What is AIT?
Auditory Integration Training
Guy Berard, M.D. was a French Ear, Nose & Throat physician, as well as a musician, who suffered from extreme tinnitus, or ringing in his ears. He developed a system of modulated and filtered music that could retrain his auditory system and thus alleviate this disorder. After treating his daughter for learning deficits, he discovered the profound implications this treatment had for Autistic & Learning-Disabled children and adults.
Audiological Evaluation
To determine if a person would be a good candidate for the AIT program, an auditory processing assessment is performed to determine if he or she has uneven or painful hearing.
Some children’s hearing is so sensitive that they can hear fluorescent lights or even a dog whistle.
Hearing like this creates many problems in their life, including difficulty processing multiple instructions, speaking clearly, language skills,
and social awkwardness.
Who are AIT Candidates
Those who have hearing sensitivity or distortions are candidates for AIT.
A person may exhibit one or more of the following behaviors:
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Has diagnosed language or speech difficulties including: ADD, ADHD, CAPD, SPD, autism, and dyslexia
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Puts hands over ears or runs from sounds
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Cries in response to loud sounds, tantrums easily
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Tunes out dialogue – acts as though deaf or daydreams
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Avoids noisy, crowded group situations
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Is better at visual learning
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Has a history of ear infections
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Is easily distracted
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Has difficulty with phonics
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Frequently gives odd responses in conversation
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Needs physical prompts to follow verbal commands
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Hears sounds before anyone else and may hide
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Avoids eye contact
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Hums or makes noises
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Has difficulty organizing the day
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Is fatigued by end of the day
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Needs constant activity or visual stimuli
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Can be non-verbal or has difficulty finding the right words
