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Childhood autism and auditory system abnormalities

Magdalini Hitoglou1, Athina Ververi, Alexandros Antoniadis

  • 1Unit of Communication Disabilities, 1st ENT Department, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54622 Thessaloniki, Greece.

Pediatric Neurology
|April 20, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Children with autism often experience hearing disorders, impacting communication. Early auditory assessments are crucial for intervention planning and improving outcomes for these children.

Area of Science:

  • Neurodevelopmental Disorders
  • Auditory Neuroscience
  • Pediatric Audiology

Background:

  • Hearing disorders are prevalent in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
  • These auditory issues range from hearing loss to hypersensitivity, worsening communication deficits.
  • Early auditory evaluation is vital for intervention and prognosis in ASD.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the significance of auditory abnormalities in children with autism.
  • To underscore the role of early auditory assessment in ASD management.
  • To summarize findings on the neurobiological underpinnings of auditory processing deficits in ASD.

Main Methods:

  • Review of physiologic, pathologic, imaging, and neurochemical studies.
  • Analysis of audiologic stimuli perception and processing in ASD.
  • Examination of maturational, lateralization, and neurochemical factors.

Main Results:

  • Identified diverse hearing disorders in children with autism, including peripheral and sensorineural deficits.
  • Observed auditory hypersensitivity and unusual sound reactions.
  • Found evidence of maturational defects, atypical lateralization, and serotonin dysfunction in auditory processing.

Conclusions:

  • Auditory abnormalities significantly impact communication in children with autism.
  • Early and comprehensive auditory assessment is essential for effective intervention strategies.
  • Neurobiological aberrations in auditory pathways contribute to the challenges faced by children with ASD.

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