Ear defenders?

[SausageinaBun]

My 9yo DD has some neurodiversity, she's got ADHD and dysgraphia. She also has some sensory issues - things with clothes, food and most recently she's become sensitive to some noises. She can hear things that I don't notice, dislikes hearing planes, hates noisier tube lines and can't cope with loud music.

Is it better to get her ear defenders for noises situations or encourage her to get used to noises?

I think she needs to have both options though I’d go with noise cancelling headphones.

I would also go with noise cancelling headphones. Some with sensory processing difficulties cannot learn to get used to noises, and forcing the issue can lead to distress and dysregulation.

What about loop earplugs? They've very popular at ds's school for kids that can't cope with noise and much more discreet.

I recommend ear defenders

But if your DD has sensory issues I would definitely consider autism assessment. Its not always as obvious in girls

I really don't think she has autism. She's good at forming and maintaining friendships and has no communication issues. It's just the sensory stuff, which can definitely run alongside ADHD.

Autism is harder to spot in girls because she can mask it. But sensory issues are more common in autism rather than ADHD. So don't rule it out.

I don't think there's any point ruling it in at the moment, she'd never get diagnosed with autism as she currently is, as she doesn't meet the diagnostic criteria, what with not having social or communication difficulties. She has a diagnosis of adhd, because she does meet the criteria for that.