Taming Sounds: A New CBT Approach for Autistic Kids with Hyperacusis

Hyperacusis, or extreme sensitivity to sounds, is pretty common among autistic kids, affecting up to 60% of them at some point in life. That's a lot more than the 17. 1% of kids without autism who experience it. This heightened sensitivity can make everyday stuff like school, playing with friends, or even having fun really tough for these kids. They might avoid certain sounds or feel very distressed, which can disrupt their entire routine. It's a big deal for autistic kids and their families, but there aren't many effective solutions out there yet. This story is about an 11-year-old boy with autism who tried a special kind of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to handle his hyperacusis. CBT is usually about changing the way you think and behave to feel better. In this case, the therapist tweaked it to help the boy deal with his sound sensitivity. The boy's parents and therapists worked together to make lots of tiny steps. They started with sounds the boy was okay with and gradually introduced noisier ones. Over time, he got better at handling louder sounds without feeling so distressed. It was a slow process, but it really helped the boy and his family. This case shows that modifying CBT could be a promising way to help autistic kids with hyperacusis. It's not a quick fix, but it might be a good tool for therapists and families to use.