By Sally Brockett, Director, IDEA Training Center, Inc.
Genuine Berard AIT may only be administered by a fully trained, experienced practitioner. There are many factors that may differ from one AIT practitioner to another, so it’s important to carefully gather information to make an informed, knowledgeable decision.
The following questions should help you become an informed consumer.
- Can the practitioner assure you they are delivering the genuine Berard AIT method and not some other sound-based program? Can they also assure you that they have not made any changes to the original method?
- Is the practitioner using one of the approved Beard AIT devices (currently the only approved devices are the AIM, or the Earducator.) Are the headphones calibrated to the specific device being used?
- Has the practitioner been trained by an approved Berard AIT Instructor? There is a list of approved Instructors on the berardaitwebsite.com. where you can check this information.
- What is the practitioner's professional experience and background? Very often practitioners have other professional training that may complement Berard AIT (Speech Language, Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist, Ophthalmologist…)
- If a listening test will be administered, has the practitioner the experience to administer this test or will you be referred to another qualified professional for the listening test?
- Has the music that the practitioner is using, been evaluated, and approved as effective for AIT?
- Does the practitioner provide information prior to the sessions as to how to prepare for AIT?
- What aftercare information and follow-up is provided? Is information provided on factors that may impact the results of AIT (wearing headphones, certain ototoxic medications...)?
- Are any other services provided with the AIT sessions?
- What is the experience of the practitioner with Berard AIT? How many clients has the practitioner had? Is it possible to contact prior clients willing to share their experience?
ABOUT SALLY BROCKETT
Sally personally trained with Dr. Berard in France and has become an international leader in the Berard Method of Auditory Integration Training. Founder and President of the Berard AIT International Society, Sally works with Berard Instructors and Berard Practitioners to maintain the high standards associated with this method. She has advanced the method to include new technology that enables Berard practitioners to provide Remote AIT service that allows people around the world to receive this valuable program without the need to travel from home. Sally co-authored the book “Hearing Equals Behavior: Updated and Expanded” with Dr. Berard to provide a comprehensive resource for parents and professionals.
