Effects of auditory integration training on brainstem auditory evoked potential and symptoms in children with autism spectrum disorders

Abstract

Objective To investigate the curative effect of auditory integration training(AIT) on autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in children with abnormal brainstem auditory evoked potential (BAEP). Methods 56 cases of ASD patients with abnormal BAEP were treated with AIT (aged 2-6 years). BAEP will be reviewed after each course of treatments until the test results were back to normal or had no obvious changes. Children's core symptoms were evaluated by using autism behavior checklist (ABC) and the childhood autism rating scale (CARS) before and after treatments. Results 56 children accepted (1.95±0.92) courses of AIT. Compared with the data before AIT, CARS scores ((36.32±3.54), (34.11±3.12)), scores of the sensory factor((5.65±4.61), (4.28±4.11))and the stereotypes factor of ABC were decreased significantly(P<0.05). After treatments, BAEP of 29 cases (51.79%) went back to normal levels. The bilateral wave incubation periods on left side (I : (1.81±0.17)ms, (1.71±0.12)ms, III: (4.14±0.18)ms, (4.07±0.17)ms, V: (6.09±0.23)ms, (5.97±0.22)ms )and right side (I: (1.79±0.17)ms, (1.74±0.13)ms, III: (4.15±0.16)ms, (4.07±0.16)ms, V: (6.06±0.23)ms, (5.99±0.26)ms)were significantly shortened (P<0.05). Conclusion AIT can improve the functional handicap of auditory pathway in brainstem of ASD children, and the core symptoms of ASD. Key words: Auditory integration training; Brain stem auditory evoked potential; Autism spectrum disorders; Core symptoms; Effects