It's true that it takes time for research to follow after development of an intervention technique. There is a new preliminary study regarding IM and reading from Baylor University: http://cdq.sagepub.com/content/early/2012/09/24/1525740112456422 In any case, research on treatment techniques in my field are fraught with difficulties on many levels. I definitely pay close attention to it, and have done single case studies myself when I am curious about an intervention I think is "iffy" (reflex integration exercises, craniosacral techniques). I pay close attention to the effectiveness of intervention techniques particularly because insurance coverage for our services seems very hit or miss. I feel compelled to do all I can to foster the most rapid gains possible for our clients and families. Thank you thank you to all who shared their opinions/experiences!

Thank you! I already use a regular little metronome frequently, and provide home exercises with metronome beats (metronomeonline.com is free). There are so many ways to incorporate rhythm, and I blend these with the other modalities I use. Sometimes people really can't even hear the beat, or can't tell if they are on it or not. Eventually they all get it (so far in my experience, at least). The difference with IM is that the program provides feedback which will let them know whether they are on the beat or not. Perhaps they'd find the beat faster, or be completely frustrated... At times I've allowed clients to think we are playing and just "discover" the beat. I often don't add the metronome until they can already perform a rhythmic movement successfully. Hmmm..... And my new place of employment has a wonderful SI gym. Enticing children to complete boring rote exercises when that gym is calling to them is pretty challenging already. Thanks for helping me think through this.

I haven't been around in a long time, as we are no longer homeschooling. I homeschooled our children for 10 years, four of which I added part-time paid employment. The WTM was the first hsing book I read when we were starting out in 2000. Years later, I discovered this group, and it became a go-to place to find support and information. Our children are now excelling in high school, and I am working as a pediatric OT. Our clinic is in the midst of determining whether to make a significant investment in the equipment to provide Interactive Metronome (it's a huge investment for us, as we are a small private practice). If it seems appropriate, I would really appreciate your perspective on this intervention technique. You are a particularly savvy and articulate consumer group, and I value your thoughts and experiences. If it seems inappropriate for me to ask, or even show up here since I'm no longer hsing, I need to know that, too! Homeschooling groups and boards were my "home" for so long, I am still at a bit of a loss without them...definitely still in transition, here. Thank you, NCW

Just curious, are they including a significant amount of vestibular/movement work, and gross motor exercises? Any concurrent auditory concerns?

If he's fine everywhere else, using all he's learned and the skills he's gained to hold it together in public and around strangers, she's done a great job so far. One thing to consider is that he may be doing his best, and then falling apart when he gets home because that is a safe place with safe people. A meltdown can look like very rude behavior directed at the people he needs and counts on the most. At six and a half, he could begin to learn self-regulation strategies like those in the Engine Program or the Incredible 5-Point Scale. I read wonderful advice for parents recently: stay calm, consistent, and concise. Don't get pulled in to their arguments with you.

Some kids just wear hearing protection purchased at home improvement stores - look like headphones, but just block noise. These are inexpensive.

Thank you for sharing this story!

I know that SIDS is really a concern less than a year of age, but I personally would be somewhat hesitant to give a low-tone very young child whose O2 drops at night a squishy mattress topper and a weighted blanket.

Yay! Way to go!

I realized after I posted that he's quite a bit south of where you were mentioning. He has offices in Annapolis and Bethesda. Dr. Applebaum is married to an OT, and they collaborate to provide services when needed. He lectures nationally (I attended one of his courses, taught with an OT), and at that time he mentioned that he hired optometrists to do the vision therapy in his office. Vision Therapists are often teachers with extra training - there is no degree program for VTs, just specialty classes and supervision by an OD. Dr. Applebaum has co-authored Eye Power: http://www.amazon.com/Eye-Power-Updated-Report-Therapy/dp/1439221790/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1320698156&sr=8-11 I wish I had taken my son to him when we lived in the area, but I didn't know then what I know now....didn't even know he existed then. If I lived in PA I'd be tempted to give him a call and see if he recommends anyone particular in my area.

I encourage you to consider Dr. Stanley Applebaum http://www.optometrists.org/Bethesda/

I have treated friends, and the children of friends. I have given free insights, and referrals to others. All of that can be done with someone who is very conscious of confidentiality, and who doesn't take it personally if someone doesn't agree with your recommendations/timeline. I think a bigger issue is that you want to be on the same page as your husband. Is there any particular reason to choose this professional over another that you could both agree on? I can't see any reason to introduce conflict/tension into a situation when there isn't any need to.

:party: So glad to hear it!

There is the home vision program: http://www.visiontherapyathome.com/ and Kenneth Lane's book "Developing Ocular Motor and Visual Perceptual Skills" http://www.amazon.com/Developing-Ocular-Visual-Perceptual-Skills/dp/1556425953/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1315076551&sr=8-1 Neither of these is meant to address eye teaming/binocularity issues, but they may be a good place to begin work that you can't otherwise access or afford, and be a jump ahead when you get to VT eventually.

This is a strange problem, and I don't understand their rationale. Are you in the US? Do any of these clinics have anyone else they refer older children to? You would think they might have a list of providers to meet the needs of those they don't serve. I am really saddened that you're running into this issue. Many training providers for specific modalities list those who've taken their courses on their websites, so if you know of a specific technique you're interested in you can check the provider website. In addition to Interactive Metronome, here are a few more options to try: SI certified therapists: http://portal.wpspublish.com/portal/page?_pageid=53,83247&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL http://www.spdfoundation.net/directory/index.html http://www.vitallinks.net/locator/index.php http://www.hwtcertification.com/index.cfm Best of luck!