situation is sustained or occurs frequently, the individual usually discovers ways of reducing or deadening the sensory input. An autistic child may retreat to an inner world through organizing or hypnotic activities such as rocking, rhythmical spinning of objects or flapping fingers, avoiding eye contact, or hyperventilating breathing patterns. A normal adult, experi- encing a reduction in the ability to filter sensory input and Poor sensory integration may use variations of the same strategies. They may find eye contact more difficult, move to an inattentive world of daydreaming, or use alcohol or drugs to deaden the senses and find greater internal calmness. HEMI-SYNC AND SENSORY INTEGRATION Hemi-Sync is an excellent example of the sensory integra- tive process of the brain. Two independent auditory signals are integrated in a way that produces a whole (i.e., Hemi-Sync) which is different from each of the separate parts. Initial processing and integration occurs in the brain stem. In addi- tion, the tendency toward synchronization of the right and left hemispheres appears to enhance attention, sensory and ex- trasensory awareness, and intuitive processing, and to in- crease successful adaptation to personal experiences. Since 1981 I have been using Hemi-Sync with young children who experience sensorimotor and sensory integrative disabilities. Both clinical experience and preliminary research indicate that the addition of Hemi-Sync signals (containing
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Hemi-Sync® Journal 1991-1 (Winter) · 1 Hemi-Sync® Journal 1991-1 Winter.pdf
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frequencies which produce more theta patterns in the brain) to background music increases the child’s focus of attention, calms the emotions, and creates a mental set of open receptiv- ity. These responses are consistent with those reported by adults using Hemi-Sync tapes during their GATEWAY VOY- AGE experience. However, an unexpected response was seen in children who, prior to Hemi-Sync therapy, experienced severe difficul- ties with sensory organization and integration. These children showed major difficulties accepting touch to their bodies. Gentle hugs, light calming strokes or pats, or accidental touching usually elicited strong aversive reactions. The child would push the touching person away, screech or cry, hit the person, or withdraw and begin a series of stereotyped self- stimulatory behaviors. They did not like to get their hands messy, have their hair washed or combed, or sit outside in the wind and grass. Many of the children became frightened and disoriented with movement or changes of position. They tended to increase these behaviors in complex sensory envi- ronments. A busy household, a school classroom or cafeteria, or a trip to the grocery store would reduce the child’s ability to function and would increase the frequency and strength of the behaviors used to cope. Because of the intensity of their reactions to their environment, most of these children were labeled autistic, profoundly retarded, or emotionally disturbed.
When Hemi-Sync was added to therapy and classroom environments, these children responded in a totally different way. Eye contact increased. They accepted touch and became curious and interested in the sensory input. They were no longer startling and putting their hands over their ears to sounds that were previously upsetting. The amount of frus- trated screeching and crying was reduced, and more func- tional communication emerged. There was a reduction in behaviors previously used by the child to cope with sensory overload. The children stopped rocking, spinning, and flap- ping and began to pay attention. A new set of questions emerged from these experiences. It appeared that the Hemi-Sync signals enhanced the child’s ability to organize and integrate sensory information. This resulted in an increase in the ability to focus attention, to discriminate specific sensory properties, and to filter un- wanted sensory input. What were these children telling us about the use of Hemi-Sync in our own lives? A PERSONAL EXPERIENCE: HEMI-SYNC AND SENSORY ORGANIZATION For most of my life I have experienced sharp swings in my ability to organize the sensory environment. I have always functioned best in quiet spaces. When sensory complexity is reduced, I am able to think more clearly, and to be more creative. It is as if a reduction in external stimulation allows inner connections to be stronger, and increases my awareness of inner messages and intuitive insights. Many noisy and