Candidacy for TSI: Focused Attention

TSI: Focused Attention can be used by all ages, 3 and above. It is equally appropriate for children and adults. Because it should be done with headphones, a minimum age of 3 is set. Some 2 ½ year olds may be ready for headphones; some 3-4 year olds may require an initial period of headphone training before using the program. Techniques for headphone training are discussed in the instructional DVD included in the program. (Note: Loudness levels should always be considered when using headphones. Playing music through headphones at a loud volume can cause hearing loss. This is even more important to remember when using headphones with young children due to their small size.)

This program should be considered for anyone who has difficulty attending and listening in the presence of background noise (i.e., auditory figure-ground processing). Candidacy is based more on functional report than on specific diagnosis.

We also recommend TSI: Focused Attention for more significantly involved children who do not tune in to any auditory input easily, whether in the presence of background noise or not. The content of the program, as well as the methods of interactive listening used with the program, target focused auditory attention, which is very important for this population.

There are some groups who are especially at risk for difficulty with auditory figure-ground processing:

ADD/HD

Children with attention deficit disorder or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADD, ADHD) have long been considered candidates for the use of therapeutic music to remediate functional problems.  Individuals in this group tend to have distractibility and focus problems, especially in the auditory realm, the main function that TSI: Focused Attention addresses.

Learning Problems/LD (Learning Disability)

As in ADD, children with LD or learning problems have neurological inefficiencies that are often addressed with therapeutic music as a part of their treatment regimen. Distractibility and attention/focus problems are common in this group.

Hearing Loss

Children with hearing loss are at a higher risk for difficulties with auditory processing, simply from the lack of or inefficient auditory stimulation to the brain. A recent study (2010) showed that even in children with unilateral hearing loss, the brain learns to process sound differently, compared to those with normal hearing. In general, functional MRI indicated less activation in auditory areas and attention networks for children with a unilateral hearing loss.

Auditory Processing Problems (CAPD/APD)

Children with Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD), now more commonly referred to as Auditory Processing Disorder (APD), exhibit a number of functional problems. Being able to separate foreground sounds from background sounds and therefore process speech in noise is one common problem for these individuals. (For a more complete discussion of auditory processing, click here.)Link to aud proc section.

Autism Spectrum Disorders

Children with autism tend to have particular problems with sound-related function. Many children are hypersensitive to sound, making dealing with background sound a very significant problem. Their difficulty with handling and processing auditory input leads to sensory behaviors, speech and language problems, and other behavioral challenges.

Down Syndrome

Just by nature of the syndrome, children with Down Syndrome are at higher risk for ear-related challenges—ear infections, middle ear fluid, hearing loss. Any of these factors contribute to the development of auditory processing. Subsequently, attention and speech/language are frequently areas of concern as well.

(For more information about Down Syndrome and the significance of auditory function, please visit our DS minisite here.)

Other Genetic Disorders

Many other genetic syndromes or problems----such as Williams Syndrome, Angelman, or Fragile X---involve developmental problems related to the auditory system.

More about TSI: Focused Attention

What is TSI: Focused Attention?
TSI: Focused Attention for Therapists & Educators
Listener Resources