Auditory processing differences
Sound can be particularly challenging for some children.
Two common difficulties include:
Sound sensitivity
Certain sounds may feel painful or overwhelming, such as:
- hand dryers
- alarms
- shouting
- busy classrooms or playgrounds
Difficulty separating sounds
Some children struggle to distinguish foreground sounds from background noise.
For example, they may struggle to hear a teacher’s voice in a noisy classroom.
This can affect:
- listening
- following instructions
- concentration
Signs of auditory overload
Children may:
- cover their ears
- withdraw from noisy spaces
- become distressed in busy environments
- appear not to listen
Helpful strategies
- reduce background noise when possible
- use clear, short instructions
- provide written or visual information
- allow quiet recovery spaces
Noise-reducing headphones can also be helpful in some situations.
