Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 3, 2026
Testing Sensory and Multisensory Function in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Published on: April 22, 2015
Effects of Music-Based Auditory Stimulation on Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Auditory Sensory
Suzanne Vercontaire1, Caitlin Deville1, Kassie Missell1
1Children's Health Rehabilitation and Therapy, Dallas, Texas, USA.
Insights
Music-based auditory stimulation may help children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and auditory sensory over-responsivity (SOR). This intervention showed sustained improvements in sensory processing, social, and communication skills.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
- Audiology
Background:
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is frequently associated with sensory processing differences, particularly auditory sensory over-responsivity (SOR).
- Limited effective interventions exist for children with ASD experiencing auditory SOR.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of music-based auditory stimulation using The Listening Program® SPECTRUM with Waves™ bone conduction headphones.
- To determine if this intervention can reduce auditory SOR, sensory dysfunction, and associated behaviors in children with ASD.
- To assess improvements in adaptive functioning.
Main Methods:
- A study involving six boys aged 5-10 with ASD and auditory SOR.
- Participants engaged in 40 weeks of home-based listening sessions.
- Outcomes were measured using the Sensory Processing Measure and other assessments of social and communication skills.
Main Results:
- Statistically significant and sustained improvements were observed in the Hearing construct of the Sensory Processing Measure.
- Participants showed significant enhancements in other sensory processing areas, social skills, and communication abilities.
- Improvements persisted for 3 months post-intervention.
Conclusions:
- The Listening Program® SPECTRUM with Waves™ shows promise for improving sensory processing and reducing sound hypersensitivity in children with ASD and auditory SOR.
- This intervention may lead to enhanced social and communication skills.
- Further large-scale, randomized controlled trials are warranted to confirm these findings.
Abstract:
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.
