If you haven’t had personal experience with an autistic child previously you may wonder why they sometimes make slightly unusual noises. The answer like so much with autism requires a bit of explaining.
The basics
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects social interaction, communication, and behaviour. Children with autism may exhibit repetitive behaviours, including making noises.
This can include vocalisations such as humming, screeching, or grunting, as well as other types of repetitive sounds.
Why the noises?
One reason that some children with autism may make noises is that it can serve as a self-stimulatory behaviour, or “stimming.”
Stimming refers to repetitive actions or movements that a person engages in to provide sensory input and relieve stress or anxiety. For some children with autism, making noises can help regulate their sensory system and provide a sense of comfort.
Communication issues
Another reason that children with autism may make noises is due to difficulty with communication.
Children with autism may have difficulty expressing their thoughts and feelings verbally, so they may resort to using vocalisations as a form of communication.
For example, a child may make a repetitive noise when they want attention, or when they are trying to express excitement or frustration.
Sensory processing
Additionally, some children with autism may make noises due to sensory processing issues. They may experience sensory overload or under-stimulation, and making noises can help regulate their sensory system and provide them with the necessary input to feel comfortable.
An example of this may be if an autistic child walks into a busy and overwhelming area like a party. They may find comfort and peace by making a humming noise which they can control and recognise.
Summary
It’s important to note that every child with autism is unique, and not every autistic child will make noises. However, for those who do, it can be a way for them to cope with the world around them and regulate their sensory system.
Understanding the reasons behind this behaviour can help parents, caregivers, and teachers better support and respond to the needs of children with autism.
