In this article we explore ways in which you can stop your autistic child making strange noises. We explore the reasons behind it and give you some tactics to try.

Why the noises?

All of our children are unique so any generalisation needs to be taken with a pinch of salt. But with that said there are common factors which occur with a number of autistic children.

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.

Should you stop them?

As with nearly all autistic self stimulation behaviour it is worth asking the question, should you stop them?

Your child is likely engaging in the activity because it causes him or her some sort of comforting pleasure.

If you make the decision to outright stop them then there is a possibility more disruptive behaviours may emerge.

You will have to weigh up the possible negative impact of your intervention against the benefits it could bring.

How to stop your autistic child making noises

If you have made the decision to stop them then consider these tactics to try;

Identify triggers

It will be almost impossible to stop your child from making the noises if you don’t know why they are.

For you and your family it may be obvious but if not what you can do is start to take notes. Any time your child makes strange noises take a note of the following things;

• The time
• How recently they ate or drunk
• Where they are
• What the background noise is like (important)
• If you are talking
• What games they are playing
• Who is present

It could be any number of things which could be a trigger for your child, the trick is to find out why and then develop a plan.

Provide sensory tools

Autistic children can be complex little things, one factor which we are all probably aware of is their sensory needs.

It is likely that along with other reasons your child is making the noises for sensory feedback. We have to remember that sound after all is vibration. So it is possible they like the feeling of the noise as opposed to the sound.

You could try providing an alternative sensory input when your child makes noises. The choices are endless but something like a vibrating toy or a weighted blanket may work..

You could also provide something like a chewing toy as they can focus your child’s attention away from the noise making.

Cancel the background noise

Quite often autistic children feel uncomfortable if there is noticable background noise. Something like a loud television or large groups of people talking may be unpleasant.

If this is the case with your child it may be that they are making the noises to drown out the outside noise.

To combat this causation factor you could provide your child with ear defenders or headphones.

Some parents can be against these tactics as they can inhibit communication but it is a choice for you.

Work on communication

On the subject of communication it may be worth increasing efforts on this front also. It may be that your child is making the noises because they cannot communicate their wants and needs.

You are likely already working on your communication but try not to rule out alternative methods such as picture cards or sign language.

Reward good behaviour

If any of your interventions lead to your child stopping the noises then be sure to recognise that.

Even if your child’s communication is in it’s early stages of development it is likely that they still recognise praise.

For example if your child stops making noises then be sure to applaud them, you can even use picture cards to show you are happy.

Summary – How to stop an autistic child making noises

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 devise a plan.

Once you have your plan in place develop a constant process and give yourself time in making an impact.