Is it true that EXTRA sensitive ears are a sign of autism or Asperger's?

Question

When I was a young kid, I was thought of to have PDD-NOS. But they ruled it out. Now, I'm 26 & looked up Asperger's, & I see that I might have traits. People say I don't read others well, I'm antisocial, I don't have interest in many things. My ears are so sensitive that I come close to tears when hearing certain noises. I have other symptoms, that I can't remember, off hand.

Answer 1

Yes, sensitive senses are very common in people on the autism spectrum. Certain sounds can feel really painful or highly uncomfortable for people on the spectrum.



Some people have sensitive ears, while others have sensitive eyes or are sensitive to touch, smell or taste, or a combination of any of those.



I have Asperger's syndrome and I have sensitive ears, eyes and nose. Some sounds make me feel really bad. Normal and strong lights are painful to me and certain common smells make me nauseous.



If you suspect you might have Asperger's syndrome, you could seek a second opinion with another doctor, to find out for sure.

Answer 2

It's a broad spectrum. I would say so, because many of these things remind me of myself, and I have long since been diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome. Therapy has really helped with eye contact and speaking to others. I still can barely tell if someone is being facetious though. See a psychiatrist if you want medication, and possibly seek out a psychologist to help you figure out social conventions. A diagnosis is not really necessary to see a psychologist, although if you have no health insurance you might have to figure out these things from a book. The book Social Curious or Curiously Social? has proved helpful for me, I would advise reading that if you can't afford professional help. Best of luck.

Answer 3

I'd say anything sensory like that is a potential sign. If you had *nothing* else pointing to Aspergers that would be one thing... because I'm sure other things could cause this as well. However with the other things that are pointing you there I agree it is a decent possibility.



ETA: Rai A: I want that shirt! LOL My son and I are Aspies who are very sarcastic... not 'suppose' to happen. But we have other 'symptoms' all over the place. Any doc/evaluator who is just looking at one indicator is very, very confused about Autism/Aspergers.

Answer 4

Yes it's a sign



My daughter is nine year old

I am told she right on the line of PDD-NOS

Two doctors said she has PDD-NOS, and two doctors said she was right over the line, and does not have PDD-NOS



PDD-NOS is not that a yes or no

Every time she is tested, I get a different answer



Could you have traits of PDD-NOS and fall above the line, yes, and do not have PDD-NOS

Could you have PDD-NOS and one doctor took you off, when you have it, yes, and the next three years, they are put back on



You are 26, my child is nine will will be tested at 12, 15 and 18, so I would not be surprise if she is taken off and put back one again

Answer 5

It can be...it technically would be considered sensory processing disorder. It is very possible to have SPD and not be on the autism spectrum--my 4 year old is like that. Go to the library and get a book called "the out of sync child" and read it, I think you will see a lot of yourself in it.



Also, go to http://childbrain.com and do the PDD/autism screening. It will give you a good idea as to whether you need to pursue a diagnosis. It will also give you (and the doctor) an idea as to what areas you have issues in.

Answer 6

Yes, it can be one of the symptoms. My daughter has AS (Asperger's Syndrome) and not only is she super sensitive to noise she can also hear things that other other people can't.



It is important to get a proper diagnosis from a professional but this is an online assessment tool that I found helpful with our daughter: http://www.childbrain.com/pddassess.html

Answer 7

Yes but some people off the spectrum also have good hearing. My hearing is below above average I can hear those high pitch sounds older TVs make which is at the edge of the normal hearing range.





But not everyone with above normal hearing is sensitive to loud sounds.

Answer 8

I've seen a t-shirt suggesting "If you've seen one child with Aspergers, you've seen ONE child with Aspergers".



A lot of kids I know do not like loud noises. But I also know some who are selective in the loud noises they can tolerate. This weekend's Bathurst race is a good example.



FTR mine doesn't like unexpected loud noises. SO if I do a "EEEYYYAAAA" I give a (Thunderbirds like) count down.



.

Answer 9

Severe sensitivity, to sound and light is a symptom of autism

Answer 10

Yes, it sounds like you might have Asperger's. Why don't you get tested to see for sure?

Answer 11

everyone has traits of Autism. For a proper diagnosis you need to see a specialist. My dad and sister have very sensitive hearing and neither of them have Aspergers.

Answer 12

Yes it is a sign. You can always get evaluated. The spectrum si so hard to navigate

Answer 13

sensitivity isn't a sign of asbergers



i've had people try to tell me it is. but it's something totally different with me (i see bright lights and feel a stabbing pain with certain pitches, which makes living with 2 small children dificult)