Auditory Integration Training and Autism Ranking:

Aims and Claims

Aims

The different suppliers of auditory integration training agree that the main aim of AIT is to enable the individual to train his or her auditory system to accurately process sound.  This is achieved by listening to modified sounds which stimulate connections between the ear and the central nervous system.

This is designed to desensitise individuals to sounds which they previously found disturbing (such as traffic noise) and to help them distinguish useful sounds (such as human speech).

It is also designed to help them to improve in areas such as attention and concentration, speech and language.

Claims 

There have been various claims made for the use of auditory integration training as an intervention for autistic people.  In general, the suppliers of the training claim that it leads to a decrease in sound sensitivity, as well as improvements in areas such as concentration, awareness, and communication.  

For example, The Bérard AIT website, accessed on 8 March 2019, states that “Parents often report a reduction in tantrums, sound sensitivity, echolalia, hyperactivity and impulsivity.

Parents also observe increased ability in following directions, attention, auditory short-term memory, and speech/language skills. Increased socialization, cooperation, self-confidence and independence are also frequently observed. Improvements in sensory processing, with a decrease in episodes of sensory overload are typically reported by parents.”

Updated

16 Jun 2022

Last Review

01 Jul 2019

Next Review

01 Nov 2024