How does white noise help those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD), autism, sensory integration and learning disabilities?
The benefit of white noise for anyone is that it can help lessen the noisy distractions of one’s physical environment. That’s why it’s used to help people relax, sleep, and concentrate better. Individuals with ADD/ADHD, hyperactivity, impulsiveness and other similar disabilities are more easily distracted by different sights and sounds within their surroundings. By masking or cancelling out extraneous sounds, white noise can be a very effective part of an overall program to promote greater focus, concentration, and productivity, as well as improved interpersonal behavior. ADD/ADHD is recognized as a disability under federal legislation (the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; the Americans With Disabilities Act; and the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act). White noise may be an appropriate and reasonable accommodation at school for children with ADD/ADHD, and in the workplace for adults with ADD/ADHD.
