability to control impulses and self-regulate behavior
- Appropriate social engagement with others
- Less stress and anxiety
- A happier disposition
Your Focus System includes:
Unyte-iLs App
Providers can access all six Focus programs through the app on their smartphone. Clients are able to access assigned programs through the app.
MyUnyte Platform
Assign, manage, monitor and report on client listening sessions to support progress.
Hardware Kit with Bone/Air Conduction Headphones & Amp with convenient waist pack for ease of movement.
Integration Kit including a balance board, bean bags, racquetball, hanging tennis ball, and headband.
Resources, Assessments and the Focus Activity Library with Instructional Videos
Get started for just $139/month with an annual subscription.
Features of the Focus System
Unyte-iLs App & MyUnyte Client
Management Platform
Easily set up each individual client’s program, manage, track and report on listening sessions, administer intake forms and assessments, and access a library of resources and training via MyUnyte.
Clients are able to access and download assigned programs and easily manage their listening directly from the app on their phone.
Bone & Air Conduction Headphones, Amp and Integration Kit
Special air and bone conduction headphones with amplifier provide auditory input to the brain and sensory input to the body.
The Integration Kit includes a balance board, bean bags, balls and more while the online Focus Activity Library provides instructional videos and printable client guides to easily bring it all together.
Resources & Support
Your subscription includes Unyte Resources, Assessments and ongoing phone and online support so you can confidently use Focus Digital with your clients. Unyte Resources library contains a wealth of information including the Focus Activity Library and is accessible to all providers.
Assessments includes the DCDQ and other common assessment tools. You’ll also have access to our Client Success team by phone or email, and provider-only events like online Q&As.
Training & Certification
Training is online, on-demand and takes 3-5 hours to complete.
Understand the science behind the Focus System, clinical applications and use cases of the Focus System and tips for practical integration of the Focus System into your current programming.
Delivery
Delivery: MyUnyte Dashboard & App
Integrating the Focus System into your therapeutic programming has never been easier with digital planning, facilitating, and monitoring of all your client sessions. The Focus System subscription includes a digital app-based platform that includes a provider dashboard, client app and online activity library.
All Focus System programs can be facilitated in-person, hybrid or remotely and are flexible to meet the unique needs of individual clients.
MyUnyte Dashboard
Easily set up each individual client’s program, manage, track and report on listening sessions, administer intake forms and assessments, and access a library of resources and training all from a central ‘hub.’
MyUnyte App
The Unyte-iLs app allows you to easily deliver the Focus programs in clinic or remotely. Clients are able to access and download assigned programs and easily manage their listening directly from the app on their phone.
Research
Research
Please note that many of these research studies name the Focus System ‘iLs’ as this was a legacy name for the program.
A Pilot Study Of Integrated Listening Systems For Children With Sensory Processing Problems
Sarah A. Schoen, PhD, OTR, Lucy J. Miller, PhD, OTR, and Jillian Sullivan, PhD
Journal of Occupational Therapy: Schools and Early Intervention, 8: 1-21 2015
Summary: This study explores the effects of iLs on individualized parent goals for children with sensory processing impairments. The 40-session iLs program was implemented at home and in clinic over a 3-month period. Important and clinically meaningful gains were achieved by all participants in both home and educationally-related goals. Individualized goal achievement was supported by gains in standardized measures of behavior and adaptive functioning. Changes in physiological arousal (measured by EDA – electrodermal activity) suggest the iLs program is impacting underlying regulation mechanisms that may be contributing to the observed behavioral changes. Behavioral changes included increased relaxation, fewer meltdowns and a generally calmer disposition for participants whose arousal decreased.
K-2 Literacy Study
J. Anne Calhoon, Ph. D. Educational Psychology, University of New Mexico
Summary: A controlled study involving 64 K-2 at-risk students was conducted by U of New Mexico researcher Anne Calhoon, Ph.D. Students participated in the Alpha Program,* a program combining iLs with art therapy. The average improvement in reading over the 3-month intervention was 2 years. “Taken as a whole, this analysis indicates that the students in the experimental group have improved in all categories associated with reading. This improved achievement is significantly greater (more meaningful) than the improvements of the control group peers. Overall the picture presented of the students in ALPHA is one that shows immense growth in cognitive, academic, and psychological areas.”
An Investigation To Evaluate The Benefits Of The Integrated Listening Systems (ILs) In Primary/Early Elementary Classrooms (K-3): The Case Of Valley View Academy In Northern California
Jeannie Dubitsky, Ed. D., University of California, Davis, 2014
Summary: Ten students were measured over an academic year of using iLs while at school. Students showed improvement in all areas evaluated – physical, academic, social and emotional development – after experiencing the iLs program.
Auditory Processing Disorder Data From Therapeeds Center, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Julia Harper, PhD, OTR/L and Aimee Levine Weiner, Aud; published in Advance OT Magazine
Summary: Therapeeds, a private clinic in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, gathered data on 29 children diagnosed with APD (auditory processing disorder) who completed the Therapeeds’ H.O.P.E. sensory motor program combined with iLs. Among the pre- and post-program results are the following:
- Vestibular function: Pre-testing indicated 0 of the 29 children had intact vestibular processing skills measured by the PrN and functional skills. Post-testing showed all 29 in normal range.
- Auditory Processing Skills: Post-intervention, 22 of the 29 children had auditory processing skills that were completely within normal limits in every area.
- Medications: Seven of 29 children began this therapy on medication for attention-related concerns. By the end of the program, the medications for all 7 had all been discontinued.
- ABR Binaural Summation: Pre-intervention ABR tests showed all 29 children had little difference between listening with one ear and listening with both ears (binaural summation). Post-intervention, all 29 tested in the normal range.
School Pilot Study
Denver Area Schools
Summary: A variety of normed, standardized tests were used to assess 20 children with learning difficulties before and after iLs programs. The report includes each child’s pre- and post-program test scores as well as teacher and parent comments. Teachers involved in the program reported “significant improvement” in 19 of the 20 children. The criteria for “significant improvement” include at least one of the following: being transitioned from special education to regular education, having an IEP removed or overcoming a substantial behavioral challenge.
Description: Data on the efficacy of iLs in school programs.
Survey Of ILs Professionals
Spiral Foundation, Boston, MA
Summary: Survey reviewing therapists’ experience using iLs with over 1300 children on the autism spectrum. The survey asked the question: In what areas is iLs effective? Results are in 24 outcome categories.
Cochlear Implant Study
Ann Brownstone, MS, OTR/L, SWC, Jennifer Aguilar, MS, CCC-SLP, Lisa Marcacci, MS, Aud.
Summary: This study was conducted at the Jean Weingarten Peninsula Oral School for the Deaf, Redwood City, CA by Ann Brownstone, MS, OTR/L, SWC, Jennifer Aguilar, MS, CCC-SLP, and Lisa Marcacci, MS, Aud. It examines the application of iLs with children wearing cochlear implants and also provides a general reference guide for using iLs in conjunction with cochlear implants and other hearing devices.
Training
The Focus System Training & Certification
The Focus System Training prepares professionals with the science and application necessary to deliver this powerful tool within a practice. Training is delivered through a combination of the manual, recorded training, videos and quizzes.
Who it is for
It is a complementary therapy that can be integrated into a broad variety of practices, such as:
Occupational Therapists
- Speech and Physical Therapists
- Autism Specialists
- Psychologists and Counselors
- Educators
Eligibility
Licensed clinical/educational professional with a masters level degree or higher. Prior to certification you will be asked for verification of your license/designation. Learn more about Provider Criteria here.
Length of training
Expected time to complete: 3 – 5 hours
Delivery of training
- Online. On-demand.
- Complete Anytime. Anyplace. At your own pace.
- Your registration will give you access to the course for 90 days.
- Completion of the course will unlock unlimited access to review course materials
In-person training is available for larger groups on request.*
What to expect
Upon completion of the course, you will receive a Focus System Training Certificate and will be eligible to start using this powerful intervention tool with your clients.
The training is divided into these core modules:
- The Delivery Mechanism: Air and Bone Conduction
- Autonomic Nervous System and Neurology
- Sound Frequencies
- Phases and Programs
- Movement
- Sessions and Programs
- Brain Reorganization
- Assessments
- Focus Home Program
- Best Practices
- Associate Benefits
Please note that the Focus System Training does not include a subscription.
What Our Providers Have to Say:
“I am a speech-language pathologist and have specialized in auditory processing disorders for 16 years. My number one preferred therapy has always been the Lindamood-Bell programs and no other therapy has ever lived up to my standards until the Focus System. I now use a combination of the Focus System and Lindamood-Bell therapies together which has produced far better results than with the Lindamood-Bell programs alone.
My clients learn to visualize much faster which leads to significant improvements in their comprehension and memory in a much shorter time than with my previous techniques. I also commonly see improvements in some visual skills, auditory discrimination skills, writing, thinking processing speed, attention and focus, balance, coordination, listening in background noise, listening to muffled speech, reading, spelling, some improvement in math and overall confidence.
I highly recommend the Focus System to speech-language pathologists and every other type of therapist. It truly is a highly effective, fun and pleasant therapy. It has changed my life as well as many of the lives of my clients.”
— Janell Schicker, M.A., CCC-SLP
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Unyte-iLs programs are adjunct therapies intended to be integrated within a holistic approach to sensory, physical, cognitive, and/or mental health treatment.
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