Triveni Goswami Vernal
(Registered Special Educator CRR No. A64010)

In the last blog, I had touched upon the definition of Auditory Processing and the research that has been done on Auditory Processing in individuals with Autism. In this blog, I will share about the various kinds of Auditory Processing issues that an individual on the Autism spectrum might experience.

Auditory Processing refers to the process by which incoming auditory stimuli is recognized, and assigned a meaning by the brain. An individual on the Autism Spectrum may either be Hypersensitive (hence they try to reject it) or be Hyposensitive (hence they try to seek it) to an Auditory Stimuli.

The auditory stims (self-stimulatory behaviour) in an individual with Autism, are often a result of either of these…hypersensitivity/hyposensitivity to Auditory stimuli.

HYPERSENSITIVITY TO AUDITORY STIMULI

Hypersensitivity to Auditory stimuli often manifests itself in behaviours where the individual is seen rejecting it. There is an over-responsiveness to the stimuli, and therefore, the individual wants to avoid it at all costs. This is because the individual feels overwhelmed with the incoming auditory stimuli and that makes it challenging for the individual to focus on anything else.

Examples:
1) Covering the ears when they listen to a particular frequency/decibel of a sound.
2) Overreacting to sounds
3) Avoiding crowded places
4) Avoiding places from which a particular sound emanates (example avoiding the kitchen, because the sound of the mixer-grinder that the child is sensitive to, is associated with it).
5) Easily distracted by sounds in the background (even the low hum of a fridge/fan)

HYPOSENSITIVITY TO AUDITORY STIMULI

When an individual is hyposensitive to auditory stimuli, it often manifests itself in behaviours where the individual is seen ‘seeking’ the particular stimuli. There is an under- responsiveness to the auditory stimuli, hence they want more and more of it.       

EXAMPLES:
1) Listening to the same songs/sounds over and over again.
2) Listening to /playing with musical toys over and over again.
3) Continuous Humming.
4) May have difficulties in filtering out background noises.
5) May be able to tolerate loud noises without having a startled reaction.
6) Not respond to their name being called.
7) Requires repeated verbal instructions while getting a job done.

Thus, we see that Auditory Processing may pose challenges for individuals on the Autism spectrum, in myriad ways.  To understand their challenges better, parents and/caregivers have to keenly observe the individuals and see how they respond to auditory stimuli in their environment.
In my next blog, I will share activities that can be done to work on and improve Auditory Processing.
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Author Triveni Goswami Vernal

Triveni Goswami Vernal is an Autism advocate, registered Special Educator (CRR A64010) and an Independent Researcher. Her areas of interest include Autism, Disability Rights, Gender, Art and Northeast studies. She is a mum to an 12 year old on the Autism Spectrum.

Artwork-“Wildflower Symphony”, Acrylic Painting on Canvas
Artist- Kabir Vernal