It's too loud!

October is National Sensory Awareness month.  Almost 1 in 20 individuals are affected by Sensory Processing Disorder(SPD).  Those with autism or aspergers are at increased risk of having SPD.

Noise is a common issue for many people on the spectrum.  Many everyday sounds that most of us take for granted, cause children with ASD to retreat, hold their ears, scream, or tantrum.  The sound of a bee buzzing makes my daughter hold her ears.  She is verbal and has told me many times that bumble bees are too loud.  She dislikes the sound of the hair dryer.  Bath time routines have always been difficult.   I would have to chase her and practically hold her down when she was younger to dry her hair.  Over the past 10 years she has become somewhat desensitized, however she still holds her ears.  She can pick up conversations from another room.   She has a difficult time concentrating if there are too many noises going on at once.  Rain on the car roof is often too noisy for her.

 

There are many factors to consider when dealing with an individual who has SPD.  We can't control the environment so it makes everyday situations like going to the store or school extremely challenging.  Do we force the individual into an environment that we know is going to create stress and anxiety because of noise?  Do we hope that eventually the exposure will desensitize them?  Do we avoid those situations at all costs to make it easier for them?  For me personally, I have not had the choice of avoiding very many situations that cause stress and anxiety because of SPD for Emily.  She is forced to attend recitals, ball games, and shopping since I have no one to leave her with.  There are times where it is easier than others.  I will say that as she has matured the severity of the consequences of her SPD have lessened.  I am not sure if it is the exposure, or her ability to control her own reactions better, that has made this possible.  I can definitely tell a difference. 

 

I came across a video the other day that gives some insight as to what auditory stimuli is like for someone on the spectrum.  I found it extremely helpful for me in understanding just how SPD affects Emily.  Please listen to this video and put yourself in the shoes of a child on the spectrum who has a hard time regulating their emotions as well as processing noise...What Autism Feels Like 

 

Thanks for reading~

Jessica