Expert: Dr. Sharon A. Mitchell - 7/16/2008

Question
Hi There,
Would you have a reference or suggestion for some headphones
for a young boy with Autism who has sensitivity to noises, particularly at high ranges, such as sirens, humming of appliances etc. He is however still in the early stages of developing speech, so we don't want to cut out all sounds, as he is making very good progress with his speech.
Any suggestions?
Thank you in advance

Answer
I agree with your concern that not all sounds are eliminated as your son learns to talk. Listening is key to picking up the nuances of our language.

But many kids with autism are sensitive to sounds and experience significant distress. There are quite a few things you could consider trying.

You asked specifically about headphones. I know of one brand that is particularly good at blocking sound by Quiet Headphones(http://www.quietheadphones.com/).

Perhaps in some situations, such headphones would be appropriate. But if humming appliances bother your child, you would not want him wearing such headphones much of the day as he'd be missing out on hearing language.

Drug stores sell a variety of noise reducing ear plugs. Some are made of hard rubber but you might find others meant for children while swimming. There's a brand called Quiet Down - the ear plugs consist of soft down encased in thin plastic. For a little guy, you might want to try the soft, foam rubber type. They block some noise and some of the selastic ones block high frequency sounds. Similar ones are available at industrial supply stores.

But these are all temporary fixes. In an ideal world, your son would be able to tolerate the sounds of every day living. Even though they bother him right now does not at all mean that they will continue to be as irritating to him.  There are things you can do to help him build a tolerance.

Sounds are always worse when they're unexpected. And when the sounds are imposed on you. If you can find a way to help make the sounds under your son's control, he may feel more in powerful and less bothered. Some children with autism detest the sound of a vacuum cleaner. If this happens in your son's case, try gradually desensitizing him through steps such as:

- leave the vacuum out where he can see it during the day but don't turn it on
- let him see you going about your business, ignoring the vacuum and showing no concern over it.
- play with him near the vacuum, still ignoring it
- once he's able to be near the silent vacuum, in his presence touch it but don't turn it on
- talk to your son about the vacuum, telling him what it does, how it runs...
- see if you can get him to touch it, turn it over, look at its various parts
- show him the on/off switch and let him play with it while the vacuum is not plugged in
- let him hold and push the vacuum while it's turned off
- talk about the noise it makes and why it makes that noise
- while he's in another room, let him know you're going to do some vacuuming for say two minutes
- set a timer that he can see so he'll know when the two minutes are up and he can expect the noise to stop - be sure to honor the two minutes
- next try this while he's in the room
- offer to let him turn the vacuum on for you - first practice with it off so that he understands the on/off switch
- when he turns it on, help him to turn it off right away
- let him have control of the noise, turning the machine on and off
- if he's willing, let him do some vacuuming

It might seem like a long procedure but it's worth the effort if he loses his fear.

Other noises such as those of a humming fridge are more difficult.

Kids with sensory sensitivities are often more bothered when other parts of their lives or bodies feel in disarray. When feeling comfortable, your son is likely able to tolerate more things with less upset.

With autism, children often have trouble making sense of their world. Therefore, when things are predictable they feel more comfortable. Having a firm household routine helps a child know what's coming next, what's expected of him and how things are done. Something as simple as having a visual schedule on the fridge can help. You'll find information on this at websites such as www.do2learn.com.

Some kids are able to tolerate more when other sensory needs are being met. Some find things such as weighted vests to have a calming effect. The deep pressure afforded by bean bag chairs, bundling in cushions, etc. also may help.

If you have access to an Occupational Therapist they can be of great assistance in determining the basis of sensory sensitivities (such as to certain noises) and in discovering what strategies work best at calming the child.

Be reassured that your son's reaction to these sounds may well go away or at least become less pronounced over time.

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