Misophonia

[EatGrapes]

Was hoping for advice from anyone with experience having a child with misophonia. My Dd (12 yrs) is getting progressively worse tolerating certain noises. It first started when she was around 9 years old, but didn't really impact her daily life. For the past couple of years I fear it is getting progressively worse and I don't really know what, if anything, I can do to help.

Examples of how it is causing issues:

In year six the teachers allowed her to sit in the hallway for exams, this was because the classroom was too quiet and therefore the sound of pens scribbling, people breathing etc. was more noticeable and the teachers noticed she was visibly distressed.

This year she has refused to go on a school trip as the thought of sharing a room with people and listening to them breath was too much.

She spends most car journeys with her hands over her ears to block out noise of other occupants.

In a cafe yesterday I noticed she was involuntarily twitching at the noise of people eating.

I have to say she is very good at trying to deal with it herself, she takes herself out of situations, wears headphones or earplugs and seems to understand it is something she is dealing with as opposed to people making noises on purpose. She does say the noises make her feel angry.

We haven't yet addressed it properly, mainly because I don't want to make her feel self conscious, but am aware it seems to be escalating and want to look into ways we can help.

Any insights much appreciated.

With neuro diversity, this may be true. But NT people can overcome sensory/stimulatory overload/overwhelm.

Only just back to check this thread, thanks for all the responses, lots of things to think about. Hope those of you suffering yourselves or with DC in the same boat find a way of coping too.

Have a chat with Therese Langford of www.facebook.com/calmmindhypnotherapy - she specialise in child's mental health and this is something she'll be able to help with.

op under the disability discrimination act school have to make reasonable accommodations based on need not on diagnosis. I know many autistic children, who haven’t a formal diagnosis, but they’re allowed to wear ear defenders and have other adjustments to make their lives easier.

Thank you, this is very helpful to know

@stealthninjamum do you know if that would include in exam conditions? One of my concerns is that things are heightened for Dd when a room is quiet, like during exams, as this is when breathing, sniffing, clicking of pens etc. is even more obvious.

I think I got the act wrong, I thinks it the Equality Act 2010

i have been reading this document to see what special arrangements my autistic daughters could have at school as they have sensory issues

www.jcq.org.uk/exams-office/access-arrangements-and-special-consideration/

my youngest is diagnosed with this and likely also autistic but not assessed for autism. It usually starts as you go into puberty and she was textbook and quite extreme. She cannot eat with us or sit and watch a film together. She is very distressed if she loses her headphones ever. She is 16 now. We have to book her own room if on holiday which is very annoying/ expensive. None of us allowed to hum/ sing in house. Hey shouted at to turn radio off, stop breathing, stop chewing, coughing etc etc. It is hard work for everybody and I hope it gets better for her with age

Try Loop earplugs - I am just getting a pair for myself on the recommendation of a friend.
You can return them up to 100 days so may be worth a go.

I have Misophonia and I was always mocked for it. My biggest trigger is people eating loudly and my family when I was younger would purposely smack their lips together.

I think you're being really understanding and it'll mean so much to her x

I've had a conversation with Dd this morning, we're both currently home with covid 🤒and I could tell my constant throat clearing was getting to her, she was happy to put on her headphones and listen to music but seemed a good opportunity to broach the subject.

She has said the teachers at school are happy for her to wear her earplugs whenever she feels the need. I mentioned this might not be allowed in exam conditions, and we could perhaps look at going to see a doctor at some point to see if there was any other things that might help, she was open to this but said she is OK for now. I reassured her that we are understanding and she can say when things are getting too much (I occasionally feel like stabbing Dh with my folk when he's eating, so do have some empathy!).

Sorry your family weren't more understanding PinkButtercups, I know Dds siblings find it hard work at times, particularly when having to share a room when on holiday for example, but thankfully are generally very accommodating, last time we went away her sister offered to sleep on the sofa to make things easier.

@Pekkala think I will order some now to try, nothing to lose!

I mentioned this might not be allowed in exam conditions,

If necessary for GCSEs you may be able to apply for access arrangements which could involve taking her exams in a room on her own. She would have an invigilator with her, but may be more manageable. Don't rule out earplugs, if they can be checked by an invigilator for any signs of tampering or listening devices (yes, really!) it may also be considered an access arrangement.