He gets irritated when he hears music?

Question

I'm a teacher's assistant at this school and one of our newest students in my pre-k class HATES music class. The first day at school he came back from music in tears, i finally calmed him down and asked what was wrong. I talked to the music teacher later on that day and asked what had happend and she said as soon as the class began he began crying, complaning that 'it hurt'. She asked what hurt and he began holding his ears and sobbing.

We figured he just wasnt having a good day and I wrote a note to his parents, the next day his mother sent a note back saying he was just aggravated because he didnt get any good sleep.

Three months into the school year and the problem persists. I dont know what to do, his mother keeps blaming it on lack of sleep and aggravation and the fact that hes still getting used to the school scene. The school nurse says thats what it probably is but i think its something deeper. He's not exausted because he is very active in the class and not sleepy at al

Answer 1

ear infection?

Answer 2

Autism.

Answer 3

Autism, or a sensory processing problem.  The child should be evaluated.

Answer 4

There may be a sensory issue. Have you asked the parent's how he reacts when they play music at home? A sensitivity to music and sounds does NOT automatically point to autism. Have you noticed any other issues? Does he play with the other children? It may be helpful to have him stand as far away from where the music is coming from. Other than that be persistant with the parents in letting them know that this is an ongoing issue.

Answer 5

My son was a micropremie and was extremely sensitive to certain sounds, still is.   His other friend, also a premie, was very sensitive to tags in clothing and the feeling of certain foods, etc.  I have heard of other children having certain sensory sensitivities as well and they are not necessarily premies.

Yes, this type of hypersensitivity is quite common.

Answer 6

Offer headphones, the kind they wear in factories or when using heavy equipment. Don't force him to attend or participate. Allow him to sit in the back of the room . Consult with an occupational therapist who is trained in sensory issues. It is truly painful to listen to music or loud noises for children who have auditory defensiveness.