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Autism Sensory Symptoms: "I can be loud but everyone else must be quiet!"


Why in the world do some individuals with autism feel great about being loud themselves but balk at the slightest noise from others? How frustrating! How confusing!


The answer is relatively simple. Many on the spectrum feel very sensitive to unexpected noises or unexpected qualities of sound (like rhythm or pitch). Some are very specific about not wanting to hear particular syncopations or volume shifts. When the autistic individual is creating the sounds, his brain expects each one. There is no startle response or upsetting combination of tones.


The same is true for listening preferences for music or other media. The autistic will often choose things to listen to that are repetitive and predictable, or that fall into a known genre.


"Why, why, why does the individual on the spectrum insist in that way?" we may ask. It seems unreasonable, picky, and controlling. But ask yourself why you loathe the noise of nails on a chalkboard. Most of us can't stand the sound. At the same time, it's much harder to explain why. Our brains don't like it. It's as confusing and straightforward as that.


Have you explored the website? Check out the many pages dedicated toward clinicians, autistic adults, and family members. You can read articles, find the podcast, or book sessions with Dr. Regan directly through the website. Have additional questions? Feel free to email Dr. Regan and her team using the contact form. 

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  • Can Dr. Regan suggest a provider in my state?
    Dr. Regan does not maintain a nationwide list of referral options at this time.
  • As a professional clinician, can I schedule an appointment with Dr. Regan?
    Dr. Regan offers various training opportunities for clinicians. Visit the "For Clinicians" page on her website for details on professional consultation appointments, CEU courses, and a free clinicians' group.
  • Is insurance accepted for appointments with Dr. Regan?
    Appointments with Dr. Regan at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center are billed through the hospital, and any insurance accepted by the hospital can be used. Please verify coverage with your insurance provider before the appointment. Video appointments via Dr. Regan's website are self-pay. For more details, visit the video visits page.
  • Does Dr. Regan conduct diagnostic assessments?
    Dr. Regan specializes in autism assessments for adolescents, adults, and older adults, having completed over 1,000 evaluations, including around 400 for females. She performs diagnostic assessments exclusively at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria, IL, with a current waitlist of about four years. While she does not offer diagnostic evaluations through her website, she provides one-hour video consultations on topics like communication, relationships, household living, emotional regulation, and work. These can be scheduled via the video visits page.
  • Can I schedule a video visit with Dr. Regan if I am out of state?
    Dr. Regan does not conduct diagnostic evaluations via video sessions. However, you can book a one-hour consultation to discuss daily living topics such as calming anxiety, effective communication, relationship repair, navigating neurodiverse households, and improving organization and productivity. Note that Dr. Regan cannot provide video consultations for individuals in Alaska, California, Guam, Iowa, Hawaii, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Montana, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, countries outside the USA, or Illinois due to contractual obligations with her employer.
  • How can I get on Dr. Regan's evaluation waitlist in Peoria?
    Dr. Regan conducts diagnostic assessments at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria, IL. She sees patients aged 14 and older including adolescents, adults, and older adults. She has a four-year waitlist. To be placed on the waitlist, please have your physician call 309-655-7378 for instructions on how to send a referral. Once this is complete, a member of staff will contact you to hold your appointment date.

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