MTRB reported on a Cochrane Review of AIT in August 2010. This review was recently updated – we will review current findings.

Something that is nice about Cochrane Reviews (CR) is that they re-investigate topics every couple of years. In this review, they take another look at Auditory Integration Therapy and other “sound therapies”. As is the fashion of CRS, they found any studies that used a Randomize Control Trial design. For this study: “treatment was auditory integration therapy or other sound therapies involving listening to music modified by filtering and modulation” [abstract].

First, I wanted to see if “music therapy” was included as a sound therapy. The answer is no – I found no references to music therapy.

Was there any change from the earlier CR on this topic? No. The reviewer’s conclusion was that there is not enough evidence to support this treatment for children with ASD. However, there is also not enough evidence to prove it ineffective. Out of the 7 RCT studies reviewed, only two (n = 35) showed significant results.

Many of us will be asked if music therapy is the same as AIT, or perhaps will talk to a parent deciding between AIT and MT. By knowing the current status of research, we can better articulate differences between the therapies. This will help to educate parents of the children we work with.  Just for comparison, you might want to read the latest CR on Music Therapy and Autism.

Reference:

Sinha, Y., Silove, N., Hayen, A., & Williams, K. (2011). Auditory integration training and other sound therapies for autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Issue 12. Art. No.: CD003681. PMID: 22161380