Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that affects social interaction, communication and behaviour. According to the CDC, as many as 1 in 54 children are diagnosed with ASD each year, with boys being 4 times more likely to receive a diagnosis of ASD than girls.

Children are often diagnosed between 2-4 years of age. ASD ranges from mild to severe; and uses a three level system. Level one being mild and level three being severe. Children diagnosed at level one may not need very much support, but those at level two or three may require substantial support. No matter the level of severity there are always issues in two key areas: Social Communication, and Restrictive or Repetitive Behaviours and Interests.

Forbrain is an educational tool that is being used by several therapists and families to use with children who show signs or are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Forbrain helps the child to hear and process the sounds that they produce, louder and better. For some children with ASD this effect of hearing themselves slightly louder helps them to stay present and focused, and decreases the risk of being distracted by things happening in the background. When a child is better able to focus and stay present, Forbrain therapy sessions become significantly more productive and enjoyable.

In the following video, Grace Lindley, a speech and language therapist based in Paris, breaks down the different aspects of Autism Spectrum Disorders – what are the causes, observed symptoms, how Forbrain can help children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and activities to do with Forbrain. By using Forbrain in her practice with children with ASD, she has observed significant improvements in focus and attention, and an improved ability to regulate energy and mood. The great thing about these improvements is that with continued practice and time, they seem to then carry over into sessions even when the child isn’t wearing Forbrain. Some children with Autism Spectrum Disorder who enjoy wearing Forbrain will also vocalise more when they wear it, because they seem to like how their voice sounds.