Expert: Dr. Sharon A. Mitchell - 6/3/2008

Question
Hello,
I work for an agency that has an autistic individual that is very sensitive to noises. We currently purchase headphones for him to block out the sounds. These headphones work wonders, but there is one small problem. When something does set him off, he throws the headphones...this causes them to break. We have spent several hundreds of dollars replacing these headphones. He needs a new pair at least 2 times a month.  Are there any headphones out there that are unbreakable? I thought that maybe you would have a good idea on this. We have also tried ear plugs, which he refuses. Please let me know any suggestions. Thanks!

Answer
I'm glad to hear that the headphones work well. But how unfortunate that this fellow breaks them.

Is this gentleman an adult? At what level are his cognitive abilities? Is he verbal? How well does he grasp the concept of cause and effect?

Autism is a spectrum disorder. People with autism may also have mental retardation. But there are also people with autism who have successfully completed college and hold down related jobs.

Despite where the person may fall on the autism spectrum intellectually, it is very common to have sensory sensitivities such as you describe. For some people, ear plugs work well; others can't stand the feel of the plug inside their ears and prefer ear phones that more fully block sound. (In case it's needed, here's information on headphones that are quite effective at this http://www.quietheadphones.com/).

Now that you've found a solution to your employee's noise sensitivities, you do not want to incur the expense of continuously replacing them. Nor should you.

Solving this problem may depend on this man's level of functioning. Here are a few things to consider:

- first, it's always best to avoid the problem by observing the sorts of things that set him off, then taking evasive action. You cannot though avoid all potentially upsetting situations.

- create with him a list of things he can do when upset. Who can he talk to? Is there a quiet room/spot to where he can retreat? If he can learn to remove himself from the situation while he calms himself, this is a useful lifeskill

- if he tends to throw things, when looking for alternatives, think of harmless things he can do with his hands. Some ideas might be squeezing a stress ball, squeezing spring hand exercisers, punching a pillow, throwing a koosh ball against the wall, doing push-ups off the wall

- try writing a social story. Read the social story together and go over it often, possibly at the beginning of each shift. Here's a simple one written for children that you could perhaps adapt: http://www.autisminspiration.com/public/306.cfm Here are examples of other social stories: http://www.autisminspiration.com/public/department47.cfm

- explain to him how much the headphones cost. Explain that this pair is a gift but any other pairs he'll need to buy. The cost could be deducted from his pay check. Or, it may be more effective to either have him purchase the next set on his own, go with him as he buys the headphones or physically show him the $40 you are removing from his pay in order to buy new ones. Be as visual and concrete as you can.

- if he likes the headphones but breaks them, perhaps he needs to duct tape the bits together and wear them that way. If you're still prepared to buy more pairs for him, try setting a limit of one pair per week or month. Then if he breaks them, he'll need to make do with a taped-together pair until the next purchasing time or until he buys some himself.

- offer ear plugs. While his earphones are still in one piece, explain that these are the choices; earphones, these two kinds of ear plugs or nothing. Line them all up in plain view and remind him often that these are his choices. Periodically discuss with him how he feels when he uses the headphones and when he does not have them. If he breaks the headphones, he's on to plan B, the ear plugs or plan C, nothing at all.

- work out a pre-arranged signal. When you see him start to escalate, give him your signal that reminds him to use the agreed upon strategy to calm himself or remove himself from the stressor. Or hand him the stress ball, etc. that may substitute.

- keep a pair of broken headphones near him so that he can throw these when upset rather than breaking the new ones. Although I like this solution the least because he's not learning the useful skill or managing his stress in more appropriate manners.

Best of luck,

Sharon A. Mitchell, B.A., B.Ed, M.A.
www.autismsite.ca