Autism Therapy: loud noises

definition of loud noises: not yet defined.

No Factsheets to Display

Does Risperidone Improve Hyperacusia in Children with Autism?
Psychopharmacology Bulletin, by Ghanizadeh, A., published in 2009, summarized Mar 9, 2010

Risperidone may help children with autism overcome sensitivity to loud noises.

This case study described the use of risperidone to treat a five and a half year old girl with autism who was frightened by loud sounds (hyperacusia). While many children with autism do not process sound the way other children do, only some children with autism cry and avoid loud sounds. Children with hyperacusia may also cover their ears when they hear loud sounds such as a vacuum cleaner, car, or washing machine. The doctor reports that this child’s hyperacusia improved when she took risperidone. This appears to be the only report that has described this effect of risperidone.


Hyperresponsive Sensory Patterns in Young Children with Autism, Developmental Delay, and Typical Development
American Journal of Mental Retardation, by Baranek, GT, Boyd BA, Poe MD, David FJ, and Watson LR, published in 2007, summarized Jul 24, 2007

Sensory integration therapy is most helpful if it slowly helps children get used to extreme sensory stimulation.

This study was designed to see if children with autism were more likely to try to avoid sensory stimulation (e.g. bright lights, loud noises, strong smells) than other children. The authors found that many children have problems with strong sensory stimuli and not just children with autism. As children got older it became easier for them to be around sensory stimulation. This was true for all children and not just children with autism. They found that about 58% of the children (autistic and non-autistic) got used to sensory stimulation as they aged. The authors suggested that therapy should be designed to help children get used to the strong sensory things they may find in their neighborhood.


A Systematic Desensitization Paradigm to Treat Hypersensitivity to Auditory Stimuli in Children with Autism in Family Contexts
Research & Practice for Persons with Severe Disabilities, by Koegel, RL, Openden D., and Koegel LK, published in 2004, summarized May 31, 2007

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).


Showing 3 results

MeMoves is a Video Program that Helps Children with Autism Focus

Oct 18, 2010

Roberta Scherf, founder of MeMoves, was looking for a way to help her daughter with autism and sensory integration disorder. She used music and movement to help calm her daughter and as a result saw improvements in eye contact, reading, and communication. There is no narration in the video nor are there loud noises; the video is useful to calm and focus people from the ages of three to seniors. Joy, Calm, and Focus are the three video sequences presented. “People of all ages and ethnicities, from young children to grandparents, are shown one at a time, slowly moving their arms in different patterns and keeping rhythm to a mesmerizing beat.” Chanda McDonnell, a teacher who uses MeMoves in her classroom says, “It just settles them down so quickly and gets them ready to go back to work.”

Read original article: On the Move (and Calm as a Result)


Showing 1 results


Please comment on this autism topic.

loud noises

Jan 10, 2009 by Anonymous

My son is 9yrs old, he is about to be tested for autism. he had grommets from the age of 4yrs old, he has a problem with loud bangs ballooons are the main thing, he is ok if he plays with a balloon but gets very stressed if anyone else does and this causes problems. Also james finds firework night hell we have to drown out the bangs xmas crackers i have to take the bang out of them, so much we cannot do because of this.


need advice

Sep 20, 2007 by Anonymous

I am not sure about this. My son is going to be 12 this year. He was adopted about 10 months old.  He has been through alot of therapies. He was extremely emotionally deprived in fostercare. Confined to a seat the entire time. He was revived twice in the hospital and diagnosed a failure to thrive baby. He wasn't given much hope to do anything. He had to be taught to cry , get mad, crawl,  walk and alot of physical and speech therapy.  He still has alot of difficulty turning knobs, and opening doors.  He severely banged his head at night in bed. He doesn,t do it as severe now.  He bangs his action figures--not as intense  as he did.  He will  talk outloud to himself- sometimes loudly .  He really hates loud noises--especially parades and 4th of July.  He has extreme learning difficulties and appears to just stare at you when you are trying to teach him things. Trust me, he has come a long ways, more than they thought he would. Because I love him sooo much,  I really work with him. He is very loving, polite and eager to please.  Could this be a form of autism??? I have had him to 2 doctors and they say no--its just  ADD. What do you think?

Gwen


Showing 2 results

Please comment on loud noises or other autism therapy topics.

  • Factsheet
  • Research
  • News
  • Comments.
    • Share |