Autism and auditory processing challenges can present many similar characteristics. As a result, accurately identifying the underlying cause requires careful, comprehensive transition assessment plan. Due to the similarities, best practice involves a multidisciplinary team, which may include psychologists, speech–language pathologists, audiologists, and educators.
Each professional contributes a different perspective, helping determine whether behaviors are best explained by autism, auditory processing differences, or a combination of both.
Shared Characteristics
Autism and auditory processing challenges may involve many of the same observable traits, including:
- Difficulty understanding verbal information
- Inattention or appearing not to listen
- Delayed responses to spoken language
- Difficulty following directions
- Challenges with reading and listening comprehension
- Difficulty interpreting social cues
- Under- or over-sensitivity to sound
Because these traits can arise from different underlying processes, assessment professionals must look beyond surface-level observations to identify root causes.
Once evaluation data is collected, an educational diagnostician or similar specialist can help integrate findings across disciplines to guide the appropriate supports.
Ways to Test for Autism or Auditory Processing Challenges
Professionals use a range of assessment tools to better understand a student’s profile. No single test provides a complete answer—results are interpreted within a broader clinical context.
Let’s take a closer look at some assessments to understand what they are and how they work.
CARS®2
The Childhood Autism Rating Scale, Second Edition (CARS2) is a standardized observational tool used to help identify autism and evaluate symptom severity.
It combines direct observation with structured rating scales, allowing clinicians to assess behaviors related to social communication, emotional responses, and adaptability. Because it is based on observed behavior, it provides important context alongside caregiver and teacher reports.
SCQ®
The Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ) is a brief caregiver-report screening tool used to identify behaviors associated with autism.
It consists of 40 yes/no items and can typically be completed in under 10 minutes. The SCQ is available in two forms: a Lifetime version, which captures developmental history, and a Current version, which focuses on recent behavior.
While the SCQ does not provide a diagnosis, it is widely used to determine whether a more comprehensive autism evaluation is needed. Its efficiency and ease of use make it a common first step in the assessment process.
TOD®
The Tests of Dyslexia (TOD) provides a deeper understanding of reading and language-based learning differences that may contribute to classroom challenges.
Designed for individuals ages 5 through adulthood, the TOD evaluates reading, spelling, linguistic processing, and reasoning. It includes a screener, an early assessment, and a comprehensive diagnostic battery, allowing practitioners to identify both risk and severity.
In addition to direct testing, the TOD incorporates input from caregivers and teachers, helping to place results within real-world contexts. This makes it especially useful in determining whether a student’s difficulties are related to dyslexia rather than—or in addition to—autism or auditory processing differences.
Auditory Processing and Autism
Research shows that auditory processing differences are common among autistic individuals and can affect multiple areas of functioning. These differences may include:
- Misophonia
- Hyper-sensitivity
- Phonophobia
- Decreased sound tolerance
- Decreased filtering of noise
- Difficulties with speech‐in‐noise
- Reduced adaptation to background acoustic environments
- Temporal or other neurological differences (Poulsen et al., 2024)
Furthermore, studies indicate that autistic auditory processing is much more complex and intricate than previously understood (Muskett et al., 2019). There is now evidence to suggest that autistic auditory attributes may influence broader cognitive and behavioral domains. These include social communication, language, focused interests, and stimming.
Why Accurate Differentiation Matters
Distinguishing between autism and auditory processing challenges is essential for providing appropriate support.
While some individuals experience only one, co-occurrence is common. Research suggests that more than half of autistic individuals experience decreased sound tolerance (Williams et al., 2021).
Without accurate identification, auditory challenges may be misinterpreted as behavioral issues, while autism-related differences may be overlooked. In either case, supports may not effectively address the individual’s needs.
A comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach ensures that interventions are targeted, appropriate, and responsive to the full range of a student’s experiences.
Photo: Tara Winstead via Pexels
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