Auditory-friendly activities for people with autism spectrum disorder

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is associated with persistent impairments in adaptive functioning across multiple domains including social, communicative, occupational, and other important areas of daily life. Sensory abnormalities have often been reported as symptoms of ASD, and auditory over-responsiveness (AOR) is the most common sensory-perceptual abnormality in individuals with ASD. Recently, we reported that a greater magnitude of acoustic startle reflex in response to weak stimuli of 65-85 dB was found in children with ASD compared to those with typical development. This index was related to various clinical features, including sensory problems, autistic traits, emotional/behavioral difficulties, and adaptive/maladaptive behaviors in ASD children. This intensity level of acoustic stimuli is frequently experienced in everyday situations environment. Noise affects several aspects of both physical and mental health and those with AOR might be affected more by their daily environment. Thus, for the healthy development of ASD children with AOR it is important to create an auditory-friendly environment. We have conducted several auditory-friendly activities. These activities might raise awareness about AOR of people with ASD.