Abstract
Auditory Integration Training (AIT) is an experimental ‘alternative’ therapy aimed at individuals with hypersensitive hearing. Developed by Otorhinolaryngologist Dr. Guy Berard, AIT involves listening to electronically‐processed music through headphones for 20 half‐hour sessions. Berard (1993) believes that many cognitive and behavioural problems, including autism, dyslexia and depression, result partially from distortions in hearing, and thus, that clinical symptoms can be alleviated by use of AIT. For example, Berard (1993) considers autistic behaviours to be largely an avoidance reaction to noises heard too acutely.The progress of three boys with autism receiving AIT was closely monitored. Few if any beneficial effects on behaviour were observed. Sound hypersensitivity remained unchanged. The paper also questions the validity of the AIT technique used, and highlights a need for an AIT ‘watchdog’ in the UK.
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