To ask if you have any experience of ear bud type ear plugs/noise mufflers for kids

[GilbertMarkham]

My dd is suspected to have some asd traits. One of them is getting stressed by lots of loud noise. She's in a class of 32 (primary 2) and is apparently being bothered by the noise of the kids, esp when trying to focus on something, and also puts her hands over her ears when the bell rings.

(To be fair, I myself jump when that bell rings - and I'm outside the school doing drop off or collection, it's piercing).

The teacher has suggested ear defenders. I don't think any other kids are wearing them and I worry that it will really set her apart and make her conspicuous and perhaps even vulnerable to teasing/bullying. (This is not me just being pessimistic, I know they comment on a little girl there who has some additional needs and has her own teaching assistant, re. her continued use of nappies in P1 and some of her behaviour etc. My dd told me about what they say, they're cruel).

Ive seen ear bud style noise reducers but are they ok for kids as young as 6 (I can't seem to see that on the manufacturers website) and have any kids you know whove tried them found them effective and comfortable?

There is a quiet area they can go to but I don't thinkmitll feasible all the time.

Not specifically aimed at kids but I use Happy Ears ear plugs. They're made from silicone & come in different sizes, very comfortable. Would recommend

My son aged 11 has autism and loves the Loop earplugs - he’s got several different types, quiet ones for sleeping (sometimes it noisy where we live at bedtime) and experience ones for class - he’s in a sen school but finds the noises of the other pupils difficult. I think you’re just going to have to order some and try them. I’m on sen forum and lots of the parents say their children prefer the Flare brand ones but Ds hated those and said it felt like he wasn’t even wearing any.

I would apply for an ehcp for your child if you haven’t already - even if they are academically managing their sensory needs would warrant one. If you get one now it will make it easier for them as they get towards secondary.

Also, as a side note if you are aware of things the other children are saying about a child with sen please tell the teacher about this; they may not be aware and you could potentially change the situation for that child and your own.

Thank you so much for the suggestions, I've ordered. Loops but I might order the others as well.

I've already told the teacher about the bullying.