Covering Ears - Autism Spectrum Message Board

shimmy17 · 06-02-2007, 10:37 PM

my ds diagnosed with pdd-nos at 18 months is now 2 1/2 and has been covering his ears for about 6 weeks. it started out slowly but now he does it so often. he can do it for any reason. he could wake up and do it, he can be playing and do it he can be smiling and happy and do it. when i try to take his hands down he freaks out. i had his ears, teeth checked and nothing.
last night he went to bed by 9:30 woke up at 12:30 and stayed up until 4:00 am with his ears covered. when i looked at him b/f he woke up he was in the same position.
i am totally freaking out and am considering a cat scan ( but have to talk to neurologist first) any body out there have this happen to their child?

Liamsmom · 06-03-2007, 06:36 AM

Lots of Kids on the spectrum have sensory issues, and perhaps there is a sound that you've filtered out as a a normal everyday sound that is bothering him. A hum from a power line, crickets, or sirens etc. you just never know. however it's still always a good idea to get it checked out.

Brandiof4 · 06-04-2007, 10:54 AM

That does indeed sound like a sensory issue. If your son has not been diagnosed yet that is the first step. I just made this suggestion at earlier thread: Well first talk to your Pediatrician, all though many including mine didn’t think my child was Autistic, but I went to my local Regional Center (Far northern Regional Center). They are the ones who diagnose and provide services. If you go to the site [url]www.learningaswegoautism.com[/url] under references they have web addresses to the Regional Centers, ARC and Autism society. They should know how to find help for you in your community. Even if your Pediatrician does not suspect Autism and you want a second opinion, He or she should know where to go to find out and normally you do not need a doctor’s referral.
Brandi

ruby41 · 06-08-2007, 03:13 AM

My son has started to cover his ears as well. I couldn't work out why. A couple of days ago I moved his hand away and his ear had turned red when I touched it it was very hot. There was apparantely no reason for this. Has this ever happened to your son?