Autism and Hearing Disorders

Autism is a type of pervasive developmental disorder (PDD). PDDs affect some 90–120 in every 10,000 people, or roughly 1% of the population. They generally manifest during the first three years of life, and tend to appear more in boys than in girls.

PDDs are not mental illnesses—they are differences in the way the brain perceives and processes information. They tend to cause deficits in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interaction and cognitive function. Additionally, they also cause hypo- or hypersensitivity to specific sensory stimuli (sounds, sights, smells, tastes or textures/pressure). People with autism perceive these stimuli differently, even though the sense itself works normally.

In fact, hearing changes are often what prompt parents to ask questions and consult a doctor; for instance, a parent may notice that the child doesn’t react to loud noises or respond to their own name.

This may be because some autistic children hear certain sounds very loudly (or, conversely, not at all), despite normal hearing acuity. They may react to very quiet noises that others cannot hear. In particular, autistic children tend to be more sensitive to lower frequencies, like the sound of a refrigerator running. This sensitivity may cause them to try to flee certain sounds, react strangely or, conversely, seek those sounds out.

The presence of hearing disorders is a key part of determining these children’s clinical profiles and prognoses. After all, these issues can exacerbate communication problems and interfere with language skills. Early assessment and quick intervention are a crucial part of autistic children’s development.