Sound
Signs your child is overstimulated by sound
Some people can be overstimulated by hearing. This might mean they:
- dislike loud or unexpected noises
- dislike noisy places
- dislike white noises
- dislike people eating or breathing loudly
- hum or sing to block out other noises
Supporting a child who’s overstimulated by sound
You can support someone who gets overstimulated by sound by:
- warning them about sounds you know they might find uncomfortable such as a fire alarm, dog barking or a hoover – we call these trigger sounds
- doing calming movements such as stretching or chair push-ups ahead of expecting a trigger sound
- moving your child further away from triggering sounds
- building up time spent in noisy settings gradually
- offering options, such as a hairdryer or a towel when they need to dry their hair
- allowing them to use headphones, ear defenders, flares or loops to block out overwhelming sounds
Signs your child is under stimulated by sound
Some people are under stimulated by sound. This might look like:
- turning the volume up
- not noticing sounds
- not noticing being spoken to
- not responding to their name being called
- making and enjoying their own noises
- needing time and repetition to process sounds
Supporting someone under stimulated by sound
You can support someone under stimulated by sound by:
- warning them that you are about to give an instruction
- engaging in alerting movement ahead of having to concentrate or listen, such as star jumps
- using visual supports to reinforce instructions
- giving them a physical prompt alongside calling their name or instructions
- making sounds to draw attention, such as clapping
- giving time for noisy play in the day, for example with musical instruments
- allowing them to listen to music when expected to be quiet