6 yo HATES loud noises

[Cocothebear]

My dd turned 6 recently, this has been an ongoing problem since day one but she hates loud noises. I thought it would’ve started to calm down but it might actually be getting worse, I feel like it’s so deep rooted now she’s going to struggle to ever shake it. If she goes into a bathroom she goes to the opposite side of the room to avoid the hand dryer then screams and runs out of if comes on, she’s constantly slamming her hands on her ears when we are out of say a motorbike goes past or the musics a bit loud or someone shouts something. Tonight I stupidly took her to the circus thinking she’d get through it but we left after 5 minutes as she got hysterical. I’ve spoken to the GP and they said it’s fine she will outgrow it, they didn’t seem bothered. Her hearing etc is all normal. Has anyone had this? Any ideas what I can do to help her through this?

What do school say about her behaviour? Is she getting along socially with the other children in the class?

Could ear defenders work when you're out and about?

The school haven’t noticed anything at all, everything else about her is totally normal. We used to put ear defenders on her for fireworks etc.

Yes she gets on with other children well, she does love playing and being on her own though

Just asking about school as reaction to loud noises can be a sign of ASD. I mean, it could be relayed to something else entirely but I've only ever heard of it being associated with ASD

Ah if she likes being on her own, I think it's definitely worth reading up on how ASD presents in girls and seeing if school will refer her to Caudwell Children.

Putting his hands over his ears when noise got loud was one of the things the lady who came to observe my son at school noticed (in assembly) - she suggested ASD and he was later diagnosed aged 10. At 6 he didn't have many obvious differences, don't be surprised if it becomes more obvious as she grows up, you're more likely to get a diagnosis then IMO as she it sounds like she is high functioning (fuck off MN language police).

I agree with not taking her to really loud places and/or ear defenders if she wants to go and can tolerate them.

Yes this is what I’ve always wondered about her, I’ve looked for other signs though and there may be one or two mildly but if it wasn’t for the loud noise thing it wouldn’t cross our minds to get her checked. I wonder if it’s worth it though after tonight….

Thanks @Choconut out of interest do you remember any other things around this age which stood out as a bit different? I don’t really know anything about asd. She’s excelling in every subject is that normal or would I expect her to be up and down depending what it is? Any other advice very welcome, I wonder if it’s worth getting her checked. Thank you

For my DD at that age it was the terrible meltdowns at home that stood out. She managed to behave at school but all hell broke loose once she was home.

Sounds like my dd who is also 6. The noise sensitivity has improved over the years but hand dryers are also still a big issue, still can’t use public toilets. She refuses ear defenders. Also struggles with places like arcades. School have never mentioned any issues, I just keep hoping it just goes away. Sorry I have no advice but wanted you to know you’re not alone.