Did you know that it has been documented that up to 90% of people with autism Do they suffer from hyperacusis?

The hyperacusis, A term that denotes an intensified and unfavorable reaction to sound stimuli present in the environment, that is, the sounds are perceived intensely and generally unpleasantly, to the point of being unbearable.

Since children with autism interpret the environment and its stimuli in a different and particular way, auditory stimulations can be overwhelming and in many cases can trigger negative reactions, some of which are:

• Fear
• Anxiety
• Need to cover your ears
• Difficulty paying attention
• Need to get away from the place

Understanding hyperacusis in autism

Several studies suggest that one of the main reasons sound can be disturbing for children with autism is that they have difficulty filtering out ambient noise from relevant sounds. This is due to the central nervous system's difficulty in accurately interpreting the intensity, frequency, duration, and complexity of sound stimuli in their environment. This can lead to an overwhelming reception of excessive stimuli, resulting in exaggerated and disproportionate reactions due to sensory overload.

How can I help?

Being informed and empathetic towards children with autism, as well as the different challenges they face daily, is essential. Regarding hyperacusis, it's ideal to keep the children's environment controlled to avoid overstimulating sounds. It's also necessary to be clear when communicating with them. 

Occupational therapy is crucial in supporting individuals in coping with sounds and making them manageable in daily life. Therapists will develop a customized plan using various resources and techniques focused on the specific problem.

TOi Robot for the management of auditory and visual stimuli in autism

TOi Robot is an advanced system for delivering occupational therapy to children, capable of stimulating six of the seven human senses: sight, touch, hearing, smell, vestibular sense, and proprioception. Its playful and motivating approach has proven highly effective in treating various conditions, including hyperacusis. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by TOi Robot (@toi_robot)

The TOi robot can be programmed to play musical and animal sounds that can be used in conjunction with the Sensy Magic cube and rocker to create routines tailored to each patient and that can be adjusted in real time via its app.

Therapists can program TOi Robot to gradually manage auditory stimuli and link them to pleasant and meaningful routines for autistic children. This creates a positive reinforcement dynamic that helps improve tolerance to auditory stimuli.

Children with autism, as well as their families, face challenges that most people cannot imagine. Being informed about autism as a society is key to achieving an inclusive environment. Furthermore, healthcare professionals bear the responsibility of updating their knowledge on the subject and staying informed about the latest tools available to support the healthy development of children with autism.