Auditory processing or not?

by mary
(urbana il)

My five year old son will often hold his hands over his ears and command "be quiet" even when he is not being talked to directly. Is this a way of expressing a general "overload" of sensory information?




His therapists and teachers are confused, and don't like to be told to be quiet by a young child. I don't think he means to be rude, I think he is really defending himself from some perceived onslaught of input that is too much for him to handle, I just don't know how he's experiencing it.

I would appreciate any suggestions I might share with him as to how to handle his need to communicate to us what is really going on.



Comments for Auditory processing or not?

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Apr 08, 2021
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Yup, SPD
by: Cora D.

I definitely would recommend earplugs or ear defenders of some sort, they have wonderful ones on amazon for little kids (snug kids headphones or procase) that are under twenty dollars. I would also recommend OT (occupational therapy) or creating a sensory diet at home. Basically this means having some different ways to stimulate or calm his senses. Even just taking a break and going for a quick walk can be helpful.
Apr 08, 2021
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starstarstarstarstar 		SPD definitely
by: Anonymous

I don't think he is telling you, his therapist or his teacher to be quiet. He is expressing his sensory overload in the only way he knows how. 5 year olds are rarely able to explain what is triggering them to panic, so this seems like a strong indication of SPD. I would explain to his teachers/therapists that he has issues with sensory overload and is learning to stay calm and express hi discomfort.
Apr 05, 2021
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starstarstarstarstar 		Possibly SPD
by: Anonymous

I think this could be seen as a red flag of sensory overload. His senses are so bombarded with noise he will do anything to make them stop. Does he also sometimes bolt out of places or appear to panic? If so, I would take him to a professional or do some more research. It would also be a good idea to invest in a pair of ear defenders/mufflers for him to wear in busy or noisy places.

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