'The Mozart Effect' re ADHD, autism, dyslexia etc

Ticklemouse

My 2 year old son has just been diagnosed with Verbal Dyspraxia (meaning he can't talk) and he has a high chance of being dyslexic - lots of it in father's side. He is due to start speech therapy soon.

However, the day after I told my mum, she was listening to a report on Radio Lancashire about a man called Don Campbell who, taking on board the benefits of Mozart's music in stimulating the brain, has written many books and put together CD's of bits of Mozart's music, each one designed for specific purpose ie adults or children, study time, meal times, sleep times etc. Apparently, Campbell's CD's are being used to help children with condition such as ADHD, autism, dyslexia etc etc.  He has a website - https://www.mozarteffect.com but I haven't yet had time to study it.

I was wondering if any of you MSE's had come across this particular man/music compilations or had any success with similar therapies. I am aware of Mozart and the effect on the brain and was going to borrow my dad's classical CD's anyway.

aussielle

I'm sorry to hear about your son's problem but on the positive side at least it has been recognised and something can be done about it.

I've never heard about the mozart 'thing' but it sounds interesting.

If you want any advice about dyspraxia or speech therapy feel free to pm me. I can offer you lots of first hand experience/tips that could be helpful to you. My youngest has dyspraxia, which affected his speech, he didn't talk until he was 3 1/2 and had intensive s/t for about 5 years. It also impacted on his fine motor skills and
co-ordination but with the help of a wonderful paediatric occupational therapist he was able to over come a lot of his difficulties..he's now a teenager and doing well, so try not to worry too much ;D

jellyhead

my son has mild autism and dyspraxia and he really really hates mozart. just thought i'd mention it. he throws a wobbler whenever i listen to requiem, or maybe that's because of the singing?

Ticklemouse

Jellyhead - don't know much about this yet, but maybe it's because the Mozart is forcing his brain or brainwave patterns or whatever to work differently? Or maybe its because the piece of Mozart you play is the 'wrong type'? From what I understand so far, this Campbell bloke has pieced together sections of different Mozart pieces to suit different circumstance/situations?

Just a thought - hope you don't mind

jellyhead

just thought i'd mention it :-)
requiem was my favourite studying music while at uni and my little boy hated it, but as you say it may have just been the wrong type/tempo/etc.

Ticklemouse

I've just ordered all 4 CD's for children so eagerly await them. This MSE thing is def rubbing off - whilst money is not an issue in this case, I still went via Greasypalm to order via Amazon

His speech therapy starts next week but if I need any advice, then thanks, I will come back to you.

ps I like Mozart, but I was more of a Vivaldi's Gloria girl at Uni - sung in Latin of course. Now that might just put anyone back!! ::) ;D ::)

TM

Ted_Hutchinson

While listen to Mozart certainly won't do any harm may I suggest you also ensure the brain is nutritionally well supplied.

Dyslexia, Dyspraxia and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Can nutrition help? leads to some well researched information. ZIPVIT leads to a cheap source of high EPA Omega Juice.

The other supplement which I feel may very well make a differende is Carnitine found in Lamb, Beef and avocados.

But don't get too hung up about it, some of the greatest brains ever and almost all the best architects are dyslexic.

Ticklemouse

Thanks Ted

I'm all for sorting out everyone's nutrition and I firmly believe that most of the complaints/illnesses people get can be avoided/minimised by a correct diet - but that's a whole new thread. ;D

Both my boys take Hemp Seed Oil and multivits/minerals as well as eating a healthy diet. We don't eat crisps/junk food/fizzy drinks or squash and I limit their other sugar and fat intakes where poss ie bake own cakes and biscuits, and coloured/jelly sweets are a big no-no. Elder boy hits the ceiling as demonstrated the other day after eating 3 opal fruits got from a party!

I have to say that I am impressed by Hemp Seed Oil - apparently contains all the Omega 3 and 6 plus those other EFA's, ELA's etc, and in the correct and naturally occurring dosage. I have seen my overactive 5 yr old calm down and even he asks for it if he goes OTT after a party!! I would recommend it.

TM

Mrs_T_5

Hi Ticklemouse - don't know if it will help but there is a book published called "The Mozart effect" by Don Campbell. You may be able to borrow it from the library. ISBN no : 0-340-79373-2

I actually have this book but have not had a chance to read it!

(I'm a music teacher) I have heard there is a lot of relevance especially within the realms of music therapy.
hope this helps