Light and Noise Sensitivity

Light and noise sensitivity are one of the problems parents with an autistic child can face.  Our son was very insistent about always wearing sunglasses with blue lenses.  At first we didn't understand but after a little research, we learned about the sensitivity problems children with PDD (pervasive development disorders) can have.  Two of the most common are with light and sound.  Children born with autism often have inadequate filters for sound and light.  What doesn't bother most people will bother a child with PDD.  As a parent this is something you can watch for and help your child overcome with time.  When your child is young try to limit his/her exposure to excessive noise and bright lights. One activity we didn't think about was fireworks.  For our son, it was one of the most terrifying things he'd been exposed to.  The fireworks made very loud noises when they exploded and the vibrant colors in a dark sky were enough to put him into sensory overload.  Children with PDD need to be exposed to light and sound but make sure to go slowly and remove your child when it becomes too much for him/her.  Gradually with time and patience this sensitivity will get better.  As I've learned, patience is very important.  Look in your area for autistic friendly movies and activities.  Some movie theaters have autistic friendly movies where the sound won't be so loud and they'll leave some lights on while the movie is playing so the colors of the film won't be as vibrant.