2022 Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Virtual Conference
March 13 - 15, 2022
Co-Occurrence of Hearing Loss and Autism Spectrum Disorder: Delays in Identification and Lack of Access to Care/Services
Hearing loss and autism spectrum disorder have the potential to impact speech and language development. Presentation of hearing loss and autism spectrum disorder tends to vary greatly from child to child. Some studies indicate that hearing loss is up to three times more common in children with autism when compared to the general population. Additionally, there is a higher prevalence of autism among children who are deaf/hard of hearing. In children with co-occurring autism and hearing loss, it may be difficult to identify both conditions as some features can overlap. This can lead to a missed diagnosis and, subsequently, delays in proper intervention. Misdiagnosis can occur in children who show characteristics of hearing loss and/or autism if both conditions are not assessed. The rate of co-occurrence can be challenging to determine for a number of factors.
It is imperative to determine if features such as language delays, developmental delays, sensory sensitivities, and behavioral concerns are related to hearing loss, autism, or both. Early identification and proper diagnosis increase the chance for a child to develop language and communication skills. An interdisciplinary approach is key to diagnosing hearing loss and autism spectrum disorder and ensuring that the child receives intervention services that support their needs. The goals of this literature review are to investigate the prevalence of children with co-occurring hearing loss and autism spectrum disorder and identify factors that delay dual diagnosis, contribute to misdiagnoses, and prevent a child from receiving early intervention services.
- Discuss the prevalence of co-occurring hearing loss and autism spectrum disorder
- Highlight the importance of completing audiologic evaluations in children who are diagnosed with or show signs of autism spectrum disorder
- Discuss barriers to services and effects of late identification
Poster:
3353554_15110SamanthaEspinal.pdf
Presenter: Samantha Espinal
Samantha Espinal is a third-year audiology student at Gallaudet University and the current audiology Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) trainee at the Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore, MD. She completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Florida, where she majored in communication sciences and disorders and minored in linguistics and disabilities in society. Samantha is passionate about pediatric audiology, the newborn hearing screening program, and improving healthcare accessibility.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
No relevant financial relationship exist.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exist.
Holly Duncan is a pediatric audiologist and preceptor at Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore, MD. She has been a pediatric audiologist for 7.5 years. Holly is a 2014 audiology graduate of Gallaudet University. In addition, Holly has a bachelors degree in Deaf/Hard of Hearing Education and Elementary Education.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
No relevant financial relationship exist.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exist.
Sarah Ellis is a pediatric audiologist and preceptor for audiology trainees at the Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore, MD. She is a graduate of the Au.D. program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
Nonfinancial -
Amy is the Director of Audiology at the Kennedy Krieger Institute. She has worked as a pediatric audiologist for over 20 years. She received a B.S. in Hearing and Speech Science from Towson University and an M.A. in Audiology at the University of Maryland. She also received an Au.D. from Arizona School for Health Sciences.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
No relevant financial relationship exist.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exist.