CAPD and Autism
Research consistently shows that CAPD commonly co-exists with autism, yet it remains widely overlooked. Many pediatricians, neuropsychologists, and other professionals are unfamiliar with CAPD and rarely screen for it. With greater awareness of its hallmark traits, an accurate diagnosis of CAPD becomes more attainable and appropriate supports can be put in place.
What the Research Says
Hazen et al. found that abnormalities in response to sensory stimuli — including auditory — occur at high rates in individuals with autism. Ocak et al. further identified that:
- Most children with autism have some degree of sensory dysfunction
- Central auditory processing disorders may be among the most severely affected areas in ASD
- CAPD has long been underestimated in the autism population
- Greater focus on CAPD and its impact is overdue
CAPD and Autism Venn Diagram (PDF)
Authoritative Perspective
Alyson Mountjoy, Founder of UK Support with over 20 years of experience supporting families with CAPD, summarizes the current understanding: "It now seems widely accepted that everyone with Autism has a measure of APD."
Signs a CAPD Evaluation May Be Warranted
Consider pursuing a CAPD evaluation if any of the following apply:
- Sounds feel overwhelming. One of the most reported experiences in individuals with autism and CAPD is sensitivity to sound (both soft and loud) along with difficulty filtering out competing background noise. Too often, this sensitivity is attributed solely to autism. But that may not be the case. For many individuals with autism, sound sensitivity is better explained by CAPD and recognizing that distinction matters for getting the right support.
- Classroom difficulties persist. Difficulty following verbal instructions and trouble staying focused may be signs of an underlying central auditory processing difficulty, not simply inattention or lack of effort.
- Social or emotional frustration is present. For individuals with CAPD, social situations and group settings can be exhausting. When auditory input becomes overwhelming, individuals may shut down or act out, not out of defiance, but out of auditory overload.
- Behavioral concerns and/or anxiety is present. Behavior is communication. When a child appears noncompliant, it often means they didn't fully understand what was asked or they've simply run out of capacity. Anxiety, meltdowns, and emotional outbursts can all be responses to the exhaustion and confusion that auditory overload creates.
- Difficulty with changes and routine occur. When CAPD is present, changes in routine can feel especially disruptive. Knowing what to expect reduces the cognitive load of an already demanding auditory environment, making structure a source of stability and ease.
A Note for Families
Getting the correct diagnosis matters. When CAPD goes unidentified, individuals are often mislabeled and their difficulties misread as defiance or inattention. A formal diagnosis can help demonstrate that the child’s struggles are due to an inefficient auditory system and are not behavioral or intentional.
Client Testimonial
We are in receipt of the ear filter and it could not be more life-altering. My son wore it all day on the first day and hasn’t had to be reminded once since. His anxiety and seemingly manic behavior have almost entirely disappeared. He says, ‘Only all the positive words in every language on Earth could describe how life-changing my filter is!’ Thank you for all you do!
"Our children can be our greatest teachers if we are humble enough to receive their lessons." - Bryan McGill
If we listen to and observe our children, they will tell us everything we need to know about how they are impacted by their auditory environment. The classic behaviors associated with CAPD are easy to identify, if one understands what to look for. CAPD should be considered and investigated when there are concerns and indicators to do so.
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