Pink noise and brown noise Pink noise has some of the higher-pitched tones removed. Brown noise is more of a deep rumbly sound and is my personal favourite to listen to as I fall asleep. White, pink or brown noise may not only block out household noise but can help your child to relax and fall asleep.
White noise doesn't work for everyone, but it's definitely worth trying! Unfortunately, it's common for children with autism to have difficulties communicating how they feel and what they need. It might be that your autistic child does not like to sleep alone.
Acoustics
Individuals on the autism spectrum are extremely, and at times, painfully sensitive to sounds. Providing sound insulation and allowing for manipulation of sound pressure levels is helpful. One way to do that is by adding pink noise.
Sound sensitivity and autism
According to research, 50% to 70% of autistic people experience decreased tolerance for sound at some point. This can cause significant distress and anxiety, and can also lead to difficulties engaging in school or the workplace.
Noise canceling headphones can help some autistic children as well as autistic adults. Other children with sensory processing disorder and other sensory needs may benefit from them as well. Choosing the best headphones for your child doesn't have to be overwhelming.
For some children, sensory toys such as squeeze balls and fidget toys, weighted blankets, their favorite videos, or activities can help them manage their emotions. You can set up a calming routine that the child practices on a regular basis, and make it part of their daily schedule.
Hyperacusis (say it with me: HY-per-uh-CUE-sis), is an increased sensitivity to sound that is commonly found among people with autism. This means that certain noises, such as classroom bells, the radio or the TV, may be uncomfortable for your child to hear.
Many autistic people experience hypersensitivity to bright lights or certain light wavelengths (e.g., LED or fluorescent lights). Certain sounds, smells, textures and tastes can also be overwhelming. This can result in sensory avoidance – trying to get away from stimuli that most people can easily tune out.
Autistic Spectrum Disorder can increase the intensity of these micro sensations. So, everyday sensations are felt with greater intensity. This can often lead to distraction or avoidance. Over time, if these sensations become too much, this can lead to sensory overload.
Noise reduction headphones reduce the actual noise level (decibels) that the ears process but does not completely eliminate noise altogether. For children with auditory sensitivities, this enables them to participate in potentially loud environments without being overstimulated by the sounds around them.
• Greens and blues
When it comes to calming colours for autism, muted tones of greens and blues are a great choice. They have much shorter wavelengths than brighter colours, meaning much less stimulation in the brain occurs.
On world autism awareness day, April 2nd, you may see plenty of blue being shown off to support autism awareness. The color blue's association to autism originated with the autism advocacy association known as Autism Speaks. Their “Light it Up Blue” campaign calls for people to wear blue to promote autism awareness.
Brown noise is a low-frequency background sound that helps people with ADHD focus and feel calm.
Bedtime routines, regular bedtimes, healthy sleep associations and comfortable sleep environments can help autistic children settle and sleep. Healthy daytime environments can help autistic children feel ready for sleep.
White noise adds to the chaos
This is very common in children diagnosed with autism, ADD/ADHD, or Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). These children perceive the world in a totally different way. Often, the sounds that we have learned to tune out, or don't seem that loud are amplified many times for these kids.
While many children with autism feel averse to hugging, some children with autism like to be hugged. Some children can swing the opposite way and want so many hugs that they feel hug deprived when they aren't getting enough.
In addition, autistic people often have different sensory and perceptual experiences than non-autistic peers, which can include more intense emotional experiences.
People with autism spectrum disorder are sometimes said to lack empathy (the ability to feel along with others) and/or sympathy (the ability to feel for others). While this stereotype is often used to describe all people with autism, these challenges are not experienced by everyone on the spectrum.
Touch is an important component of many social experiences for many people. Autistic children commonly avoid social touch more than non-autistic peers. It is generally thought that this is due to autistic individuals experiencing hyper- or hyposensitivity of touch.
In the case of vocal stimming (or verbal stimming), the child might make noises such as groaning, grunting, high- pitched screeching, squealing, humming, or repeating random words, words to a familiar song, phrases, or lines from a movie.
Autistic children and teenagers are sometimes oversensitive to things like noise, crowds or temperature. They try to avoid sensory experiences. Other autistic children are undersensitive. They seek out sensory experiences.
Loud noises may be painful for those with autism. They may also have trouble concentrating when there is background noise.