Prevalência de hipersensibilidade auditiva em pessoas com Transtorno do Espectro Autista

Abstract

Introduction: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in communication, impairments in interaction and 1 Graduanda em Fonoaudiologia pela Universidade Federal da Paraíba. 2 Fonoaudióloga. Mestre em Linguística pela Universidade Federal da Paraíba. Especialista em Linguagem pelo Conselho Federal de Fonoaudiologia. 3 Fonoaudiólogo. Professor Associado II do Departamento de Fonoaudiologia da Universidade Federal da Paraíba. Doutor em Linguística pela Universidade Federal da Paraíba. Especialista em Audiologia pelo Conselho Federal de Fonoaudiologia. 2 interpersonal relationships, restricted and stereotyped interests. Among other characteristics presented by people with ASD, there is an important hypersensitivity to sensory stimuli, such as sound stimuli. Auditory hypersensitivity is characterized by discomfort to sounds with certain characteristics, including hyperacusis, misophonia and phonophobia. Aim: To investigate the prevalence of auditory hypersensitivity in people with ASD. Methods: A questionnaire was applied using Google Forms, with 28 people with ASD or their guardians, containing questions regarding socio demographic data and auditory hypersensitivity, as well as its characteristics. The study was approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee of the Health Sciences Center of the Federal University of Paraíba. Results: Auditory hypersensitivity was reported by 85.71% of participants, among whom 95.83% were hypersensitive to loud sounds and 87.5% to weak sounds. In general, 96.43% become agitated or disorganized when disturbed by sound, expressing irritability and stress. However, 85.71% accept musical instruments and activities. Conclusion: Auditory hypersensitivity is a recurring complaint among people with ASD and causes negative reactions of agitation, disorganization, difficulty paying attention, stress and irritability, which negatively impact their quality of life. Adults tend to use more strategies to cope with this sensory-perceptual change.