How to handle noise sensitivity...

[Anonymous]

Avoid the stressful, noisy situations or expose the kids to it to "desensitize" them? For example, birthday parties where there will be singing of "happy birthday" or places with live music. TIA!

[Anonymous]

I would be most interested in answers, too. As DC gets older, we're finding it much more difficult to avoid these situations, and we don't actually want to theoretically.

OP, how old is your child, and does your child have SPD issues?

[Anonymous]

OP here... DS is 3.5 and has some noise sensitvities but doesn't seem to meet other criteria for SPD at this point... regardless we're going to have him evaluated for it. PP, how old is your child?

[Anonymous]

He's 5. He's never been evaluated, and I'm on the fence about this.

As they get older I am finding it's nearly impossible (without drawing a lot of attention to DS) to avoid things like school sing-a-longs, the noisy part of a birthday party, and other such social things -- which DS actually wants to participate in).

[Anonymous]

We went through a period of extreme noise sensitivity with my DS when he was between ages 3 and 4.5. I bought those orange ear plugs that you use to keep water out of your ears and used them for my son whenever we were in situations where my son was uncomfortable. After a very long while, it passed, but I bought countless boxes of those orange ear plugs during the year and a half when the problem was at its worst.

[Anonymous]

OP again. I'm on the fence about having him evaluated too. It sounds like our situations are similar. 22:28, thanks for the good tip! I'm glad to hear your DS's sensitivity passed.

[Anonymous]

OP again... 22:28, did your DS use the earplugs at school?

[Anonymous]

A few suggestions....

1. Prepare your child for noises that he might experience so he's not shocked (singing of Happy Birthday, clapping, etc). Sometimes the anxiety of being surprised is a lot of the issue. Talk about them....Maybe create a little social story (even with just pictures for the little ones) of what to expect, that they will be okay, and what they can do if it is too much.

2. Take a calming/comforting item with you (special toy, stuffed animal, blanket) or find a "quiet place" when you go places. For example, if you're going to a b-day party, talk to the host in advance and ask if there is a quiet room you could take your child to so he can "regroup" if it gets too noisy. Sensory issues are becoming more and more common so I think (I hope!) people are becoming more sensitive to accomodate. Also, think about what calms your child at home...a big hug, a back scratch, etc....and use these tools out.

3. One way to try and desensitize your child is to expose them to something gradually and in a "safe" place. For example, get a tape of people singing "Happy Birthday" (even your family). Play it quietly with your child at home several times. Gradually, play it louder. This is not all in one sitting and not so it becomes a miserable, boring experience. As a special educator, we often do this with children with school noises like the fire alarm during drills. I must admit it doesn't always work because that's one of the most terrible sounds out there...but it has helped with morning announcements, the regular bells that go off during the day, etc.....