#112 - The Listening Program Success Story with a Father Who Doesn't Give Up!

by Jessica Hill, COTA/L & Rachel Harrington, COTA/L, AC July 29, 2020

 

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The Listening Program Success Story with a Father Who Doesn't Give Up!

 

We’ve talked about it before and we just can’t stop! The Listening Program is such an incredible program! And today you are going to hear the inspiring story of one family who has pushed through the struggles and found success with The Listening Program. 

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The Listening Program Success Story With A Father Who Doesn’t Give Up

When you're navigating life with a child who has complex developmental challenges, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But sometimes, the right support and a refusal to give up can create powerful transformations.

Randy Williams, a devoted father, embraced the Advanced Brain Technologies Listening Program®, an evidence-based auditory program that supports brain development and self-regulation. With the help of a certified provider and a carefully structured coaching plan, the Williams family has experienced remarkable progress—especially for their son, Parker.

Meet Parker & The Williams Family

Parker entered the world fighting for every milestone. Born prematurely at just 20 weeks, he suffered a brain hemorrhage that led to a diagnosis of Periventricular Leukomalacia (PVL)—a form of white matter brain injury. 

He was later diagnosed with spastic hemiplegia cerebral palsy, and most recently, autism. Despite these diagnoses, Parker's family refused to let challenges define his potential. 

Already committed to a robust therapy routine—including equine therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy—they sought additional tools that could further support Parker’s development. That’s when they discovered the Listening Program®.

Why The Listening Program®?

The Listening Program is designed to improve:

  • Auditory processing.

  • Emotional regulation.

  • Focus and attention.

  • Sleep quality.

  • Sensory integration.

Using neuroacoustic music delivered through specially designed headphones, the program helps stimulate and organize the brain’s auditory pathways. For children like Parker—who face challenges with communication, motor skills, and emotional regulation—this kind of intervention can be life-changing.

Progress In Just Three Months

Since starting the Listening Program, Parker’s development has accelerated in significant ways:

  • Improved Focus and Attention: Parker is now more engaged during play and therapy sessions, showing a longer attention span and increased ability to follow routines.

  • Enhanced Communication: His expressive language is beginning to emerge more clearly, helping him connect better with his family.

  • Better Sensory Regulation: Parker is more attuned to his environment and shows fewer signs of sensory overwhelm.

  • More Restful Sleep: For the first time in years, Parker recently achieved nine consecutive nights of uninterrupted sleep—a major milestone for both him and his family.

To further support Parker’s emotional growth, Randy and his wife also integrated the Zones of Regulation framework into their daily routines. This structured approach to emotional awareness and self-regulation has helped Parker begin to understand and express his feelings with more clarity.

Building Relationships Through Routine & Grace

In the early stages of the program, Randy and his wife had to monitor Parker’s impulsive behavior closely, particularly around his younger brother. But as Parker gained more control over his body and emotions, something beautiful began to happen: playtime became connection time.

Today, Parker and his brother aren’t just coexisting—they’re bonding. They laugh, build, and play together in a way that once felt out of reach.

Randy credits this progress not only to the Listening Program itself but also to their commitment to consistency, flexibility, and grace. By maintaining a structured sensory-friendly routine while allowing room for adjustments, the Williams family created an environment where success could flourish.

I never want to look back and wonder if I did enough,” Randy says. “But I’ve also learned the power of celebrating small wins and accepting our limits with grace.

Tips From The Williams Family: What Helped Us Most

If you're a parent or caregiver considering the Listening Program or navigating similar challenges, here are some practical strategies that worked for the Williams family:

  • Build a Support Network: Connect with other families navigating similar experiences to share resources and encouragement.

  • Establish Consistent Routines: Predictable schedules create safety and structure for children with sensory needs.

  • Incorporate a Sensory Diet: Engage your child in daily sensory activities that help regulate their nervous system.

  • Model Emotional Language: Use clear, descriptive words to name feelings and teach emotional awareness.

  • Provide Choices: Allowing your child to make small decisions encourages independence and problem-solving.

  • Use Nonverbal Cues: Tools like a gentle touch or visual signals can be powerful in engaging a child who struggles with verbal communication.

Final Thoughts: Progress Over Perfection

There is no one-size-fits-all path to developmental success, but Parker’s story proves that transformation is possible with the right tools, support, and determination. For Randy and his family, the Listening Program wasn’t just another intervention—it was a turning point. 

It gave them renewed hope, stronger relationships, and the joyful experience of watching Parker thrive in ways they once only dreamed of. With a proactive mindset, a willingness to try new tools, and a heart full of perseverance, meaningful progress is within reach.

 

BORING, BUT NECESSARY LEGAL DISCLAIMERS

While we make every effort to share correct information, we are still learning. We will double check all of our facts but realize that medicine is a constantly changing science and art. One doctor / therapist may have a different way of doing things from another. We are simply presenting our views and opinions on how to address common sensory challenges, health related difficulties and what we have found to be beneficial that will be as evidenced based as possible. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or your children. Consult your child’s pediatrician/ therapist for any medical issues that he or she may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Rachel Harrington, Harkla, Jessica Hill, or any guests or contributors to the podcast, as well as any employees, associates, or affiliates of Harkla, be responsible for damages arising from use of the podcast.

Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you.


This podcast should not be used in any legal capacity whatsoever, including but not limited to establishing “standard of care” in a legal sense or as a basis for expert witness testimony. No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy of any statements or opinions made on the podcast.

Jessica Hill, COTA/L & Rachel Harrington, COTA/L, AC
Jessica Hill, COTA/L & Rachel Harrington, COTA/L, AC

Rachel Harrington, COTA/l, AC, CPRCS, and Jessica Hill, COTA/L, CPRCS are Harkla's in-house Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTA) and Certified Primitive Reflex Clinical Specialists. They have been working with children for over 6 years in outpatient settings. They specialize in creating easy-to-digest, actionable content that families can use to help their child's progress at home. Jessica and Rachel are the in-house experts, content creators, and podcast hosts at Harkla! To learn more about Jessica and Rachel, visit the Harkla About Us Page. Make sure to listen to their weekly podcast, All Things Sensory by Harkla for actionable, fun advice on child development.


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