Auditory integration training

Does it work?

We don't know if it works. There haven't been any good studies of auditory integration training. You may hear it called AIT for short.

A group of experts on child health, called the American Academy of Pediatrics, says that AIT should only be used for research.[1] In the UK, it's hard to get AIT for your child.

What is it?

Sound comes in different levels. These levels are called frequencies. AIT is based on the idea that children with autism have problems with behaviour and learning because they are too sensitive to certain levels of sound.

Treatment with AIT involves listening to music through headphones. A child listens for 30 minutes, twice a day, for 10 days. The music has been adjusted to change certain sound levels or make them not as loud.

How can it help?

We don't know if it can help. There haven't been any good studies of AIT.[2]

Why should it work?

Some people say AIT works by training your child's hearing all over again, so they are less sensitive to certain levels of sound. But there isn't any firm evidence for this.[2]

Can it be harmful?

Doctors worry that the machines used to give AIT can give off levels of noise that may harm your child's hearing.[2] Usually, you can only get AIT from a private professional. Also, AIT can cost a lot.

What's the evidence for auditory integration training?

References

American Academy of Pediatrics - Committee on Children with Disabilities. Auditory integration training and facilitated communication for autism. Pediatrics. 1998;102:431-433.
Sinha Y, Silove N, Wheeler D, et al. Auditory integration training and other sound therapies for autism spectrum disorders (Cochrane review). In: The Cochrane Library, Issue 1, 2004. Wiley, Chichester, UK.

This information does not replace medical advice. If you are concerned you might have a medical problem please ask your Boots pharmacy team in your local Boots store, or see your doctor.