Help My Boys Not Hold Their Ears So Much

My sons Eric and Andy Miller were blessed with the opportunity to receive Auditory Integration Training or AIT to help them with their auditory and sound sensitivities thanks to Cindy Schultz from Autism Solutions Pieces and Terrie Siverman from AIT For You. This will take place August 9-19. Both of my sons are on the autism spectrum and for the most part nonverbal. They also have difficulties with auditory processing. They seem to have "superman hearing". A trip to the beach leaves them holding their ears and distressed. Vacuuming is not possible when they are home because they cannot handle the noise and go into a meltdown. They have a hard time processing what is said to them at school. Recently we heard about a program called Berard Auditory Integration Training or AIT that can help them with their processing and sensitivity. Auditory Integration Training (AIT) is a ten day, noninvasive educational and therapeutic technique which helps people to hear all frequencies more evenly, to improve in the processing of auditory input, and to decrease hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity to specific environmental or speech sounds... Terrie and Autism Solutions pieces are helping to make this therapy happen for my sons. Unfortunately this is not covered by insurance. We need to raise money to cover the costs of the therapy and travel expenses. As a way to support our family, the director of the program will match what we raise, up to 1/2 of the cost of the 10 day program for both of my boys!!
A little about Eric and Andy
Eric is 11 years old. He loves the computer, cars, school busses, and enjoys swimming, bowling, watching baseball, football and basketball games. While he is nonverbal he has made tremendous progress in his communication skills thanks to Rapid Prompting Method (RPM). This has made it possible for him to express his feelings and how smart he is. He is a mild mannered affectionate child but he does look after others , and protect his brother.
Andy is 7 years old. He also loves the computer. Other favorite activities include puzzles, playing outside, and bowling. He is also nonverbal but has made much progress with RPM. He is also a very smart, affectionate child and very active. He is not afraid to say what is on his mind whether it is through RPM or his facial expressions.
Both these boys have worked very hard in school, in home therapy and RPM and have come far. The last 3 years have been difficult for them with losing their dad, baby brother and grandfather. This therapy, along with the time away and having fun with friends and out in the community would be a great step in their progress. AIT will help them enjoy the activities they love even fuller, help them in school, be more comfortable in the community. We are thankful for all support in this effort. For more information about Berard AIT go to http://www.aitforyou.com/index.htm