When Ingo Steinbach, the renowned international sound engineer, offered to come to Camp and provide his recently improved auditory therapy for 12 campers, Avanti OTs were intrigued. Many of us had learned listening and sound theory from him when he taught in the US over 10 years ago. That experience for some, was an introduction to the power of auditory physics and it’s connection to brain function and behavior. For others it was an elaboration and refinement of other listening theories they already knew. His information and approach was particularly appreciated by occupational therapists specializing in a sensory integrative approach to treatment.
Very quickly Steinbach’s listening interventions were integrated into sophisticated treatment applications by OTs who continued to study the impact of designed sound intervention by such experts as Tomatis, Berard, Madaul, Frick, Strong and others. The addition of sound and listening strategies has been shown to bring about meaningful changes (DeCleene, K. E., &Hayden-Sewall, A. A) for children with sensory processing disorders and Samonas made a significant contribution to the field.
At Camp Avanti we discovered that with technological advances and additional research, Ingo has been refining his sound therapy strategies, combining diagnostic precision with discreet application of sound/music alterations. He has been able to produce materials that are easier to apply for improved outcomes. We knew we had to bring him back for the RAIR Symposium so that other OTs could access his new programs and materials and understand the auditory neurology and physics that make them effective.
Since his experience at Camp Avanti, Ingo has been designing tools specifically for use by occupational therapists to support child development through the auditory system. They address
- Basic regulation and body functions,
- Oral motor development,
- Eye-hand-mouth coordination,
- Motor and body posture,
- Engagement, social-emotional development,
- Cognitive skills.
These tools will be introduced for the first time at Steinbach’s 2-day presentation at the Symposium, February 26-27. The Samonas strategies and technology will be a great addition to occupational therapists working with children with a variety of sensory processing disorders.
DeCleene, K. E., &Hayden-Sewall, A. A. (2007, December). Sound therapy: How did it evolve and what is occupational therapy's role? AOTA; School System Special Interest section Quarterly, 14(4), 1-3.