Sound Processing · Filtering · Volume Regulation · Auditory Discrimination. The auditory system filters relevant from irrelevant noise, sequences language, and connects to regulation through the auditory-vagal pathway (Polyvagal Theory).
⚡ In ASD/ADHD the auditory system often struggles to habituate to background noise — ordinary environments feel overwhelming. Systematic desensitisation and structured sound exposure both produce measurable improvements.
Covering earsMeltdowns at noiseHigh-pitch distressHyperacusisAvoiding crowds
Therapeutic Listening Programme
4.1
★★★ Advanced⏱ 30 min × 2/day · 12 wks
🎯 Improve auditory discrimination, filtering, and regulation through electronically modified music
Obtain an iLs (Integrated Listening Systems) or Vital Links Therapeutic Listening kit — must be prescribed by OT
Child wears over-ear headphones specifically designed for the programme
Listen to electronically modified music — frequencies train middle ear muscles
Child engages in a light, self-directed activity during listening (drawing, Lego, beading)
Sessions are 30 minutes, twice per day: morning and late afternoon
Parent/OT tracks responses on a monitoring form weekly; programme adjusted every 2 weeks
💡 TipsEffects build cumulatively — do not skip sessions in the first 4 weeks. Common early responses: increased vocalisation, improved eye contact, improved sleep.
Sound Sensitivity Hierarchy Desensitisation
4.2
★★★ Advanced⏱ 15–20 min · 3×/wk
🎯 Gradually reduce avoidance of specific triggering sounds through systematic exposure
Create an auditory fear hierarchy — list 10 sounds from 'not bothering' to 'most distressing'
Record low-level triggering sounds (e.g., hand dryer) at 50% volume on a tablet
While child does a preferred activity, play the recording at barely audible level (10%) for 2 minutes
Increase volume by 5% each subsequent session — advance only when child shows no distress
Pair the sound with a positive sensory reward immediately after (favourite snack, fidget time)
Progress up the hierarchy once the current sound is fully habituated
💡 TipsNever advance the hierarchy on a day the child is tired, unwell, or already dysregulated. Maintain a progress record — children find their own progress motivating.
Drumming & Rhythm Therapy
4.3
★ Easy⏱ 15–20 min
🎯 Channel auditory seeking into musical output; improve timing, sequencing, and bilateral coordination
Provide a hand drum, djembe, or kitchen pots as a drum kit
Begin with free drumming (2 min) — no instructions, child explores sound and volume
Echo drumming: adult taps a rhythm (3–4 beats), child copies exactly — build to 6-beat patterns
Call and response: adult drums fast, child drums slow in reply; reverse roles
Compose a song: give child a theme ('the rain song') and let them drum an improvised piece
💡 TipsDrumming activates both brain hemispheres and the cerebellum simultaneously — powerful for ADHD attention regulation. Professional music therapy sessions are highly recommended for strong auditory seeking profiles.
Bee Breath (Bhramari) & Humming Exercises
4.4
★ Easy⏱ 5–8 min
🎯 Provide calming auditory-proprioceptive vibrational input; redirect and structure humming behaviour
Child sits comfortably, eyes closed or softly downcast
Place index fingers gently over (not in) the ears — applies gentle pressure
Inhale slowly through the nose (4 counts)
On the exhale, make a long 'mmmmm' humming sound until breath is fully expelled
Feel the vibration in skull, chest, and throat — encourage child to notice where they feel it
Repeat 5–8 cycles; progress to humming a favourite song rather than a tone
💡 TipsBhramari breathing activates the vagus nerve — directly calming the nervous system. Use as a transition tool between high-arousal and low-arousal activities.
Auditory Discrimination Games
4.5
★★ Moderate⏱ 10–15 min
🎯 Build auditory processing — distinguishing, sequencing, and identifying sounds in context
Sound matching: fill 10 containers (identical pairs) with different materials. Shake and match pairs — eyes closed.
Environmental sound bingo: record 12 household sounds. Child listens and ticks them on a bingo card.
Clap syllables: child claps the syllables in their name, then in objects around the room
Whisper game: adult whispers a 3-word instruction — child follows it (builds auditory attention to low-level sound)
Sound sequences: play 3 sounds in order (bell, clap, stamp) — child reproduces the sequence. Add one sound per round.
Near vs far: child identifies whether a sound is near or far away (behind a screen)
💡 TipsProgress from simple (1 step) to complex (4–5 step) sequences across weeks. Auditory discrimination is the foundation for phonological awareness and reading — dual benefit.