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Autism/Headphones for my daughter?

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Expert: - 3/24/2007


Question
QUESTION: My 8 year old daughter has been diagnosed with Asbergers/High Functioning Autism.  The last 5 months have been chaotic at our home-My husband has bad sinuses and constantly clears his throat-this makes my daughter put her hands to her ears and cry out "Noises, Daddy!!"  This goes on constantly when my husband is home. She also is extremely bothered by her sisters breathing, wheezing, and just chewing!  I want to get headphones which block out this noise but I'm not sure what is the best kind to get.  She doesn't like the ear plugs which go inside the ear.  Should I get headphones with music?  If you can help me I would so appreciate it.  Thanks!
ANSWER: Hi Lori,

Headphones might give you more peace at home. I would not recommend those with music. It's too easy for her to zone out on important information. Also, they require batteries and you don't need the aggravation of having her fall apart if they aren't working.

I think that you can best judge the headphones by trying them on for yourself. You want to mute the annoying sounds but not block out all sound. Also, be prepared for her to reject them because they feel strange. Kids on spectrum are overly sensitive to the way things feel, as I'm sure you already know.

I would caution that she may become dependent on them. Ultimately, you want her to cope with the real world and it is not a quiet place.

Medicating your husband's allergies might be a more effective strategy for both of them.

Best wishes,
Catherine

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Can you tell me specifically what Kind of headphones to get and where I would find them?  I have looked at stores around where I live and cannot find any.  Thankyou

Answer
Hi Lori,

I'm sorry, I cannot recommend any particular brand. I have never purchased any.

However, there is another expert here who may have more experience with this. Her name is Sharon Mitchell. Here is a link to her home page: http://allexperts.com/ep/1010-78033/Autism/Sharon-Mitchell.htm

I hope this is helpful,
Catherine

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Catherine Ridenour

Expertise

I can answer your questions about parenting your High Functioning Autisic or Asperger`s Syndrome child. In particular, questions about family life, discipline, siblings, finding resources, and working with (sometimes opposing) the educational system are welcome.

Experience

I am the parent of an Asperger's Syndrome child who is now 22 years old. She went undiagnosed for 14 years of her life, so I have done extensive reading and Internet research into the possible cause of her difficulties. Even a short 8 years ago, A.S. was practically unheard of by the public educational system.

We fumbled our way through her childhood and early adolescence without any effective outside support. In some ways, that may have been a blessing as we were focused on her abilities rather than a label for her disability. However, I can think of many times when knowing WHY would have been comforting.

Had we known very early on, some social skills interventions might have made her life in school easier. At this point, I like her for who she is so I do not regret how things have turned out. More importantly, she likes herself.

Education/Credentials
I have a Bachelor of Science in Education.

I have worked to educate myself about Autism in general and HFA/AS in particular.

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