Sometimes parents and professionals are confused about Berard AIT and Music Therapy. Because both programs involve use of music, some may believe that they are both forms of music therapy. This is not the case. There are many important differences between these two programs.
Berard Auditory Integration Training (AIT) follows a specific protocol developed by Dr. Guy Berard. Professionals who qualify for training as a Berard practitioner must participate in a comprehensive seminar, which includes exams to assure understanding, and an internship to assist with practical application of the method. These seminars are provided by an approved Berard AIT instructor and must be successfully completed in order to be eligible to purchase the approved device (currently the Earducator) used for this method. The Berard method is widely used internationally.
There are many differences between Berard AIT and Music Therapy. The criteria and use of Music Therapy does not meet the protocol for Berard AIT in several ways.
According to Norman Doidge, author of The Brain that Changes Itself, neuroplasticity means that the nerve cells in our brains and nervous systems are changeable, or can modify themselves. Neuroplasticity enables us to continue learning at any age, or to create new connections to take over weakened functions. We can rewire or reorganize our brains.
The actual structure and function of the brain change through the course of our lives. There is no medical treatment involved. It is a natural phenomenon that occurs within the brain. The requirement for triggering this phenomenon of neuroplasticity is exposure to an activity with intensity, frequency, and duration.
