How does auditory processing works?

Auditory processing is the brain’s ability to:

• notice sound
• filter out background noise
• understand speech
• tell where sound is coming from
• use rhythm and tone
• stay regulated in noisy spaces

When this system works smoothly, people feel settled, focused, and ready to learn or play. When it struggles, their behaviours will often show this.

Why does sound affect our emotions?

When we hear sound, it goes straight to the part of the brain that decides “I’m safe” or “I’m not safe.”

For sensitive nervous systems, this can mean:

• small sounds can feel huge
• sudden noise can trigger fear
• silence feels calming

or:

• loud, rhythmic sound can feel grounding
• music helps regulate emotion
• predictable sound feels safe

Over-responsive

Over-responsive is when sound can feel too much. This happens in children, teens and adults. You might notice:

• Hands over ears
• Avoids noisy places
• Gets upset with sudden sounds
• Startles easily
• Prefers quiet and calm
• Meltdowns or anxiety which is triggered by noise

How to support someone who is over-responsive:

• Noise-reducing headphones
• Reduce background noise
• Warn them before any loud sounds
• Speak slowly with fewer words
• Create a quiet corner at home
• Use soft rhythmic music

Under-responsive

Under-responsive is when sound does not register strongly enough.

• Doesn’t respond to their name right away
• Needs instructions to be repeated
• Turns music up loud
• Seeks noise (hums, taps, bangs)
• Enjoys busy, loud environments
• Struggles to focus without sound

How to support someone who is under-responsive:

• Use songs and rhythms for routines
• Add movement and sound together (clap, drum, stomp)
• Clear, short instructions
• Listening games
• Musical toys or instruments
• Use a sound to cue to get attention