Frequently Asked Questions

Cluas supports children and teenagers with concerns linked to auditory processing, sensory processing, speech and language development, dyslexia, dyspraxia, attention difficulties, ADHD, or autism-related challenges.

The programme focuses on strengthening the underlying listening and sensory processing skills that support development, learning, regulation, and daily life.

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The Cluas Therapeutic Programme is a tailored, home-based listening programme using specially modified music and bone-conducting headphones. It is completed in stages over several months, with review appointments at key points so the programme can be adjusted to your child’s needs. Where appropriate, listening and auditory tests are used to help monitor progress and tailor the programme.
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Yes. Each Cluas programme is personalised to the child’s individual needs. The process begins with an initial consultation, where we explore your child’s developmental history, listening profile, sensory needs, strengths, and current challenges. This information helps us design a programme that is specific to your child, rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach.

Find out how the programme is tailored

Your child does not need a diagnosis to begin the Cluas programme. Many families come to Cluas while they are waiting for an assessment, or because they have noticed difficulties with listening, attention, sensory processing, speech and language, learning, or regulation. Cluas does not provide formal diagnostic assessments for autism, ADHD, dyslexia, auditory processing disorder, or other developmental conditions. The initial consultation is used to understand your child’s profile and decide whether the programme may be suitable.

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Yes. Many children who come to Cluas have overlapping difficulties across listening, sensory processing, attention, communication, learning, emotional regulation, or coordination. The Cluas programme is not based on a single label. It is tailored to your child’s individual profile and focuses on the underlying listening, auditory processing, and sensory foundations that can affect many areas of development.

It is very common for parents to worry that their child may not want to wear headphones. We take this slowly and gently. During the initial consultation, we look at your child’s sensory profile and consider how best to introduce the headphones in a way that feels manageable.

The Cluas programme is completed at home using specialised headphones and a structured listening schedule. Sessions are usually built into your child’s daily routine in a calm, quiet space.

During each session, your child listens to their individual Cluas programme through specialised headphones while taking part in suitable activities. The activities are adapted to your child’s age, interests, needs, and stage of the programme.

For younger children, this may include play-based activities such as Lego, blocks, play dough, puzzles, sensory play, ball games, storytime, or imaginative play. These activities can support sensory, motor, speech and language, social, and developmental skills.

For older children and teenagers, the activities are usually quieter and more independent. They might draw, read, do puzzles, build Lego or models, work on a creative project, organise materials, or complete calm hands-on activities.

No. We recommend no screen time while the headphones are on. The aim is to give your child’s brain the best opportunity to process the listening programme without competing stimulation from television, tablets, computers, phones, or games consoles.

Listening sessions are usually around 60 minutes, depending on your child’s programme and stage. The exact schedule is explained at the start of the programme and tailored to your child’s needs. We help families build a routine that feels manageable and supportive at home.

Your role is to help your child follow the listening routine, create a calm environment, support them during sessions, and share feedback with us at review appointments. You do not need to deliver therapy yourself. Cluas provides the programme, equipment, structure, and guidance. Your involvement helps your child feel supported and helps us understand how they are responding at home.

No. Families do not need to purchase the specialised Cluas equipment. The specialist sound equipment is provided for use during the programme and returned at the relevant review points. Fees are explained clearly before you make any decision to begin the programme, and each stage is discussed with you in advance.

Yes. Cluas works with families from across Ireland. While some appointments take place at our centre in Harold’s Cross, Dublin, the therapeutic programme itself is completed at home. Where appropriate, we can use a hybrid approach, combining in-person appointments with phone or online review support. This helps reduce travel while still making sure your child’s programme is carefully monitored and tailored.

Review appointments are an important part of the Cluas programme. They help us monitor progress, keep the programme on track, and make sure it continues to be tailored to your child’s needs. Reviews are parent- and child-led, and for younger children they may be play-based and informal. We use these appointments to hear how things are going at home and school, observe how your child is responding, answer questions, and support motivation as the programme progresses. Where appropriate, we may also complete listening or auditory tests. These are usually suitable from around age 6, depending on the child’s ability and readiness. For older children and teenagers, review appointments are also a valuable opportunity to involve them directly, hear their perspective, and help them stay engaged in the process.

Yes. Many children complete the Cluas programme while also attending speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, psychology, play therapy, school supports, or other services. The Cluas programme is designed to support underlying processing foundations and can sit alongside other interventions your child may already be receiving.

The Cluas programme is generally not covered by private health insurance. However, some international insurance policies or employer benefit schemes may contribute towards the cost, depending on the individual policy. Many families are able to claim a portion of their fees back through their tax return as a medical expense. Cluas can provide receipts for payments made.

The initial consultation gives us a chance to discuss your concerns, answer your questions, and understand whether the programme is suitable for your child. Booking an initial consultation does not mean you are committing to the full programme. If we feel another service is more suitable, we will advise you honestly. If you have a brief question before booking a consultation, we are happy to arrange a short phone call first.

The Cluas programme is informed by research into auditory processing, sensory processing, neuroplasticity, and the role of listening in communication, attention, regulation, and learning. Listening is an active brain process. The brain must receive, organise, filter, and respond to sound. When these processes are inefficient, children may find it harder to listen in busy environments, follow instructions, regulate themselves, or stay focused. The Cluas programme uses specially modified music and bone-conducting headphones as part of a structured listening programme. It is informed by the Tomatis Method and tailored to each child’s individual profile. Progress is monitored through review appointments, parent feedback, observation, and listening or auditory tests where appropriate.

Yes we do, we have a special sound therapy programme for adults. Please find more information on our dedicated website for Sound Therapy for adults