Audette: A Practical Guide for Parents Navigating Sensory Processing Differences in Children

Audette is not a supplement, app, or gadget—it’s a structured, therapist-informed framework designed specifically for parents to support children who experience sensory processing differences. Developed over six years by a multidisciplinary team including pediatric occupational therapists from Boston Children’s Hospital and developmental behavioral pediatricians at Stanford Medicine, Audette provides concrete daily routines, environmental modifications, and co-regulation strategies grounded in neuroscience and clinical observation. Unlike generic ‘sensory diets’ found online, Audette includes standardized assessment tools (e.g., the Sensory Processing Measure–Home Form), time-bound intervention protocols (minimum 12 weeks), and outcome tracking validated in a 2023 randomized controlled trial published in Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics. In that study, 78% of children aged 4–10 showed statistically significant improvement in sensory modulation scores after completing the full Audette protocol—measured using the Sensory Profile 2 (SP2) standard scores (mean change +12.4 points, p < 0.001). This article details how parents can implement Audette effectively, what to expect week-by-week, common pitfalls, and how it integrates with school IEPs and telehealth services.

What Exactly Is Audette?

Audette is a non-pharmacological, home-based intervention system rooted in Ayres Sensory Integration® principles but adapted for parent delivery under remote clinical supervision. It was launched publicly in March 2021 after pilot testing across 14 U.S. states and Canada. The name ‘Audette’ derives from the French word audition, meaning ‘hearing,’ reflecting its emphasis on auditory processing regulation—but the framework encompasses all eight sensory systems: tactile, vestibular, proprioceptive, olfactory, gustatory, visual, auditory, and interoceptive. Each Audette module is built around three pillars: predictability (structured timing and sequencing), sensory diet personalization (based on child-specific SP2 subtest profiles), and caregiver attunement (co-regulation techniques trained via video coaching).

The program is delivered through a secure web platform accessible via desktop or tablet. Parents receive weekly modules containing 15–20 minute video lessons, printable checklists, and embedded audio-guided breathing exercises. Importantly, Audette does not replace occupational therapy—it augments it. According to the 2023 national survey of 1,247 pediatric OTs conducted by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), 63% reported recommending Audette as a home extension of clinic-based SI therapy, particularly for families facing insurance limitations or geographic barriers to in-person care.

Core Components of the Program

Audette consists of four sequential phases spanning 12 weeks. Phase 1 (Weeks 1–3) focuses on baseline mapping: parents complete the SP2 Home Form (a 125-item caregiver questionnaire), log daily sensory triggers using the Audette Trigger Tracker (an Excel-based tool preloaded with 92 common stimuli categories), and record baseline physiological data—including resting heart rate (using FDA-cleared Polar H10 chest strap), galvanic skin response (GSR) readings (via Empatica E4 wristband), and sleep duration (validated with ActiGraph GT9X accelerometers).

Phase 2 (Weeks 4–6) introduces the ‘Anchor Routine’: a 22-minute morning sequence combining proprioceptive input (e.g., 3 minutes of wall push-ups using the TheraBand CLX resistance band), vestibular stimulation (60 seconds of slow linear rocking on the Kodo Balance Board), and oral-motor regulation (chewing sugar-free gum containing xylitol, like Glee Gum or Spry). All equipment meets ASTM F963-17 safety standards and is listed in the Audette Equipment Registry—a database vetted by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Phase 3 (Weeks 7–9) emphasizes environmental redesign. Parents learn to apply the ‘3-Point Sensory Buffer’ model: modifying lighting (replacing overhead fluorescent bulbs with Philips Hue White Ambiance bulbs set to 2700K color temperature), acoustics (installing 1-inch thick acoustic panels rated at NRC 0.65, such as ATS Acoustics panels), and tactile surfaces (replacing standard classroom carpet with SmartCells Impact Absorbing Flooring, tested to ASTM F1292-22 impact attenuation standards). Each modification includes measurable benchmarks—for example, reducing ambient noise levels from 58 dB (typical elementary classroom) to ≤42 dB during focused work periods.

Who Benefits Most From Audette?

Audette is designed for children ages 3–12 diagnosed with sensory processing disorder (SPD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), or post-concussion syndrome. Eligibility requires a formal diagnosis confirmed by a licensed clinician—either a developmental pediatrician, neuropsychologist, or board-certified occupational therapist. It is contraindicated for children with uncontrolled seizures, severe hearing loss (>70 dB HL bilaterally), or active psychosis.

Data from the 2023 multi-site RCT (N = 214) showed strongest effect sizes among children with comorbid ADHD and SPD (Cohen’s d = 0.89), followed by ASD with sensory-seeking profiles (d = 0.76). Children with pure anxiety presentations responded more slowly but achieved comparable gains by Week 12 (d = 0.62). Notably, parental stress scores (measured via the Parenting Stress Index–Short Form) decreased by an average of 28% across all groups—highlighting Audette’s dual benefit for child regulation and caregiver well-being.

Real-World Implementation: A Week-by-Week Snapshot

Here’s how one family implemented Audette with their 7-year-old son diagnosed with ADHD and tactile defensiveness:

• Week 1: Completed SP2 Home Form (scored 3.2 SD below mean on Tactile Sensitivity subscale); logged 11 distinct tactile triggers (e.g., wool sweaters, sticky fingers, denim seams); established baseline HRV using Elite HRV app paired with Polar H10.
• Week 3: Introduced ‘Tactile Transition Kit’—a zippered pouch containing 3 textured items (nubby Zebra Ball, smooth marble, ridged silicone ring) used before transitions; reduced meltdowns during clothing changes by 64% per parent log.
• Week 6: Implemented ‘Sensory Reset Protocol’—a 90-second sequence using weighted lap pad (10% body weight; 3.2 lbs for 32-lb child), bilateral hand squeeze (TheraBand Hand Exerciser, yellow resistance), and humming (‘Brahma breath’ at 55 bpm); decreased transition time between math and reading by 4.7 minutes on average.
• Week 10: Integrated Audette-aligned goals into school IEP: added ‘sensory break card’ (green/yellow/red system), modified recess schedule to include proprioceptive stations (e.g., rope climbing, sand digging), and trained paraprofessional on Anchor Routine cues.

This family’s progress aligns closely with cohort averages. Across 187 children in the RCT, tactile-related behavioral incidents dropped from 5.2 per school day (baseline) to 1.8 per day at Week 12 (p < 0.001). Teachers reported increased on-task behavior during independent work blocks—measured via direct observation using the Behavior Observation Scale for Students (BOSS), with mean duration rising from 6.3 to 14.9 minutes.

How Audette Differs From Other Approaches

Many parents encounter conflicting advice: weighted blankets, fidget toys, sensory rooms, or commercial apps promising quick fixes. Audette intentionally avoids these oversimplified solutions. Instead, it follows a tiered, evidence-based hierarchy:

1. Environmental engineering (e.g., reducing visual clutter to ≤3 color families per room, verified via Pantone TCX color analysis)
2. Routine scaffolding (e.g., embedding proprioceptive input every 90 minutes using timed vibration alerts on Apple Watch Series 8)
3. Neurophysiological regulation (e.g., paced breathing at 5.5 breaths/minute to entrain vagal tone, measured via HRV coherence scores)
4. Behavioral reinforcement (e.g., token boards calibrated to child’s delay discounting profile, assessed via the Delay Discounting Task)

Unlike popular ‘sensory diets’ shared on social media—which often lack individualization or fidelity checks—Audette requires weekly fidelity reviews. Coaches verify implementation via uploaded 60-second video clips showing anchor routine execution and environment photos annotated with measurement overlays (e.g., decibel readings from SoundMeter Pro app, lux readings from Lux Light Meter app). This accountability drives adherence: 89% of families completing Week 12 had ≥85% fidelity compliance, versus 41% in control groups using self-guided resources.

Equipment and Measurement Standards

Audette specifies exact equipment parameters—not brands alone—to ensure therapeutic dose accuracy. For example:

These specifications matter. In a subgroup analysis, children using equipment meeting all four criteria showed 3.2× greater improvement in auditory filtering scores (SP2 Auditory Processing subscale) than those using non-compliant alternatives—even when brand names matched.

Parent Training and Clinical Oversight

Audette requires no prior therapy training—but it does require consistent engagement. Parents complete a 90-minute onboarding workshop led by certified Audette Coaches (OTRs/L licensed in ≥2 states, with ≥5 years pediatric SI experience). Coaching occurs biweekly via HIPAA-compliant Zoom, with session notes automatically synced to the parent portal. Each coach maintains a maximum caseload of 22 families to ensure responsiveness; median wait time for scheduling is 48 hours.

Coaches use standardized rubrics to assess caregiver skill acquisition, including the Audette Caregiver Fidelity Scale (ACFS)—a 12-item observational tool scoring domains like cue recognition (e.g., identifying early signs of sensory overload: lip biting, shoulder hunching, vocal pitch elevation >20Hz above baseline), prompt timing (<3 seconds from trigger onset), and affective attunement (mirroring child’s posture/respiratory rate within 15 seconds). Baseline ACFS scores averaged 4.2/10 across new users; after six coaching sessions, mean score rose to 8.7/10.

Importantly, Audette does not function as teletherapy. Coaches do not diagnose, interpret SP2 scores, or modify medical treatment plans. Their role is strictly implementation support—similar to a diabetes educator supporting insulin administration, not prescribing insulin. Medical oversight remains with the child’s primary care provider or specialist, who receives automated summary reports (de-identified unless flagged for concern).

Integration With School and Community Supports

Audette includes dedicated modules for school collaboration. Parents receive editable letter templates addressed to teachers, special education directors, and school psychologists—written in plain language and aligned with IDEA Part B requirements. One template cites specific SP2 subscales (e.g., ‘Low Energy/Poor Modulation’) and recommends evidence-based accommodations: preferential seating away from HVAC vents (verified to reduce airflow noise by 8–12 dB), access to a quiet corner with floor cushioning (tested to ASTM F1292-22 impact attenuation), and permission to use noise-dampening headphones (Bose QuietComfort 45, tested at 30 dB noise reduction across 100–4000 Hz range).

In a 2024 follow-up study of 63 schools piloting Audette-aligned IEP modifications, students showed 22% fewer behavioral referrals during unstructured times (lunch, transitions) and 17% higher participation rates in group instruction—measured via school-administered Classroom Participation Index (CPI) surveys completed by teachers monthly.

Cost, Access, and Insurance Considerations

Audette’s 12-week program costs $895 USD, payable in full or via four interest-free installments of $223.75. While not directly billable to insurance as a standalone service, many families successfully obtain partial reimbursement using CPT code 90887 (care coordination with nonphysician healthcare professional) or HCPCS code S5120 (therapeutic activities provided by non-physician personnel). As of Q2 2024, 41% of submitted claims were approved by major insurers—including UnitedHealthcare (approval rate: 58%), Aetna (49%), and Kaiser Permanente (37%). Denials most commonly cited ‘lack of medical necessity documentation’—which Audette addresses by providing auto-generated clinical justification letters signed by supervising OTs.

Financial assistance is available: families earning ≤200% of federal poverty level qualify for 60% scholarships, funded through Audette’s partnership with the National Center for Learning Disabilities. Additionally, 14 state Early Intervention programs (including California’s EPSDT and New York’s CPSE) now list Audette as an approved parent-training service—covering full cost for children under age 5 with qualifying diagnoses.

For families without insurance coverage, Audette offers a community-supported option: the ‘NeighborMatch’ program pairs paying participants with subsidized slots. Since its 2022 launch, NeighborMatch has enabled 1,842 children to access the program at no cost, supported by corporate sponsors including Fisher-Price (equipment donations), Oticon (hearing-assistive tech loans), and Understood.org (coaching stipends).

Measurable Outcomes and Long-Term Follow-Up

Outcomes are tracked rigorously—not just subjectively. Primary endpoints in the RCT included:

• Sensory Profile 2 (SP2) standard scores (mean baseline 72.4 → 84.8 at Week 12)
• Parenting Stress Index–Short Form (PSI-SF) total stress scores (mean 98.3 → 70.5)
• Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) broadband scales (Internalizing ↓21%, Externalizing ↓33%)
• Objective actigraphy sleep metrics (total sleep time ↑47 minutes/night; sleep efficiency ↑12.3%)

At 6-month follow-up, 71% of families maintained gains without ongoing coaching—defined as SP2 scores remaining ≥80 and PSI-SF scores ≤75. Those who continued with optional monthly ‘Booster Sessions’ (cost: $75/session) showed even stronger retention: 89% sustained gains. Notably, 44% of children reduced or discontinued ADHD medication dosage during follow-up—per parent report corroborated by prescriber records—suggesting improved self-regulation may lessen pharmacologic burden.

Long-term data collection continues via Audette’s longitudinal registry. As of June 2024, 3,217 families have enrolled since launch, contributing de-identified data to NIH-funded studies on neurodevelopmental trajectories. Preliminary 3-year data show children who completed Audette before age 8 demonstrated significantly higher academic readiness scores on the Bracken Basic Concept Scale–Third Edition (BBCS-3) compared to matched controls—particularly in spatial concepts (+14 percentile points) and quantitative reasoning (+11 percentile points).

One final note: Audette is not about ‘fixing’ sensory differences. It’s about building capacity—both in children and caregivers—to navigate a world not designed for neurodiversity. As Dr. Lena Chen, lead developer and pediatric OT at Boston Children’s Hospital, states plainly: ‘We don’t want kids to stop noticing textures, sounds, or movements. We want them to notice—and then choose how to respond.’ That distinction—between awareness and agency—is where real, lasting change begins.

Getting Started Responsibly

If you’re considering Audette, start here:

1. Confirm eligibility: Obtain a current diagnostic report (within last 12 months) from a qualified provider. Audette requires this before onboarding.
2. Review your insurance: Call your plan’s member services line and ask: ‘Does my plan cover therapeutic parent training under CPT 90887 or S5120? What documentation is required?’ Keep notes of the representative’s name and ID number.
3. Assess home readiness: Use Audette’s free Home Readiness Checklist (downloadable PDF) to evaluate lighting, noise, tactile surfaces, and routine consistency. Score ≥7/10 indicates strong foundational alignment.
4. Consult your child’s care team: Share the Audette Provider Brief (available at audette.org/provider-brief) with your pediatrician, OT, or school psychologist. Their input strengthens implementation planning.
5. Enroll with intention: Reserve 20 minutes daily for Phase 1 activities. Consistency—not intensity—drives results. Missed days are recoverable; abandoned routines rarely restart.

Audette succeeds not because it’s complex, but because it’s precise, accountable, and human-centered. It respects parents as capable agents of change—and children as dynamic learners whose nervous systems can adapt, given the right conditions and sustained support. No gimmicks. No jargon. Just clear steps, real measurements, and meaningful outcomes—backed by science and shaped by families.