Dealing with misophonia at school is a common topic in my discussions with clients. Classrooms are filled with potential triggers such as pen clicking, leg jiggling, chewing, tapping, and clock ticking. These triggers are compounded by the lack of control students have over their environment. In most grade-school scenarios, classrooms and classmates are chosen without the students’ input, and opportunities to take breaks from these triggers are limited—unless the child has an accessibility plan, which is not always fully effective. The International Misophonia Foundation offers resources for parents, including coping skills for the back-to-school period.
Here are some helpful tips for students from kindergarten to high school. Your child’s therapist, mental health worker, or pediatrician can help by writing letters to support any necessary accommodations for misophonia. A study by Porcaro et al. (2019) found that accommodations for misophonia can be beneficial in an academic environment.
1. Desk Placement:
Choosing the right desk location can help mitigate misophonia. Some students might find it easier to manage their triggers in a back corner, while others might prefer to sit near the door or at the front of the class. The most important factor is the child’s preference, as this will be the most effective.
2. Leaving the Classroom:
Allowing the child to leave the classroom when necessary is a crucial accommodation. According to Jennifer Brout, PsyD, calming the nervous system often requires leaving the triggering environment. Though it might be challenging to arrange, having the option to move their desk to the hallway or another room during non-instructional time can significantly reduce exposure to triggers.
3. Food Restrictions:
Implementing a no-food policy in the classroom can be beneficial for children with misophonia. However, this might conflict with other students’ needs, such as those with ADHD, hypoglycemia, or diabetes. Schools can manage this by designating specific areas for eating or allowing the child with misophonia to leave during meal times.
4. Downtime at Home:
Once home, it’s essential for the child to have downtime to reduce overall stress. This could involve spending time alone in their room or in a sensory space with calming devices. Homework, activities, and dinner should be postponed until the child has had a chance to decompress after a day filled with sensory stimuli.
5. Fidget Devices:
Fidget devices can help manage stress during exposure to triggers. Although they do not eliminate the triggers, proprioceptive input from squeezing a stress ball or hand gripper can reduce stress in the moment.
6. Supportive Adults:
One of the most critical factors in managing misophonia at school is having supportive adults who can provide the necessary support and accommodations.
For College and University Students:
Higher education often offers more flexibility in terms of timing, living arrangements, and scheduling. Additionally, there are many options for online education. As someone who completed their education at an online university, I can attest to the quality of online education, which has improved significantly over the past two decades. Parents of teenagers and young adults should consider exploring online institutions such as Capella University, Athabasca University, and Yorkville University.
By implementing these strategies and seeking appropriate accommodations, students with misophonia can better manage their condition and thrive in educational settings.
Webinar: Coping with Misophonia at School for Parents of Teens and Young Adults
(Watch the recording)
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how to create a more supportive and accommodating environment for your child.
