Auditory Integration Training and Other Sound Therapies for Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
Sinha, Y., Silove, N., et al. (2011).
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 12, CD003681.
This review investigates the effect of auditory integration training (AIT) and other sound therapies on a variety of outcomes (e.g., cognitive ability, social interaction, auditory processing, attention and concentration, quality of life) in children and adults on the autism spectrum. This updates a 2004 publication by the same authors.
The Cochrane Collaboration
Through September 2010
Randomized controlled trials
7
"In the absence of evidence, the treatment [i.e., auditory integration therapy (AIT) and other sound therapies] must be considered experimental and care must be taken not to risk hearing loss. Parents need to be aware of the cost involved in pursuing these treatments" (p. 14). "Given the lack of evidence that ... AIT or other sound therapies are effective as a treatment ..., future research is discouraged. However, we suggest that any further trials of AIT should build on existing evidence and provide high level evidence about whether this treatment is effective for outcomes that are relevant [to individuals on the autism spectrum]" (p. 14).
