RIOTA Pediatric Special Interest Group (SIG) Presents:
An Introduction to Music Listening Therapy with
The Listening Program
Date: 5/27/26
Location: Virtual presentation only
Time: 6:00 - 7:30 pm
Presenter: Sheila Allen, MA, OT
Objectives:
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Participant will describe both the medical and
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Participant will distinguish three characteristics of TLP Spectrum that contribute to its usefulness
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Participant will state at least two reasons why sound and music are essential aspects of sensory approaches in
Sound, as a basic sensory input, affects our nervous systems. We know this in daily life and have experienced it since well before birth. Sound and music are valued agents of change. Music, as organized sound, provides us with beat, rhythm, sound frequency, and sound intensity inputs presented in time and space. When these elements of sound are enhanced for the purpose of music listening therapy, the enhancement affects music’s power to influence changes.
The Listening Program, (TLP) currently a collection of four music listening therapy programs, has had a place in occupational therapy intervention through the lifespan, with a variety of conditions, for over 25 years. It has been used most within pediatrics. Within pediatric OT, children experiencing sound sensitivities and related sensory sensitivities, compromised self-regulation, anxiety, discoordination, disordered auditory processing, speech/language impairment and executive dysfunction are among those supported by TLP, typically in combination with other interventions.
This talk will identify music listening therapies’ connection with central and peripheral (including autonomic and enteric nervous systems) nervous systems, and briefly present the neuroscience-based hallmarks of TLP, as well as the unique intentions and characteristics of each TLP program. TLP Spectrum, the core program that was designed to help sensory-sensitive individuals establish a comfortable relationship with sound, will be emphasized. Programming in home, school, hospitals and clinic settings will be discussed. Concepts of sound environment, rhythm environment and listening for wellness will be introduced.
Our speaker:
Sheila Allen, MA, OT is an internationally recognized licensed occupational therapist whose practice offers consultation, teaching and coaching. Her professional profile includes extensive focus in sensory processing and in blending sensory integration perspectives, principles, and treatment techniques with social/emotional, motor/physical, and cognitive approaches.
If you registered and cannot make the event, please email riota@riota.org to give us 24 hours notice.
ZOOM link will be sent to registered attendees 24 hours in advance of the event.
