Autism and Parenting

Auditory Dysfunction

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Auditory dysfunction, also known as auditory processing disorder (APD) or central auditory processing disorder (CAPD), is a condition that affects the brain's ability to process and interpret auditory information effectively. It is important to understand the historical and current understanding of auditory dysfunction to provide a comprehensive perspective.

The concept of auditory dysfunction has been recognized for several decades. In the mid-20th century, researchers began to notice that some individuals had difficulties in processing auditory information despite having normal hearing sensitivity. However, it wasn't until the late 20th century that auditory dysfunction started to gain more attention and understanding.

Defensiveness

  • Distracted by sounds not usually noticed by others; ie, humming of lights or refrigerators, fans, heaters, or clocks ticking.
  • Extreme response to or fear of sudden, high-pitched, loud, or metallic noises like flushing toilets, clanking silverware, Cooker whistle
  • Runs away, cries, and/or covers ears with loud or unexpected sounds
  • May refuse to go to movie theaters, parades, skating rinks, musical concerts/ park etc.

    • Under-registers

    • Often does not respond to verbal cues or to name being called
    • Appears to “make noise for noise’s sake”
    • Loves excessively loud music or TV
    • Seems to have difficulty in understanding or remembering what was said
    • Had little or no vocalizing or babbling as an infant.

      • Sensory integration therapy for Dysfunction

      • Speak slowly and clearly
      • Noise-canceling headphones and earplugs offer instant comfort and relet.
      • Enlist safe places for the child and increase the participation of the child in those places, gradually increasing the participation of the child in those places.
      • Increased tolerance for noise is observed if ‘quiet breaks’ are scheduled properly in the daily routine.
      • Many people with tinnitus or hyperacusis are deficient in magnesium or other minerals. Please consult with a physician to determine whether nutritional supplements may help.
      • Certain food additives, especially those in the salicylate family, are associated with noise sensitivity.
      • Use visual cues and supports to back up verbal communication
      • Ask the child to identify noises that are close or far away, and high or low.
      • Sound pattern games like lapping on a drum or clapping hands to a rhythmic beat asking them to count the beats or recreate the beat on their own drum or hands.
      • For under registers, have some slow music running at the home, and provide cool down period.
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        Autism and ParentingBy Sandeep Verma