1. Behavioral Improvements

Observed Changes:
Multiple controlled studies report significant reductions in hyperactivity, irritability, stereotypic behaviors, and inappropriate speech following AIT.
Timeline:
Improvements often appear within 2–4 weeks post-intervention and are maintained at 3- and 6-month follow-ups, suggesting lasting effects rather than short-term gains.
Ratings:
Both parental and clinician assessments consistently note enhanced attention span, reduced sound sensitivity, and improved social engagement.
Mechanism:
These behavioral changes are thought to result from improved sensory regulation and reduced auditory overload, which lowers stress and frustration in children with ASD.

2. Sensory Modulation

Impact on Sensory Profiles:
AIT has demonstrated positive effects on sensory processing, particularly in children with auditory hypersensitivity.
Measurement Tools:

Short Sensory Profile (SSP): Shows reductions in tactile defensiveness and auditory over-responsiveness.
Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC): Indicates improvements in irritability and hyperactivity linked to sensory discomfort.

Clinical Significance:
By normalizing auditory input, AIT helps children tolerate everyday sounds, reducing meltdowns and avoidance behaviors.

3. Auditory Processing & Neurological Outcomes

Electrophysiological Evidence:
Studies using EEG, MEG, and mismatch negativity (MMN) demonstrate normalization of brain wave activity and improved auditory evoked potentials after AIT.
Functional Changes:
Children exhibit better filtering of auditory stimuli and reduced confusion when exposed to novel sounds, suggesting enhanced neural discrimination and processing speed.
Neuroplasticity:
These changes indicate that AIT may leverage brain plasticity to reorganize auditory pathways, improving sensory integration and attention.

4. Academic and Cognitive Benefits

Learning Outcomes:
Improved auditory clarity translates into better classroom performance, as children can focus on instructions without being overwhelmed by background noise.
Reading and Memory Gains:
Some evidence supports improvements in reading speed, comprehension, and working memory, especially when AIT is combined with language-based interventions.
Attention and Executive Function:
Enhanced auditory processing reduces cognitive load, allowing children to allocate more resources to problem-solving and learning tasks.