Auditory Integration Training

The Autism Research Institute (ARI) was instrumental in bringing auditory integration training (AIT) to the U.S. In the late 1970's and early 1980's, ARI's Director, Bernard Rimland, heard many positive reports from parents in the U.S. who brought their autistic son/daughter to Annecy, France to receive AIT from Guy Berard, M.D., a pioneer in the development of AIT. Dr. Rimland hosted a visit to the U.S. by Dr. Berard as well as visited him in France to discuss AIT's application to autism. A few years later, Dr. Rimland learned from Annabel and Peter Stehli that their daughter had improved dramatically from AIT. Impressed by their story, Rimland suggested that Ms. Stehli write a book about her experience. Publication of book, The Sound of a Miracle, brought AIT to widespread attention.

In the early 1990's, Dr. Rimland and his colleague, Stephen M. Edelson, Ph.D., conducted the first empirical study on the efficacy of AIT in autism. The results were quite promising (Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 1995). They have also conducted two additional studies which also showed positive effects from AIT (American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 1994; and one submitted for publication). ARI also provides technical support to the Society for Auditory Integration Training, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing parents and professionals information about AIT.

ARI distributes a list of AIT practitioners in the United States. Since there are no certifying or licensing exams for AIT practitioners, ARI's list includes all-known practitioners. Send a self-addressed stamped envelope (55 cents postage) to obtain this listing (Autism Research Institute, 4182 Adams Avenue, San Diego, CA 92116). ARI does not require practitioners to pay for their referral, nor does ARI receive any other income from its advocacy of AIT (nor any other intervention).

ARI provides an extensive packet on AIT which includes several articles from the Autism Research Review International, ARI's quarterly newsletter; a summary of AIT research findings; a paper comparing the Berard AIT method with the Tomatis method; and a list of AIT practitioners. The cost of the packet is $5.00.

To learn more about AIT, to visit the Society for Auditory Intervention Techniques Web site.