RESEARCH ON AIT
Summaries and Critiques of 28 Reports
(January, 1993 - May, 2001)
Stephen M. Edelson, Ph.D. and Bernard Rimland, Ph.D.
Auditory integration training (AIT), as developed by French otolaryngologist Guy Berard and based on the work of his predecessor, Alfred Tomatis, typically consists of 20 half-hour sessions of listening to specially modulated music over a 10- to 20-day period. AIT has been reported to be beneficial in several conditions, including AD/HD, autism, dyslexia, and hypersensitive hearing at certain frequencies.
The present review covers 28 reports on AIT. Twenty-three reports concluded that AIT benefits various population subgroups, three studies claim to show no benefit (or no benefit over that seen in a control group), and two studies reported rather ambiguous or contradictory results. Considering the great difficulties in both providing a credible placebo treatment and assessing improvement in the subject populations, these results are quite encouraging. The balance of the evidence clearly favors AIT as a useful intervention, especially in autism.
Following are summaries of all research studies known to us that have investigated the efficacy of AIT. These studies were published between January 1993 and May 2001 and have appeared in peer-reviewed journals, professional newsletters, and/or were presented at professional conferences. Twenty-six of the studies utilized subjects with autism, attention deficit/hyper-activity disorder, central auditory processing disorder, and/or mental retardation. Two of the studies evaluated the physiological effects of AIT on animals.
Section A of the paper summarizes those studies supporting the efficacy of AIT; Section B summaries those studies that claim to have found no support for its efficacy; and Section C summarizes the results of two studies which we have classified ‘ambiguous, contradictory, or controversial. Following these three sections, Section D, we discuss two additional reports in a Discussion section, followed by our Conclusions.
The summaries are listed chronologically within each disorder. All used Berard-type equipment and procedures. (We are not aware of any relevant research using the Tomatis approach during the time period covered.)
The following abbreviations are used for the tests/checklists utilized most often in the studies: Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC-1), Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC-2), Behavior Summarized Evaluation (BSE), Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS), Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals--Revised (CELF-R), Conner's Parent Rating Scales (CPRS), Fisher's Auditory Problems Checklist (FAPC), Screening Test for Auditory Processing Disorders (SCAN), Self-Injurious Behavior Questionnaire (SIBQ), Staggered Spondaic Word (SSW), and the Test of Nonverbal Intelligence (TONI).
Click here to download a PDF of the research referred to above.
Articles:
- Healing Aspects of Music Physically and Medicinally
- A Brief Look at the Stria Vascularis In AIT – Carin S. Smit
Read full Success Stories from parents
BOOKS PERTAINING TO AUTISM
AND BERARD AUDITORY INTEGRATION TRAINING (AIT)
An Alternative Treatment for Autism and other Disorders
Available titles include the following:
The Sound of a Miracle
by Annabel StehliPrice: $14.95
The Sound of a Miracle is Annabel Stehli's riveting story of her daughter Georgiana's triumphant progress from autistic and functionally retarded to gifted. An intervention called Berard Auditory Integration Training cured Georgiana's painful hearing, her most distressing symptom, and made it possible for her to emerge from autism, enjoy communication and to excel academically.
When mothers from all over the country contacted Annabel Stehli and told her their stories, she put them in touch with one another, formed The Parents' Network, and inspired them to do as she had done: to fight for their children with diagnoses including Autism, Pervasive Developmental Delay (PDD), Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD), Hyperactivity, Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD), Dyslexia, and Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. There are many Georgianas now, ready to take their place among their peers without a label. The interest sparked by Sound of a Miracle resulted in the founding of the Georgiana Organization and has contributed to the public awareness and support of auditory training as a treatment option.
"The Sound of a Miracle has triggered a revolution in the field of developmental delays and learning disabilities."
Medical Board
Autism Society of America
"Well written and incredibly moving, the book shows that you should fight for what you believe is right for your child."
London
"If you are ever tempted to give in to despair, read this true story. It will inspire you to be braver than you ever thought possible."
Sound of a Miracle was first printed in 1991 by Doubleday of New York. A second printing has been released in 1996 through The Georgiana Organization. This book can be ordered below through The Counseling Center.
ORDER Sound of a Miracle and other books on AIT!
Checks, money orders or credit cards (Visa or Mastercard) accepted. See complete information below.
Hearing Equals Behavior
by Guy Berard, M.D.(ISBN: 0-87983-600-8)
Price: $30.00
This book was written by the otolaryngologist (Ear, Nose and Throat physician) who invented Berard Auditory Integration Training. Includes the principles of AIT and a summary of various case histories, complete with copies of individual hearing tests before and after AIT. This English paperback version was published in 1993 by Keats Publishing, Inc. This book is now out-of-print. We can no longer offer you copies for sale.
This book also includes a chapter on Dr. Berard's successful AIT treatment of individuals who were suffering from depression (including suicidal depression). These cases showed impressive improvements following one to three courses of Berard Auditory Integration Training.
Dancing in the Rain
edited by Annabel Stehli
Price: $14.95
A collection of parents' accounts of their children's experiences with Berard Auditory Integration Training (AIT) and many different types of learning disabilities and conditions published in 1995 by Georgiana Organization.
ORDER Dancing in the Rain and other books on AIT!
Checks, money orders or credit cards (Visa or Mastercard) accepted. See complete information below.
ORDER INFORMATION
Shipping Costs
UNITED STATES |
$3.00 |
INTERNATIONAL |
$6.95 |
By Phone: 828-683-6900
By Mail:
Send a written request with complete information (name, address, credit card number, expiration date and book title(s) with desired number of copies) to:
Berard Auditory Integration Systems, Inc.
A Division of the Counseling Center of CT and NC
690 Boyd Rd.
Leicester, NC 28748
United States
By Fax:
Send same written information as above to: (828) 683-0303