Why is my child sensitive to sound? Auditory processing differences in autistic kids

If you feel your child isn’t listening or responding to you, it can be very frustrating. You may also be confused about why your child seems to love music or listening to loud TV shows, but cries over the lawnmower or vacuum cleaner. Or why your child doesn’t seem to hear you, even though their hearing check-ups have come back all clear. We’ll help you solve these mysteries and more as we explain common auditory processing differences in children with autism.

The auditory cortex and the autistic brain

The part of your brain that controls language and hearing is called the auditory cortex. It doesn’t just handle hearing, it also helps sort words and sounds and make sense of them. Research has shown that a lot of autistic people have an enlarged auditory cortex.² That means it’s bigger than average, and takes up more room in the brain. This can explain why many autistic people are sensitive to noise, have a slower time processing what is being said, and may struggle with speech delays. It may also explain why so many autistic people also have auditory processing disorders.^1,2

That’s too loud, this isn’t loud enough

It can be confusing when your child is drawn to some noises, but is overwhelmed by others. It can also be frustrating when your child wants their tablet or TV to be really loud, but cries at the hum of the refrigerator. Keep this in mind:

• Many autistic kids use sound to regulate. That is, music, certain sounds (like the clicking of a pen or the beep of a ringtone) can be soothing to your child. Other sounds may really agitate your child. These are vocal and auditory stims. Every autistic child will be different with what sounds regulate or dysregulate them. 
• Your child is creating their own soundscape. In a world full of noises that your child can’t control (like loud weed eaters, cars, and barking dogs), they may try to create a “safer” sound environment. They can do this by playing something on their tablet and also on the TV at the same time, or blasting their preferred noises really loudly. Your child may also cover their ears, hide themselves under a blanket, or sometimes even injure themselves trying to control the noise around them.
• Many autistic kids are Gestalt Language Processors. GLP kids process language differently. They are “intonation babies”, that is, they love unique sounds, rhythms, rhymes, silly voices, accents, languages, etc. They are fascinated with interesting and unique sounds. In one study, researchers found that autistic children can be even more drawn to unique sounds than their own mother’s voice.¹

Sound as a sensory experience

To your autistic child, sounds are not just sounds. Sounds are a whole sensory experience. Many autistic kids love to stim using sound. This can look like listening to the same song or scene in a movie over and over again, “scripting” their favorite TV show, repeating words (echolalia), and more. Your child may seem obsessed with a particular sound or speak in odd ways, with unique tone and inflection. Your child may be very interested in music, instruments, languages, or vibration.

But this sensitivity to sound is a double-edged sword. At the same time sounds can be a fun sensory experience, they can also be really hard for your child. Certain noises may literally hurt your child, even if they feel okay to you. Think of it like a fish in a fishbowl – when you tap on the glass, it sounds like a tiny noise to you. But to the fish inside, it’s really scary and loud!

Support your child through the sensory experience of hearing by providing noise-canceling headphones, quiet areas, and breaks from loud activities. Take lots of breaks in public spaces where crowds, lights, and noises can be overwhelming. 

Remember that autism is a dynamic disability. This means that your child may be able to handle something one day but not the next. Your child may have times where they can tolerate certain noises and other times they cannot. A lot of it has to do with what other sensory things they’re dealing with at the time – hunger, tiredness, feeling sick or in pain, bright lights or background noise can overwhelm your child. By the time you add the ticking of a clock or the sound of a car horn, it can send your child over the edge.

Paying attention

Autistic brains are processing so much information all at one time. Think about it like this: your child’s brain is like a busy road with multiple stop signs, traffic lights, and cars all going at different speeds. A neurotypical brain is like one that has fewer roads, less traffic, and all the cars are moving at about the same speed.

With a brain like that, it’s easy to see why our kiddos often have trouble keeping up in conversation. They need more time to process information, and more time to form a response. This “delay” is part of auditory processing. It’s not that your child is ignoring you or not paying attention. It’s also not a lack of intelligence. It’s just that sometimes it takes a little while to process what’s happening.

Another aspect of auditory processing is that when your child’s brain is busy with other information, it can cause them to miss new information. They may not hear/skip words in a sentence you’ve spoken, or be unable to register what you said. Some autistic people find that looking away helps their brain process conversation better, because it takes one thing off their plate (eye contact).

You may notice your child fidgeting, stimming, walking around, or seeming uninterested in social interactions. This isn’t due to a lack of interest or care. It’s likely that your child is just doing their best to handle all the sensory input their brains are processing. Doing things like moving around, playing, fidgeting, or stimming can help them focus. Pay attention to your child’s cues – they may be very overwhelmed and uncomfortable and trying not to meltdown.

How you can support your child through auditory processing challenges

You’re likely already doing your best to protect your child from loud noises, help them with language, speech, and more, but here are some general do’s and don’ts:

• DO remove as much background noise as possible
• DO speak in simple terms, using short, clear sentences
• DO schedule your child for regular hearing and vision checks
• DO provide your child with noise-canceling headphones, quiet spaces, and breaks
• DO use visual aids and AAC to communicate with your child
• DO seek out help from an audiologist, speech therapist, or other professional if needed
• DO encourage your child to participate in music classes, music therapy, or other interests that promote active listening and positive auditory experiences
• DO allow your child to regulate with their favorite sounds
• DO give your child extra processing time
• DO remain understanding and patient, and teach others to do the same
• DO work with your child’s teachers and loved ones to accommodate their needs
• DON’T expose your child to loud noises to try to “build up” their tolerance to them
• DON’T overwhelm your child with questions
• DON’T speak too fast, or use a ton of words
• DON’T mistake your child’s sensory/auditory processing difficulties as lack of interest, disrespect, or lack of focus

Conclusion

Your child’s relationship with sound can be as confusing as it is interesting. By understanding how your child’s brain processes sound and language, you can support them through challenges they may have. You can also encourage the positive parts of their relationship with sound. Remember, your child’s brain is still growing. Their auditory processing will change over time. There will be days and moments your child is very sensitive to sound, and there will be moments they are less sensitive. Whichever moment it is, they need your understanding and help to get through it.