Auditory hypersensitivity in children and teenagers with autistic spectrum disorder

Abstract

-Objective: To verify if the clinical behavior of auditory hypersensitivity, reported in interviews with parents/caregivers and therapists/teachers of 46 children and teenagers suffering from autistic spectrum disorder, correspond to audiological findings. Method: The clinical diagnosis for auditory hypersensitivity was investigated by means of an interview. Subsequently, a test of the acoustic stapedial reflex was conducted, and responses to intense acoustic stimulus in open field were observed. Results: Of the 46 subjects, 11 (23.9%) were clinically diagnosed as oversensitive to sound and only 2 showed discomfort when exposed to intense acoustic stimulus in open field. There was no statistically significant difference for the test of the ipsilateral acoustic stapedial reflex between the groups. Conclusion: Behavioral manifestations to sounds are not associated to hypersensitivity of the auditory pathways, but instead these are associated to difficulties in the upper processing, involving systems that usually are impaired in autistic spectrum patients, such as the limbic system. KEY WORDS: autism, hypersensitivity, sound.Hipersensibilidade auditiva em crianças e adolescentes com transtorno do espectro autista RESUMO -Objetivo: Verificar se o comportamento clínico de hipersensibilidade auditiva, relatado nas entrevistas com os pais/cuidadores e terapeutas/professores de crianças e adolescentes com transtorno do espectro autista, corresponde aos achados audiológicos. Método: O diagnóstico clínico para a hipersensibilidade auditiva foi investigado a partir do protocolo de entrevista. Após, foi utilizada a pesquisa do reflexo acústico estapédico e observadas as reações ao estímulo sonoro intenso em campo aberto. Resultados: Dos 46 sujeitos, 11 (23,9%) foram diagnosticados clinicamente como hipersensíveis ao som, e somente 2 demonstraram desconforto quando expostos ao estímulo sonoro intenso em campo aberto. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significante para a pesquisa do reflexo acústico estapédico ipsilateral entre os grupos. Conclusão: As manifestações comportamentais aos sons não estão associadas à hipersensibilidade das vias auditivas, mas, sim, a dificuldades no processamento superior, envolvendo sistemas que comumente estão comprometidos nos pacientes do espectro autista, como o sistema límbico. PALAVRAS-CHAVE: autismo, hipersensibilidade, som.

Sinbad and the Magic Cure: A Serious Game for Children with ASD and Auditory Hypersensitivity

“…Although many autistic children are thought to suffer from auditory hypersensitivity [19]according to our present knowledge, no studies have discussed what the most relevant noises are, since there are large individual differences [20]. Accordingly, our research is categorized into two experiments: (1) Preliminary research which aims at determining the major characteristics of the sounds that affect sound sensitivity of children with ASD, and (2) A study which implements those sounds into a custom-designed SG, in order to explore the effectiveness of this game to familiarize and desensitize autistic children with sound hypersensitivity to critical sound cues.…”

Reconhecimento olfativo nos transtornos invasivos do desenvolvimento

“…Em conclusão, podemos concluir, de maneira similar a outros autores 30 , que as alterações comportamentais ligadas aos estímulos olfativos e com descrições clínicas abundantes, mais do que alterações específi cas de sensibilidade olfativa, parecem estar ligadas a difi culdades no processamento dos estímulos apresentados. Esses dados, entretanto, não podem ser generalizados para todos os padrões sensoriais, uma vez que resultados diversos para padrões sensoriais diferentes já foram observados 31 .…”

Antipsychotics in the Treatment of Autism

“…For example, children with autism may have hypersensitivity to certain sounds or noises, such as a kitchen mixer, a jackhammer or fireworks. These noises can be extremely uncomfortable, leading children to covering ears with their hands and sometimes to screaming (Gomes et al, 2004). Other findings not listed in the official autism criteria of autism includes: a) children with autism may keep walking on his toes for more time when compared with children with typical development; b) children with autism may have a higher pain threshold in comparison with people with typical development; c) children with autism may feel uncomfortable with the usual pediatric clinical maneuvers, such as touching or auscultation procedures; d) patients with autism may demonstrate a fear for people approaching, etc.…”