Autism and Deafness

Just as deaf children will attain different levels of language mastery, it is likely that there is a similar variance with deaf autistic children.  Although they may use language successfully in some contexts it is always important to check understanding especially in a social communication context or when it pertains to idioms, emotions and theory of mind.

Types of hearing loss

Deafness or hearing loss can occur in one or both ears, can be permanent or temporary and is defined by which part of the ear is affected (type of loss) and by the level of the loss of hearing.

Conductive loss occurs in the outer and middle ear and some can be treated. Sensorineural hearing loss, known as nerve deafness, occurs in the inner ear usually in the cochlea or beyond in the auditory nerve.  This is a permanent loss.

Beals, K. (2004) Early Intervention in Deafness and Autism: One Family’s Experiences, Reflections and Recommendations. Infants and Young Children 17 (4) 284 – 296.

Borders, C. M. Bock, S.,J. & Probst K.M. (2016) A Review of  Educational Practices for  Deaf/Hard of Hearing Students with Comorbid Autism Deafness and Education International 18(4) 189 – 205.

McCay,V. & Rhodes, A (2009) Deafness and Autistic Spectrum Disorders. American Annals of the Deaf 154, No1, 2009.

Primary Case Study - Child 1

Background

Peter is 5 and a half at the time of writing.  He was diagnosed deaf at the age of 3.  He has a profound loss in one ear and a mild loss in the other.  He was given hearing aids and investigations into the cause of deafness and cmv was cited.  From the start he was not keen to wear his hearing aids and despite consistent efforts and a desensitising programme he does not wear any amplification equipment.  He enjoys wearing a hat.

Diagnosis

The British Association of Teachers of the Deaf hosts an email forum for ToDs and those interested in deaf education and who may seek ideas, opinions and discussion on arange of topics of interest.

If you wish to share information or discussion on Autism and deafness via the Teacher of the Deaf forum you may join the ToD Forum.

Safety is often a concern when out and about both because of deafness but also because the child may have little understanding of danger.  Additionally behaviour in an open space is often a greater challenge. parents may be reluctant to expose children to everyday experiences because they may be embarrassed or fearful that their child’s behaviour does not meet social convention.

Social stories can help prepare children for different contexts. Radio aids can help families to stay in speech touch at a distance.

An Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) refers to difficulty processing what is heard.  APD is characterised by poor perception of speech and non-speech sounds.  APD has its origin in impaired neural function and impacts on life through a reduced ability to listen [BSA APD SIG 2011].

In most cases hearing is normal but sometimes APD can occur in the presence of a hearing impairment.  It is more challenging to assess APD in the presence of a hearing impairment.  Your audiologist will be able to provide more information about this.

Vision and Hearing Loss:

Potential problems with vision and hearing need to be systematically investigated and ruled out.

http://www.rnib.org.uk

Articles on autism

Allman, M. J., & DeLeon, I. G. (2009). “No Time Like the Present”: Time Perception in Autism. In Giordano, A. C. et al. (Eds.), Causes and Risks for Autism (65 – 76). Nova Science Publishers, Inc.

Asperger, H. (1991). Autistic Psychopathy in Childhood. In U. Frith (Ed.), Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome (37 - 91). Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press (Original work published in German in 1944).

Early Years Case Study  - Child 1

Background

Deafness

Level of Loss – Bilateral moderate to severe sensorineural loss

Diagnosis – Newborn screening

Born at full term following healthy pregnancy. Good delivery – no complications.

Type of equipment – BTE Oticon Synergy hearing aids,