DENVER, CO--(Marketwired - Apr 29, 2014) - Integrated Listening Systems (iLs), a provider of multi-sensory programs and products for improving brain function and emotional regulation, today announced the findings of a recent study that examined the immediate, short-term effects of Integrated Listening Systems' Dreampad on the sleep behaviors of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). 100% of the children that participated in the study titled "A Sleep Intervention for Children with Autism: A Pilot Study" showed improvement in sleep initiation, duration of sleep, reduction in night waking, and improved daytime behavior while using the Dreampad.
Sleep problems have been reported in children with ASD for many years and it is likely that sleep problems exacerbate daytime behavior problems. Given the association between sleep problems and reduced behavioral performance for children with ASD, combined with parental stress, there is a need for effective sleep intervention programs. The Dreampad delivers music through a gentle, calming vibration that brings about a relaxation response in the nervous system of both children and adults.
A total of 15 children with ASD and their families participated in this recent study. They completed questionnaires at the start of the study, after use of the Dreampad and again after the Dreampad was returned to the clinic. The Dreampad was used in the child's home every night for a total of 3 weeks. All 15 families reported better sleep and all had improved scores on the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory, some of which persisted beyond the time they were actively using the Dreampad. Changes were most notable in emotional, social and school functioning.
"This study suggests that the Dreampad may be an effective intervention for children with autism who have sleep problems, either in conjunction with a comprehensive OT program or on its own," said Sarah A. Schoen, PhD, OTR, administrator of the study. "Parents said their children were going to sleep more quickly, sleeping more soundly, waking up more easily and generally seemed more relaxed after using the Dreampad. Given the association between sleep problems, reduced behavioral performance and parental stress, the Dreampad may be an effective sleep intervention program for ASD populations."
A second important study measuring the effect of the Dreampad on children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) underscores its efficacy. All 8 children participating in a study conducted at The Hallowell Center of New York showed improvement in sleep behavior and daytime performance, which included the sub-categories of physical, emotional, academic and social functioning.
"The data confirms what we see clinically when children with sleep difficulties use the Dreampad," said Ron Minson, MD, Clinical Director at iLs. "These are only pilot studies but they are very encouraging. We are in the process of organizing larger scale studies with a variety of populations. The data so far, combined with user feedback, suggests there is a uniquely relaxing effect from the technology employed in the Dreampad. More studies will help us understand more precisely for whom it is most effective."
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About Integrated Listening Systems (iLs)
iLs provides a multi-sensory program for improving brain function and emotional regulation while training the brain to process sensory information. iLs equipment utilizes sound therapy and takes it to a new level of efficacy by combining advanced psychoacoustics with visual and balance activities that are performed while listening. iLs has a global effect on the brain and central nervous system and is successfully applied to a wide variety of conditions, including those related to emotional and behavioral regulation, sensory processing, communication and social skills including Autism, Down Syndrome and Cerebral Palsy. iLs programs can also be applied for learning skills (building skills which enable success in school, performance optimization, psychological/emotional applications and rehabilitation (recovering energy and skills related to language, movement, and cognitive function after a stroke or head injury). http://www.integratedlistening.com
Contact Information:
Randall Redfield
Integrated Listening Systems
303.741.4544
Joanne Hogue
Smart Connections PR
410.658.8246