Autism Therapy: desensitization

Children with autism can be taught to be peaceful around loud noises.

This study was designed to see if it is possible to help children with autism feel okay around loud noise using desensitization therapy. Many reports suggest that children with autism have very good hearing and that makes them dislike loud sounds. The results of this study show that children with autism react to loud noise with fear rather than with pain. The authors were not able to say why the children were afraid of loud noises. The authors believe that the response to loud noise is a fear that can be decreased if the child is gently exposed to the loud noise while feeling safe (desensitization).