Which are the best headphones for autistic toddlers?
“Children with autism tend to be hypersensitive to sounds, so noise-canceling or sound-reducing headphones can be beneficial for reducing sensory overload,” says Ashleigh Evans, BCBA and content creator at Blue ABA Indiana.
“Noise-canceling headphones can be dangerous in certain situations, as the child may not hear important information like a fire alarm or a caregiver calling their name. However, noise-reducing headphones reduce the level of noise, but only to a safe level.”
How much a toddler with autism should use headphones?
Even the best toddler headphones may need to be modified for a toddler with autism.
“As long as the headphones are not impeding the toddler’s ability to take in environmental stimuli and communicate with those around them, they are safe to use throughout the day, Evans says.
“Try out a few different types of headphones to find the best fit and type for the child, as sensory challenges may also result in them finding headphones (or anything on their ears or head) aversive.”
Looking for more sensory soothers? These weighted blankets for kids with ADHD, autism and anxiety work wonders.
What decibel levels are safe for toddlers?
“The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that children’s headphones should have a volume limit of 85 decibels or less,” Walker adds.
“This is the same as the maximum volume level recommended for adults to listen to for no more than eight hours per day.”
What is the best style of headphones for toddlers?
Little listeners need over-the-head-and-ear headphones rather than earbuds. Earbuds are simply too small (and potentially dangerous as they’re choking hazards) for little ones.
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