Auditory Integration Training (AIT)

At a glance: Auditory Integration Training (AIT)
Type of therapy	Therapy-based
The claim	Reduces sensitivity to sound, and problems with processing sounds
Suitable for	Children with ASD - three years of age or older
Research rating Find out more about this rating system in our FAQs.
Warnings	Side effects may include possible distress or damage to hearing. Also, the US Food and Drug Administration has not allowed some AIT equipment to be imported into the US because of concerns about safety.
Time Estimate of the total time for family in hours per week and duration.	Treatment is generally two 30-minute training sessions a day, for 10 consecutive days.
Cost Estimate of cost to family per session/item or week.

About this intervention

What is it?
Auditory Integration Training (AIT) aims to reduce sensitivity to sounds (or other problems with how sounds are processed). The child with sound sensitivity uses headphones to listen to music that is changed (or ‘filtered’) to remove certain sounds, with the music volume carefully controlled.

Who is it for?
AIT is for children aged three years or older with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), specifically those with additional sensory problems, such as painful or hypersensitive hearing.

It is not suitable for children under three years, or individuals with an ear wax problem, inner ear damage, ear infections or hearing loss.

What is it used for?
AIT aims to reduce:

• distortions in hearing
• extremely sensitive hearing
• irregularities in how sounds are processed.

These are difficulties that can cause discomfort or confusion in children with ASD.

Where does it come from?
AIT was developed in the 1960s by an ear, nose and throat specialist (Dr Guy Berard), with the aim of reducing the effects of auditory damage. AIT was first used for people with autism in 1975.

What is the idea behind it?
This therapy is based on the idea that our behaviour can be influenced by how we hear. It’s also believed that hypersensitive hearing may inhibit a person’s ability to learn and pay attention. The therapy aims to reduce sensitivity to sounds (or other problems with how sounds are processed).

What does it involve?
The child attends two 30-minute training sessions per day for 10 days. In each session, the child listens to music on headphones. The music has been altered to remove certain sounds, and the volume is carefully controlled.

The therapy starts by presenting familiar sounds. Over time, more challenging sounds (usually those with a high or low frequency) are introduced. This helps the child slowly get used to the sounds so they’re no longer a problem.

Cost considerations
AIT sessions (total of 20) can range from $1200 to $2000, but costs vary depending on the service or practitioner used. Audio testing may require additional costs. Medicare doesn’t fund this therapy, so consultations can vary in price. Some private health care funds may cover a portion of the consultation fee. This can be claimed immediately if the provider has HICAPS.  

Does it work?
More high-quality research is needed to determine the effectiveness of this therapy. It’s worth noting that:

• the link between sensitive hearing and autism isn’t completely clear
• auditory therapies are still in early development.

Who practises this method?
There are some approved ‘Berard practitioners’, but there are no formal, internationally registered qualifications for practicing AIT. Some speech and language pathologists may be part of organisations offering AIT.

To reduce or prevent other hearing issues, it’s recommended that children participating in AIT be examined at the beginning, middle, and end of the AIT therapy by a qualified health care professional or auditory specialist. This will help avoid problems such as ear wax or fluid buildup, and possible damage to the eardrum.

Parent education, training, support and involvement
No parental involvement is needed other than accompanying the child to sessions.

Where can I find a practitioner?
Contact the autism association in your state and ask them to recommend a service or practitioner. You might also be able to find a qualified AIT practitioner through professional organisations such as Speech Pathology Australia.

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