Too Noisy
In the previous podcast, Noisy Machines, my colleague Gloria McDaniel wrote of the challenges one of her students encountered when shopping in large stores. Today we will look at other irritating noises that can cause problems for some individuals with autism.
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A number of different factors can cause problems for individuals with autism who have sound sensitivities. Interestingly, the problem is not always related to too much noise. Some of my friends with autism actually have an aversion to whispering, silence, or even pleasant music. The unpredictable nature of sensory issues in autism often demands some careful detective work to discover the source of irritation. This is a partial list to consider when looking at sound sensitivities.
Sound quality. Different individuals with autism have different tolerances and intolerances for sounds of different volume, frequency, pitch, vibration, tone quality, and rhythm. Keep in mind that not everyone is averse to loud sounds or high pitches or other sound qualities that might irritate most people.
Unidentified sounds. Some individuals with autism are extraordinarily concerned about unfamiliar sounds. They can be fearful or irritated by the unknown sounds. The same is true of unfamiliar or unknown sound sources. For example, a person may be very content at a loud and rowdy pep rally in the morning at school, but unable to tolerate similar sounds at the football stadium that night.
Unfamiliar surroundings. When one of my friends with autism reacted very negatively to summer camp, we assumed she wanted to go home. But, fortunately, she was able to let us know that her screaming was a reaction to the sounds of doves cooing outside her cabin early in the morning. Once she saw the doves and learned of their characteristic “who-cooks-for-you” call, she was a happy camper – literally!
Unexpected, unpredictable “on and off” sounds. Some people with autism are particularly jumpy when machines or other sound sources turn on and off unexpectedly. The actual volume or sound quality may not be the source of the irritation, but rather the unpredictability of the noise coming on or turning off at random, unpredictable intervals.
TIP FOR THE DAY: This is just a partial list of some problems encountered by some of my friends with autism in relation to sounds. Sometimes we need to explore every possible aspect of a sensory issue in order to discover the actual source of the negative reaction or explosive behaviors that result.
NOTE TO READERS AND LISTENERS: I am Cathy Knoll, a board certified music therapist and long-time friend of many folks with autism. At FAQautism.com we are committed to providing free, practical, everyday tips for making life better for people with autism. Feel free to send me a confidential email at talk@FAQautism.com with your thoughts or challenging situations or innovative solution. And don’t forget to check out our website for a wealth of ideas and a glimpse into the world of autism. http://FAQautism.com
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