How Our Auditory System Affects Learning - Underlying Causes of Autism and Processing Disorders

Today, we are faced with many labels or conditions that affect learning. Many have a partial underlying cause in our auditory system including autism spectrum disorders, ADD/ADHD, developmental delay, dyslexia, central auditory processing disorder, and auditory processing disorder.

Hypersensitivities to sound may cause an individual to shut out sounds as a defensive mechanism and behave as if he were deaf. On the other hand the same sensitivity may cause another to scream and hold her ears. Learning will be impeded until these sensitivities are normalized.

Another difficulty arises when there is fluid in the ear. Since the Eustachian tubes in young children are more horizontal, fluid can build up and bacteria can form in this warm moist environment. Pressure from the fluid can cause pressure and pain - an ear ache. Repeated ear infections during the first two years of life can greatly affect development of the auditory system. During an infection, the individual hears as if under water and the sounds are not consistent. This in turn can cause receptive auditory problems as well as speech problems. Treating these ear infections without antibiotics or tubes will greatly enhance learning.

Difficulty following oral directions and learning to read using phonics represent just two problems reflected by low auditory sequential processing. When an individual has low auditory sequential processing they cannot remember a series of information long enough to use that information. For example, an individual should be able to look up a phone number or be told a phone number long enough to dial the phone. When parents ask their children to do a short list of chores and within minutes they have forgotten what it was they were to do and they engage in another activity - often play, parents often assume that this is disobedience. It could be disobedience, but it could also be low auditory sequential processing. When a child sounds out a relatively short word, but at the end cannot say the word, it is often due to low auditory sequential processing. Optimally, the solution for these difficulties is not accommodating a deficit, but increasing the auditory sequential processing.

Another major underlying cause for many of these children (and adults) is metabolic - diet / nutrition related. Often these children have what is called "leaky gut syndrome" meaning that nutrients cannot be easily absorbed for use in the body. Many options arise to consider. Elimination diets often remove the offending foods. Other diets work to resolve the issue; some by fixing the leaky gut and others by restoring a balance among nutrients. Families should research the alternatives and find the one that fits their family.

Neurodevelopmentalists look for underlying causes of the missing pieces in development and recommend activities and resources for families, guiding them to solutions.

Maggie operates the Center for Neuro Development in Lakewood, Washington, along with her husband Ronnie. Maggie earned a M.A.in Special Education from Adams State University in 1989. She has been in an internship / independent study leading to certification with the International Christian Association of Neurodevelopmentalists. They offer local, on site services as well as long distance consultation. They work with homeschoolers as well as those who attend school.

Striking the Right Notes to a Successful Career in Music Production and Engineering

Music Production and Engineering (MP & E) is one of the fastest growing fields today with application in almost all aspects of society. Films and theatre, pivotal Indian institutions, demand music specialists for almost every step of production; and practically every Indian firm has acoustic needs - to establish a brand theme tune, for advertisements, as back ground music for corporate events, to play in foyers, etc. - fulfilled only by those knowledgeable in the field of music.

What does it mean to be a music production engineer?

We all know what it means to be an engineer: have an aptitude for science, a strong hold on mathematics, be on top of technology trends, and you're already on your way! But now a days, engineering is becoming merely an undergraduate stamp to put on your résumé, a stepping stone to a further and higher ambition.

Using engineering principles and applying the "engineer's mind," MP&E is that field which combines science and creativity. People involved in MP&E use aesthetics, creativity, and technical knowledge to create a musical production. In short, music production engineers are those involved in every step leading up to the creation of a musical recording. MP&E is cross-disciplinary, using engineering and production techniques to adapt to the music industry's rapidly changing technology and evolving trends.

So is it for me?

Can you pick out harmonies and instruments while hearing a musical track? Can you imagine how various instruments come together to create music? Do you just plain love music and have a knack for science at the same time? Then MP&E may be your thing! However, do beware of a common misconception: just loving to listen to musicis different from 'knowing' music. Most colleges abroad recommend at least two years of intense study of music, including a sound theoretical background, before you join a course in music production. Classical music (Western, Carnatic or Hindustani) tends to have a strong focus on the formation and composition of music, a prerequisite in the composition of sound, so being a student of one of these forms of music is a must.

How can I prepare myself to be in MP & E?

However, there's more to this field then just being a virtuoso instrumentalist or vocalist! As a high-schooler, there are many things you can do to prepare yourself for a career in the music industry. Intern at local recording studios in your area if you are interested in seeing real technology at work. Try to get involved in bands and ensemble playing to experience the fundamentals of team work in a musical setting. Try recording and tracking music using the freeware from trusted publishers such as Sony and Audacity that is available online. It's all about showing initiative, as no class can teach you more than you can learn by trial and error. Did you know that YouTube is one of the biggest platforms of amateur musicians around the world? Embrace the musical side of social networking!

Where can I study MP&E?

MP&E has tremendous scope abroad as well as in India. However, the educational facilities and programmes offered vary greatly due to the demand for courses. One thing is for sure: there's never a lack of options!

Studying MP&E in India

Undergraduate degrees: In India, due to there being few colleges specialising in music, one option would be to do a B.Tech in acoustical /sound engineering, with a dual-major in management studies. The Indian colleges which offer such undergraduate degrees include several large institutes -IIT, NIT, and BITS Pilani. The Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Pune also offers courses in sound engineering. With this training, you can either directly jump into your career with internships or continue your education with an M.Tech in Acoustical Engineering or an MBA.

Diploma courses: Once you complete your B.Tech, you would be well advised to augment your knowledge and education by taking diploma or certificate courses in specific areas in order to jumpstart your career. Several specialised small colleges such as the Sound Engineering Academy (SEA), Kerala, the Audiophile Institute of Sound Engineering, Kerala, the Muzik Lounge School of Audio Technology, Chennai, and the School of Audio Engineering (SAE) institute, Mumbai, offer diploma and certificate programmes specialising in studio work. This is supplementary to your undergraduate degree. You can choose to take courses in a variety of areas, including:

• Diploma in Sound Engineering and Sound Recording: This is generally a one year (two semester) course, taken full time.

• Certificate in Sound Recording: 6 month course

• Certificate in Live Sound: 3 month course

• Certificate in Pro-recording: 2 months

Studying MP&E abroad

Undergraduate degrees: Abroad, MP&E is often offered as a separate four or five year course at the undergraduate level. A prerequisite is to have formal education in physics and mathematics. Scholarships are often awarded to those who show proficiency either in vocalability or instrumentals, and also demonstrate a clear interest in, and knack for, music. The great thing about MP&E and acoustical engineering is that it's a viable option in several reputed universities. Indiana University, Texas State University, and John Hopkins University, for example, offer very interesting undergraduate programmes in MP&E.

Diploma courses: There are also small private schools in the US that offer diploma and certificate courses in MP&E that can be taken in a short period of time, after your undergraduate degree, similar to those diplomas available in India. Here are a few specialised colleges for music production and engineering:

• SAE Institute: The SAE Institute is one of the largest audio engineering colleges in the world, with campuses in 23 countries (including India - in Mumbai, as mentioned earlier). The full-time programme spans nine months, while the part-time takes twice as long. Scholarships are available as well.

• Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences: Located in Tempe, Arizona (USA) this college has only 12 students per class, enhancing the overall learning experience. The programme lasts for 42 weeks and scholarships are available as well.

• McNally Smith College of Music: Looking for a college with a lot of options, reputed staff, and a larger student body? This Minnesota, USA based college may be the right fit.

• Institute of Production and Recording: Yet another Minnesota college, this institute provides rigorous course work and classes to efficiently train you for immediate job placement after earning a bachelors' degree in audio engineering.

Do keep in mind that MP&E is one of those majors with hands-on practical training. It requires constant interaction with musicians, producers, and engineers.