Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 11, 2026
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Testing Sensory and Multisensory Function in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Published on: April 22, 2015
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Navigating auditory assessment in autistic individuals: a narrative review
Doris-Eva Bamiou1,2, Silvia Di Bonaventura3, David Skuse4
1Ear Institute, University College London, London, England, UK d.bamiou@ucl.ac.uk.
Archives of Disease in Childhood
|November 17, 2025
Summary
Auditory hypersensitivities are common in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), often presenting before diagnosis. Understanding these auditory symptoms is crucial for early identification and intervention in neurodivergent children.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Audiology
- Developmental Psychology
Background:
- Abnormal sensory responses, particularly auditory hypersensitivities, are a diagnostic criterion for autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
- Children with undiagnosed ASD frequently present with auditory symptoms despite normal hearing.
- Increasing prevalence of neurodivergence highlights the need to recognize these auditory presentations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a theoretical framework for autism-associated auditory nervous system characteristics.
- To emphasize the importance of a multidisciplinary approach for assessing auditory symptoms in ASD.
- To discuss evidence-based management strategies for auditory challenges in autistic individuals.
Main Methods:
- Narrative review of existing literature on autism and auditory processing.
- Discussion of theoretical models for auditory system anomalies in ASD.
- Outline of recommended assessment protocols including history taking, psychoacoustic, and neurophysiological evaluations.
Main Results:
- Autism-associated characteristics can arise within the auditory nervous system, leading to symptoms like hypersensitivity.
- A multidisciplinary approach is essential for comprehensive assessment.
- Auditory symptoms can be the primary presenting problem in autistic children, often preceding formal diagnosis.
Conclusions:
- Audiologists and clinicians must recognize auditory-related symptoms as potential indicators of ASD.
- Early and accurate identification of auditory symptoms can facilitate timely diagnosis and intervention.
- Integrated assessment and management strategies are vital for supporting autistic individuals with auditory challenges.
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