What is Auditory Integration Training?

Why is auditory integration training sometimes appropriate treatment for individuals diagnosed with autism, pervasive developmental disorders (PDD), central auditory processing disorder (CAPD), attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD), attention deficit disorder (ADD), dyslexia, hyperactivity, language impairments, and learning disabilities (LD), etc.?

One possibility is that some of these individuals are hypersensitive to certain frequencies of sound. For example, one individual might be hypersensitive to the frequencies of 1,000 and 8,000 Hertz while her perception of all other frequencies falls within the normal range. In this case, the individual might become overstimulated, disoriented or agitated in the presence of sounds at 1,000 and 8,000 Hertz.

Another consideration is that an individual's hearing might be asymmetrical (signifiantly different between the two ears). When the right and left ears perceive sounds in an extremely different way, problems with sound discrimination can occur.

PLEASE NOTE:Some people might think only about the workings of the inner ears when they consider "poor", "normal" or "good" hearing. For this reason, it's worth emphasizing that the brain is a crucial part of the auditory system. AIT was designed to normalize the entire auditory system, so it is also aimed at changing how the brain processes and organizes the input received from the ears.

What does Auditory Integration Training involve?

During Auditory Integration Training, music from a stereo system (i.e., CD or cassette player) is sent through a specialized electronic device. The electronic device randomizes and filters the frequencies from the music source and sends these modified sounds into the trainee's ears through a set of headphones. The randomized frequencies mobilize and exercise the inner ear and brain. For example, the sound waves vibrate and exercise the muscles that control the three ossicles (the small bones in the middle ear). It is important to note that if the trainee's audiogram has indicated a hypersensitivity to certain frequencies, the electronic device will modulate and control the volume of those particularly sensitive frequencies.

The training is structured as follows:

• Auditory Integration Training requires twenty sessions. Each session involves thirty minutes of listening time. Ideally, the trainee does two thirty-minute sessions daily for a period of ten consecutive days. Other options are possible spanning from eight to fourteen consecutive days.

• A mid-point assessment is done after ten sessions to reassess the trainee's hearing and note any changes. Any necessary changes to the settings on the electronic device are made at this time.

• A third assessment is given after the completion of the twenty sessions. After twenty sessions, the trainee's hearing should show significant improvement with all or most frequencies being perceived at or near an equal level. Please note that it can take up to one year for all behavioral changes and benefits to become evident.

What improvements have been reported by teachers, parents and trainees after completion of Auditory Integration Training?

• Reduction of hyper-acute and/or painful hearing
  • Less complaints of sounds causing pain or discomfort
  • Reduction in noise or tinnitus in the ear
  • Less startle responses to loud noises

• More appropriate vocal intensity (volume)

• More appropriate affect, expression and interaction

• Easier, more frequent interaction with others, including increased eye contact

• Improved language discrimination or comprehension

• Greater interest in verbalization and communication

• Exhibition of age appropriate behavior

• Improved academic performance

• Improvement in social skills

• Increased comfort level

• Less impulsivity and restlessness

• Reduction in distractibility

• Less lethary

• Less irritability

• Increased independence and self-esteem

Are there any risks associated with AIT?

Is Auditory Integration Training available in many locations in the United States?

AIT first received extensive national attention when excerpts from The Sound of a Miracle: A Child's Triumph Over Autism were published in Reader's Digest in December 1990.

References to scientific studies regarding Auditory Integration Therapy are available through our newer web site: auditoryintegration.net.

A summary of research on A.I.T. is available through Autism Research Institute (ARI) at: www.autismwebsite.com.

The Counseling Center, located in Darien, Connecticut and Asheville, North Carolina (Darien, CT and Asheville, NC) serves families and individuals in the Eastern United States. The Counseling Center is a subsidiary of Berard Auditory Integration Training Systems, Inc.

Through Home Programs, Berard Auditory Integration Training Systems is now available everywhere! It is not necessary to come to Counseling Center offices in either Connecticut or North Carolina. WE have even sent our home program kits to people in Europe and Asia. Contact us now to find out more about Berard Auditory Integration Training Systems Home Programs!

Sarah Gewanter, MSW, CISW, LCSW is Program Director of Berard Auditory Integration Training Systems (Berard AIT) at The Counseling Center and she brings over 25 years of clinical experience to the direction of the Counseling Center's Berard AIT program. Ms. Gewanter was certified in Berard Auditory Integration Training (Berard AIT) by The Georgiana Organization.

INTERNET:
Go to www.auditoryintegration.net and submit a form request.

EMAIL:
Send email with the subject: AIT CONSULT to health@aithelps.com

IN NORTH CAROLINA :
CALL: 828-683-6900 or FAX: 828-683-0303

IN CONNECTICUT :
CALL: 203-655-1091 or FAX: 828-683-0303

WRITE (POSTAL ADDRESS):
Sarah Gewanter, MSW, LCSW, Director
Berard Auditory Integration Systems, Inc.
A Division of the Counseling Center of CT and NC
690 Boyd Rd.
Leicester, NC 28748

A REMINDER:: When you contact us, please mention that you heard about the Counseling Center through the web site.

NO GUARANTEE OR WARRANTY
IS STATED OR IMPLIED

The Counseling Center is not offering AIT as a cure for autism or other disabling conditions. Auditory Integration Training is offered as a means of ameliorating or diminishing some symptoms of autism, attention deficit disorder and other learning disabilities related to auditory processing problems.