I recently spoke with Clara's occupational therapist, Claudia, about how it seems that some senses--especially her auditory sense--have become more pronounced recently. Claudia felt that it was really a good thing because it's showing that she is more aware of them and can therefore cope with them more easily.
For example, Clara holds her hands over her ears frequently, which she never did as of a month or so ago. She has done/does this upon hearing the following:
thunder
sausage sizzling in the pan
loud laughter
airplanes, etc.
cereal crunching in her mouth
loud music
vacuum
the "thunder" and "rain" in the produce department
I think sometimes she does it as an experiment (like with the cereal), and other times it is a defense mechanism. It is most upsetting/shocking when it's a sudden, unexpected noise, as noises often are. She sometimes asks us to stop laughing and says, "Don't do that." Thunder is now a dreaded occurrence and she often asks before bed, "The thunder won't come on, right?"
I remember as a baby, she would startle so easily--you'd sneeze and she'd jump a mile. Of course, I didn't think much of it then, although I thought it was interesting. I had previously thought that perhaps this auditory sense issue was getting worse recently, but I think her OT is right--she is just growing more aware of sounds and is learning to identify them, even though some are upsetting to her. She is often immediately distracted when she hears anything (things that I tune out), like a motorcycle going by, or the wind on the windows, or anything like that.
One fascinating aspect of all of this is her absolute love of music. She wants to listen to it all the time--in the car, at home, etc. I taught her how to turn on the CD player at home and she'll just turn it on and sit on the couch, reading books and listening. She likes classical, country (she loves an old Dixie Chicks CD), some big band stuff, pop, Broadway (she'll ask, "Can I listen to the Broadway CD?"), and of course her kid music.
(Clara made a little nest to snuggle in while listening to her music.)I love it that she loves music, and especially that she is learning to sing on pitch. Of course I loved her singing before that, but I confess as a music lover myself I am a bit relieved . . .
Clara will finally be getting a speech evaluation in November--I made the appointment a couple of months ago and that was the earliest opening (!)--and I am curious to see/ask for an audiology exam. I'll be interested to find out what more, if anything, I can do to help her cope. The therapist we'll be going to does music therapy as well. We'll see what happens, and in the meantime, we'll stick around and enjoy the ride.
For Clara's sake, preferably a quiet, peaceful ride.
