Autism or Hyperacusis?

Dear M.,
Hello. I have 3 children, ages 16, 14, and 10. By no stretch of the imagination am I an expert on children, as everyday is a new experience. But I do remember well, that with my first child, I watched every move, every detail so very closely. And yes, I too would be concerned with the signs exhibited by your baby. However, before trying to quickly 'label' or diagnose a child with autism in any form, as autism is so multi-dimensional and varies on so many levels, I would first check with my docotor or pediatrician. Some children are super sensitive and react to noises, etc. My oldest daughter was and still is the very same way, and like you, I was concerned and had the exact thoughts you do. If it is any consolation, she is an honor student, learned to read and play the piano at age 3, and is a typical teenage girl. And has no autism in any form whatsoever. Still hates anything loud. Even helps keep her brothers stereo down! At any rate, to put your mind and fears at ease, I would always go to a professional first, too rule out anything. And if / when a diagnosis is made, you go from there. Limitless is this world for all children. I wish you the very best, and hope you can put your mind at ease. Hugs to you and your baby.

Hi, I have not read your previous post...so I do not know what area of Texas you live in or how old your child is...however, I have read the other responses listed to this question and felt it very important to answer you. I have two children a two-year-old little girl and a soon to be six-year-old son. My son, like yours, has a speech delay and other 'sensory issues' as is VERY CUSTOMARY for children on the Autism Spectrum (hence the word Spectrum). He too covers his ears for various noises to this day. My son is a child with and Austim Spectrum Disorder. Here is why I feel that what was not listed in the previous postings is what Texas offers in the form of Early Childhood Intervention(ECI) (it is free, they come to your home:no matter where you live, and they have resources to help you help your child) if your child is under the age of three...if he is older, then contact your local school district and ask to have him evaluated. The diagnosis is NOT your primary concern...you know something is up, so get help for what keeps coming up as out of tune and help him to 'tune up'...trust me, the more energy you take looking for the name of what may be of issue with your son you may loose/miss getting focused on the same therapy he would get with any one of the diagnosis...I had a very experienced teacher tell me once, "we are all on the Spectrum (Autism Spectrum), it's just that some of us cope with things better than others." So, in short, get help for the speech delay and find out every way you can make your little one talk and you both will be better for it...Hope I helped and not 'soap boxed' ;) BEST WISHES- A.

Hi,it could honestly be either or. Ryan, my youngest has a siezure disorder, we are getting him tested for autism. However he is also very sensetive to sensory issues. We can only take him to resteraunts for an hour, he gets over stimulated. We go out and he does ok for little while. When family is over he tends to cling to me or try to go to his room. He does not like the vacum cleaner, sometimes when playing with toys gets frustrated scattering legos everywere. The best thing I can suggest is to follow through with getting him help, keep an open mind. Also has he ever had an MRI? Catscan?....

I'm not familiar with hyperacusis but my son is sensitive to certain pitches at certain volumes and seems oblivious to other noises. He also had a speech delay. He was diagnosed w/ PDD/NOS. He was tested by Child Find. I was referred to my local Child Find thru his pediatrician. I would also like to empathize with you be/c your child is not spoiled. I am so harshly criticized by people for "coddling" my child when he has a legitimate difficulty. How unfortunate that other parents can be so unsupportive when they know how challenging parenting can be.

Blessings and best of luck to you.

Autism has many facets, and hyperacusis can be one of them. The primary things we experienced with my son was literally a physical pain for him to be exposed to loud noises, large places, crowds (small room or big room,,,too many people and noises). The sensory overload was unbearable for him.

Between the speech delay and the sensitivity to sound, get your child tested. One of the best is Dr. Christine Johnson at the Village of Hope...can be a long waiting list to get in. In the mean time, if you have not already done so, get ahold of Easter Seals, ask for them to evaluate your child, get your dr to write the referral.

Then, if you have the funds, check the internet google for auditory integration therapy/training. There is a group out of dallas that is incredible, can't remember the name, but they are based in Dallas. AIT made a huge difference after just 1 treatment day for my son. He obeyed! He heard me! He could go into HEB and not start crying. Tune ups, yes, but not often. There is no one here who has the experience or who I would trust with AIT, but there are people here who do it. But, this group in Dallas is incredible. In the mean time, don't waste time, get your child evaluated for Autism...and if there is any diagnosis on the spectrum, don't panic...yes it is scarey. But what you have already described in your son it sounds like it's just really starting to hit, if it is. If you son is interacting and responsive, you are way ahead of the game. And, there are levels of being affected. My son went from catatonic due to food allergies and intestinal problems to now being in a fully functional mainstream elementary school w/ receptive language on target and expressive not too far behind.

DON'T EVER DISCOUNT YOUR INTUITION. If you are feeling like something is not working right for your baby, PAY ATTENTION TO THOSE FEELINGS! Don't be brushed off by any doctor telling you he is fine, it's within range. And if your child is diagnosed with anything, get an OT evaluation (jeannette schwartz, Occupational Therapy Services) and keep up your attention to your son. If your baby is evaluated and declared just to be a normal little boy, remember, little boys are like klingons to Moms....they are entirely different creatures and you will be very busy! Read whatever you can by David Guerian (he writes a lot of books about boys learning differences etc) and just enjoy the ride...mine are a hoot, and I don't know what I would do without them! Pure entertianment, frustration, grey hair causing boys, but they are charmers who are full of love!

Good luck!

autism can have those symptoms, but not necessarily. I would suggest to your ped. what you have found and see if he can test for it. usually, autism presents with outher more complex signs, which you haven't described, and it sounds more likely, from your description, that your son is sensitive to sound. if there are other signs that your son has, mention them to your doctor so he/she knows what tests to do.

Did your son have a history of ear infections? This is one cause of hyperacusis and can happen without autism.

I read one of the posts and it said that the diagnosis is not important....from experience I know it is. A child needs the right help not just any help. Always go to the best medical professionals for a diagnosis. Teachers are not medical personnel and medical personnel are not teachers. Be careful of an "educational diagnosis" it can give your child the wrong help.

Also keep good records of your child's evaluations, medical records...you never know when you may need them to help with the diagnosis of your child.

Sincerely,
PJ

Hi M.. I am a parent of a child with disabilities. Have you consulted a specialist? You might want to look into some testing. This can be a symptom of a disability or a problem within itself. I am a memeber of SEPAC (Special Education Parent Advisory Council). I would be happy to put you in touch with whomever you need to contact. Please be assured you are not a "bad parent". You are a wonderful parent for recognizing that there is a problem.

L. G.