Hearing problems and autism seem to have a strong correlation in the literature. A large percentage of children with autism or autism spectrum disorder have a history of ear infections, tubes in the ears, colds and allergies. The following is a list of behavioral techniques such as structuring the environment, self-care skills training, training technique that can be helpful, things to observe in your child and referrals to specialist that might contribute to increases in learning basic skills for the child.
1. The environment might be structured free of allergens or bacteria in order to reduce the chances of colds or allergies. For example, an air purifier might be utilized, lysol spray may be useful frequently, shampoo the rugs, eliminate the use of pillows that are not hypoallergenic (ex. feather pillows), frequent dusting and cleaning of furniture and changing the air filter.
2. Secondly, during routine self-care skills such as bathing steps should be taken to reduce the likelihood of ear problems allergies or infections. For example, keeping the ears dry after bathing seems to be essential. This can be done by blow drying on a warm or cool setting after the bath, towel drying the hair throughly, using q-tips as instructed by your doctor, combing the hair back away from the ears if it is left damp, using hair pins or headband to keep the hair away from ears.
3. Referrals to Otolgist, ENT and Allergist should be considered in order to rule out or address these possible problems.
4. Parents and caregivers should try to speak clearly, loudly and have eye contact when teaching the child or communicating to assure that any medical issues with hearing are overcome if possible.
5. Finally, parents should be aware that any infection or allergy may reoccur so the above steps should be continued and follow-up with doctors is important in order to maintain the health of the child and increase the probability that he learns new skills and understands what is being said when you speak to the child.
1. The environment might be structured free of allergens or bacteria in order to reduce the chances of colds or allergies. For example, an air purifier might be utilized, lysol spray may be useful frequently, shampoo the rugs, eliminate the use of pillows that are not hypoallergenic (ex. feather pillows), frequent dusting and cleaning of furniture and changing the air filter.
2. Secondly, during routine self-care skills such as bathing steps should be taken to reduce the likelihood of ear problems allergies or infections. For example, keeping the ears dry after bathing seems to be essential. This can be done by blow drying on a warm or cool setting after the bath, towel drying the hair throughly, using q-tips as instructed by your doctor, combing the hair back away from the ears if it is left damp, using hair pins or headband to keep the hair away from ears.
3. Referrals to Otolgist, ENT and Allergist should be considered in order to rule out or address these possible problems.
4. Parents and caregivers should try to speak clearly, loudly and have eye contact when teaching the child or communicating to assure that any medical issues with hearing are overcome if possible.
5. Finally, parents should be aware that any infection or allergy may reoccur so the above steps should be continued and follow-up with doctors is important in order to maintain the health of the child and increase the probability that he learns new skills and understands what is being said when you speak to the child.
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