For some people, the physical or internal environment can be too intense, overwhelming, frightening, or confusing, due to too much stimulation. The ability to process input and adjust behaviors and emotions appropriately is disrupted. Acting out with aggression as a defense, or withdrawing and clinging to someone for comfort and protection, may be an adaptive response to this dysfunction. Attention becomes focused on being constantly “on guard” in preparation for the next stressful experience that may occur. Sometimes, the system becomes so overwhelmed that it may shutdown and become closed off to input. Sensory stimulation may not seem to penetrate and register sufficiently to prompt a response.
Berard AIT is an effective way to reorganize the sensory system. This unique program retrains the system, using a specific, novel type of stimulation with frequency, intensity, and the correct duration to stimulate change. Sensory input can then be correctly modulated and integrated in a natural way. It becomes possible to respond to one’s environment with appropriate behaviors and emotions. The meltdowns, aggression, and withdrawals resolve.
When the sensory system is functioning at optimal performance, the brain/body system has a strong foundation for progress in other developmental areas, including gross and fine motor coordination, perceptual skills, and cognitive skills. If the sensory system receives faulty input, the brain must sort through the misinformation and determine an appropriate response, which slows down the entire processing system. The brain then compensates in order to manage in a challenging world of over-stimulation. Rather than concentrating on social and learning experiences, we focus attention on how to defend against the next sensory stressor.
This compensation of developing behaviors to adapt to a sensory system that is not modulating properly is well-recognized. Tests designed to measure behaviors reflective of sensory defensiveness, vestibular processing, and behavior outcomes of sensory modulation were used to monitor changes after Berard AIT. The statistical results support clinical observations that Berard AIT can result in improved abilities in those sensory modulation components and these changes were maintained through the period of study. As the sensory system receives appropriate input, processing speed accelerates, and effective modulation can occur. Now attention can be focused on other stimulation, such as that involved with social and learning opportunities. Berard AIT provides the stimulation necessary to activate change and create connections so sensory modulation can function effectively.
