7. Complementary tools

Butterfly-Effect Teaching is an ever-growing teaching approach.

Deeply rooted in educational research and educational neuroscience, having a strong presence at Australian & International Dyslexia Communities and Conferences (i.e. International Dyslexia Association Conferences, SPELD, ADA, Tomatis Conventions, European Dyslexia Association Seminars and various other Training Courses and Seminars), it aims to deliver the best possible outcomes adopting tools that complement and further strengthen the core essence of our Remediation Protocols, ultimately building a rounded child.

Forbrain® and Soundsory® are two impeccable tools that we have encountered in this ongoing research journey and utilise with great success.

FORBRAIN®

It is well understood that the auditory system is to a great extent implicated in students’ academic

abilities. The brain's ability to process auditory information is critical and underpins a variety of functions.

It is not only required for hearing, but also for:

• Processing sensory information

• Accurate & fluent encoding

• Decoding, Encoding

• Sustaining an optimal body posture, thus

• Contributing into sustaining attention

As such, auditory processing covers and shapes all fields of learning and communicating. 

A significant amount of auditory information that we process, is generated from our own voice. Forbrain® is a scientifically well-designed piece of equipment that has been used a few years now in clinical

practice (mainly OTs) with the aim to improve sound discrimination, speech fluency, rhythm through the user’s voice.  

It consists of a headset with a microphone, a pair of bone conduction membranes and a dynamic filter specifically designed to improve auditory processing, memory and attention through an audio-vocal loop system.

It employs high frequency vibration and delivers sound via bone conduction to the nervous system and the brain. It aims to assist the user in creating and processing sound. 

How does Forbrain® work?

Its dynamic filter, blocks out background noise, isolates and amplifies sound transmission (the user’s voice) via bone conduction thus stimulating the nervous system. As such, the child’s sensory system is trained to more efficiently integrate sounds with other sensory input resulting in a number of major improvements. It also enhances sounds like for example long vowels, crucial to the construction of language.  

Upon speech production a highly-tuned microphone provides real-time feedback simultaneously working on all aspects of the audio-vocal loop, i.e. voice perception, processing of the acoustic information. The tone of voice becomes clearer and more distinct. Forbrain® helps improve not only the quality of the voice but also the ability to listen carefully and communicate constructively. 

The Forbrain is being utilised during session time and accompanies the student’s daily reading practice or general speech at home, for 20-30mns.

Use the Butterfly-Effect Teaching Affiliation code and get your FORBRAIN with a 20% discount [here].

What are its areas of application?

• READING AND WRITING

Speaking and reading aloud with the Forbrain® microphone and dynamic filter strengthens auditory perception, energises and motivates the user. With greater clarity of sound perception and more efficient processing, there are noticeable improvements in verbal fluency, written expression and comprehension of written word.

• VERBAL OR SHORT-TERM MEMORY 

Repetitive vocal exercises train the brain and tap into areas of the cochlea, which connect through the auditory pathways to verbal and short-term memory networks. Speech reproduction activates these auditory pathways in the brain enabling the child to access short-term memory more efficiently.

• ATTENTION & ABILITY TO STAY ON TASK

Difficulty with attention is typically seen as a direct result of compromised sound perception. This is targeted by enhancing bone conduction and employing a dynamic filter thus, supporting the child to reduce and inhibit distractions. Sustained attention encourages clarity, productivity and improved memory.

• CONCENTRATION AND FOCUS

Voice clarity and enhanced auditory perception allows the child to stay on task, follow instructions and complete activities.

• SPEECH, PRONUNCIATION & FLUENCY

Bone conduction enhances clarity and sensory integration and as such, is critical to the development of the phonological loop, which in turn supports storage and retrieval of verbal information as well as correct punctuation.

• MOTIVATION, SELF-ESTEEM & SELF-CONFIDENCE

By enhancing sensory perception, focusing attention on the child’s voice and clarity, and minimising distractions and further sensory “clutter” in the brain, Forbrain® works directly on your nervous system. It promotes a soothing effect, improving confidence and motivating the child to succeed. 

*Please note that in order to achieve maximum potential, ensure that the child has acquired an appropriate body posture which entails feet being flat on the floor, straight back and neck in an upright position. 

SOUNDSORY®

Soundsory® is a 30 minute (25mins of listening & 5 mins of physical exercise over 40 days) multi-sensory, home- based program that helps improve motor and cognitive abilities.

The program consists of specially designed music, processed with neuro-acoustic modifications as well as a series of movement-based exercises. 

It can be employed with the aim to:

• Create a smooth sensory/emotional transition to children with learning difficulties that have not yet embarked on TOMATIS

• Between loop-period, a long Tomatis break period (i.e. during a semester)

• Post-Tomatis passive intervention (i.e. sound-based programs through the TALKS UP device), during active work (i.e. mother's/father's voice programs)

Who can benefit?

 Soundsory is non-invasive, effective and can specifically help children and adults with neurodevelopmental difficulties (i.e. dyslexia, sensory and auditory processing disorders, motor delays, balance and coordination, ADD and ADHD). 

How does Soundsory® work?

• 25 minutes of Rhythmic Music Program

The music delivered through the air and bone conduction headphones, has been specifically recorded to emphasise the rhythm of sounds in order to activate body movement. It is electronically processed using a patented dynamic filter system to create specific sound contrasts. This effect is designed to help the brain adapt to these changes as well as to develop the ability to predict the change- just like in real life where you are constantly adapting, predicting and adjusting to the changes around you. Finally, the sound being transmitted using both air and bone conduction, delivers a unique and efficient stimulation of both the auditory and vestibular system.

• 5 minutes of Body Movement Exercises

These exercises are designed to support the integration of the brain and body through a developmental progression. They incorporate the integration of primitive reflexes, while supporting and developing body awareness, postural control as well as body coordination. By strengthening these foundational sensory motor skills, we see improvements in more complex cognitive functions that help to support learning.

In 30 minutes a day for 40 days, SOUNDSORY® provides powerful stimulation of the brain and triggers the self-organizing capacities of the nervous system.

What to expect? 

Soundsory is expected to have a positive impact on: 

• Timing and sequencing skills 

• Praxis and motor planning 

• Perception and navigation in space 

• Ability to follow directions 

• Reading and writing 

• Attention and focus