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Where I Am: Home | Interventions | List | Auditory Integration Training And Autism

Auditory Integration Training and Autism

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Type(s) : Motor/Sensory, Assistive and Adaptive Technology

Introduction

Auditory integration training – also known as AIT – involves a person listening to a selection of music which has been electronically modified.

There are several different kinds of auditory integration training including the Berard Method, the Listening Program, Samonas Sound Therapy, and the Tomatis Method

AIT is based on the idea that some people, including some people with autism, are hypersensitive (over-sensitive) or hyposensitive (under-sensitive) to certain frequencies of sound.

This sensitivity to certain frequencies is believed to cause a variety of perceptual problems – such as an inability to concentrate or to understand other people. It may also cause other problems – such as irritability or lethargy.

AIT is designed to improve the person’s ability to process sounds by ’re-educating’ the brain. This is done by playing electronically modified music in which the frequencies have been changed.

Our Opinion

There is some high quality research evidence to suggest that AIT is not helpful in improving symptoms of autism, although we believe it may be of limited use in helping with sensory problems, such as hypercusis.

Great care should be taken because of the potential hazards of using AIT.

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