Effects of Music-Based Auditory Stimulation on Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Auditory Sensory...

Many children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have altered sensory processing - including auditory sensory over-responsivity (SOR). Few treatment options exist for children with ASD and auditory SOR. This study investigated whether music-based auditory stimulation (The Listening Program^® SPECTRUM with Waves^™ bone conduction headphones), could reduce auditory SOR, sensory dysfunction, and behaviors common to children with ASD and improve adaptive functioning. Six boys between the ages of 5 and 10 with ASD and auditory SOR completed listening sessions at home for 40 wk. Participants had statistically significant improvements in the Hearing construct of the Sensory Processing Measure that were sustained 3 months post-intervention. Participants also had significant improvements across multiple other sensory constructs, social skills, and communication skills. This study provides support for The Listening Program^® SPECTRUM with Waves^™ bone conduction headphones to improve sensory processing and reduce hypersensitivity to sound, which may lead to better social and communication skills for children with ASD and auditory SOR. Larger, randomized-controlled studies are needed.