Effect of using an auditory trainer on the attentional, language, and social behaviors of autistic children.

Two groups of seven autistic children wore an auditory trainer for an average of 24 minutes per day over two 5-week periods interspersed with 5-week control periods in a time series design. Videotapes were coded for three attentional states (normal, withdrawn, attacking), for verbalization and signing, and for appropriate and acceptable behaviors. Results demonstrated a decrease in time spent withdrawn and increases in signing and in school-appropriate behavior. Results are interpreted as congruent with Katz's theory of reduced attention due to deficits in auditory conductance.