How to get rid of fear about tv,a/c , etc of my 7 year old aspie son?!

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Like most Aspergers, to some degree, it's likely your son suffers from *Auditory Hyperacusis* (hypersensitive hearing), and possibly a related condition called *Tonic Tensor Tympani Syndrome*. I'd get him checked out by an Audiologist specialising in Autism Spectrum Disorders. An Occupational Therapist specialising in ASD's may also be a good idea.

While most people simply don't notice, electronic devices, animals etc. make many noises that can be extremely painful to an Aspie's ears, particularly in higher frequencies. I can't begin to tell you how sensitive my ears are, and the pain I've experienced every day of my life - my hearing has been describe as *simply extraordinary* by several audiologists. Sensory processing issues are common to most on the autism spectrum e.g. many can see fluoro lights flickering at more than twice the rate of images on a TV screen, images others see as one fluid motion. I even read one story of a child who could tell the difference between the sounds made by each different vehicle of his local bus company and be able to tell his parent the registration plate of the approaching vehicle long before it ever rounded the corner!

Part of the reason many Aspies have been misdiagnosed over the years as mentally ill has to do with hearing...many Aspies hear things other people are simply incapable of detecting. Combine this with taking things very literally and when asked a question like *do you hear things no-one else can hear*, a simple and literal answer of yes (without seeing what the doctor is really asking) may lead the professional to conclude a diagnosis of schizophrenia or similar, not understanding that the Aspie can actually hear something which is genuinely there.

Your child's fears are real, these sounds can be excruciating...but there are desensitisation programs available. Many Aspies are also very sensitive to even slight changes in temperature. An OT should be able to tell you if this contributes to why he fears the a/c.

Good Luck!

I'm a 36 year-old Asperger and I work as a Dis/Ability Advocate

my son hearing becomes very sensitive when he is tired and this is very common. The aircon may not sound loud to you, but to him it is like a jet engine and therefore increasing his fear. get some professional advice regarding his fears, it really helps.

It is not a fear. his senses are more intense then yours . Hearing, being one of the senses, is also heightened. When you sleep do you want to hear very loud noises? To him the AC and the TV are very loud noises.