Living near military installations brings unique sensory challenges for families of children with autism. The sudden, intense roar of fighter jets and other military aircraft can be more than just a momentary disruption—for many children with sensory sensitivities, these sounds can trigger significant distress, anxiety, and sensory overload.
Understanding the Impact
Aircraft noise affects children with autism differently than their neurotypical peers for several important reasons:
Sensory processing differences: Many children with autism process sensory information differently, often experiencing sounds more intensely or finding it difficult to filter background noise.
Unpredictability: While flight patterns may be somewhat regular, the precise timing of aircraft overhead is rarely predictable, making it difficult to prepare.
Intensity: Military aircraft, particularly fighter jets, produce sounds that can exceed 100 decibels—well above the threshold that most humans find uncomfortable.
Vibration: Aircraft noise often includes physical vibrations that can be felt throughout the body, adding another sensory dimension to the experience.
Parents often report that their children react to aircraft noise with a range of responses, from covering their ears and becoming distressed to experiencing full meltdowns, hiding, or refusing to go outside. These reactions aren’t behavioral problems but natural responses to genuine sensory distress.
Preparation Strategies
While you can’t eliminate aircraft noise, you can implement strategies to help your child cope more effectively:
Create Predictability When Possible
- Research common flight patterns and times in your area
- Check military installation websites for information about scheduled training exercises or increased flight activity
- Create simple social stories about aircraft sounds that explain what causes them
- Use visual supports to show when noisy periods are most likely
- Watch flight tracking apps together to predict when planes might be passing overhead
Develop a “Noise Action Plan”
Work with your child to create a specific plan for when loud aircraft are heard:
- Identify safe, comfortable spaces in your home
- Create noise kits with headphones, earplugs, or sound machines
- Establish clear, simple steps to follow when noise occurs
- Practice the plan during calm times
- Create visual supports showing the steps
Environmental Modifications
Make your home environment more sound-resistant:
- Use white noise machines or fans to create consistent background sound
- Consider window treatments designed for sound absorption
- Add soft furnishings like rugs, curtains, and fabric wall hangings to reduce echo
- Create designated “quiet zones” with extra sound protection
- Position beds and study areas away from areas most affected by flyover noise
In-the-Moment Support
When aircraft noise occurs, these strategies can help reduce distress:
Immediate Sensory Tools
Have ready-to-use sensory supports available:
- Noise-canceling headphones (keep these charged and accessible)
- Earplugs designed for sensitive individuals
- Favorite comfort items that provide sensory regulation
- Weighted blankets or pressure vests that can provide calming input
- Sound-based apps that allow children to control their auditory environment
Calming Communication
Your response greatly influences how your child processes the experience:
- Remain calm and matter-of-fact about the noise
- Use simple, reassuring language: “That’s just an airplane. It will be quiet again soon.”
- Validate feelings without amplifying them: “I hear that loud sound too. It’s OK to cover your ears.”
- Give information about duration when possible: “The plane will be gone in about 30 seconds”
- Use visual timers to show when the noise will likely end
Redirection Techniques
Help shift attention from the distressing sound:
- Engage in preferred activities that naturally mask or compete with the noise
- Use visual attention focusing tools like light spinners or favorite videos
- Try gentle physical activity that provides proprioceptive input
- Create designated “aircraft activities” that are special and only brought out during noisy periods
- Use sound-making toys or instruments that give your child control over sound
Building Tolerance Over Time
With consistent support, many children can develop increased tolerance to aircraft noise:
Gradual Exposure
Systematic desensitization can be effective when carefully implemented:
- Begin with recorded aircraft sounds at very low volumes during calm, pleasant activities
- Gradually increase volume while providing positive experiences
- Create predictable exposure rather than waiting for unpredictable real events
- Pair sound exposure with highly preferred activities or rewards
- Move to real-world exposure only when comfort with recordings is established
Cognitive Approaches
For verbal children, developing helpful thinking patterns can increase resilience:
- Create positive or neutral narratives about aircraft: “Those planes help keep people safe”
- Develop coping statements: “The sound is loud but doesn’t hurt me”
- Practice positive self-talk: “I can handle loud sounds”
- Create personalized social stories about successfully managing aircraft noise
- Celebrate and document successful coping experiences
Supporting Different Age Groups
Tailor your approach to your child’s developmental level:
Young Children (Ages 3-6)
- Use simple, concrete explanations
- Employ favorite characters in stories about handling loud sounds
- Create simple visual aids showing what to do when planes are heard
- Focus on immediate comfort rather than lengthy explanations
- Use pretend play to practice coping with loud sounds
School-Age Children (Ages 7-12)
- Provide more detailed explanations about why military aircraft make noise
- Involve children in creating their own noise management plans
- Introduce more sophisticated sensory regulation tools
- Connect aircraft noise management to other coping skills being developed
- Use special interests to increase engagement with coping strategies
When More Support Is Needed
If aircraft noise continues to cause significant distress despite consistent strategies:
- Consult with an occupational therapist specializing in sensory processing
- Consider cognitive-behavioral approaches with a therapist experienced in autism and anxiety
- Explore temporary relocation during intensive training periods if possible
- Investigate noise mitigation programs offered by some military installations
- Discuss with medical providers if anxiety management supports might be helpful during high-noise periods
Developing Strategies
Living near military installations presents unique challenges for families of children with autism, but with thoughtful preparation, consistent support, and gradual skill-building, many children can develop effective coping strategies. Remember that responses to intense noise are physiological, not behavioral, and deserve compassionate support rather than discipline.
By implementing targeted strategies and remaining flexible in your approach, you can help your child navigate this sensory challenge while building valuable coping skills that will serve them throughout life.
For personalized support in developing sensory strategies specifically designed for your child’s needs, contact Norfolk Autism Center at (757) 777-3229. Our team understands the unique challenges faced by families in military communities and can help you develop effective approaches for your specific situation.
