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Is Misophonia Connected to SPD? Interviewing Dr. Jennifer Jo Brout, Director of International Misophonia Research Network
Jennifer Jo Brout is the Director of the International Misophonia Research Network. She is a New York State Certified School Psychologist, a Connecticut Professional Licensed Counselor, and holds a Doctorate in School/Clinical-Child Psychology.
She is the mother of adult triplets, and is a Misophonia sufferer herself. Disappointed by her own experiences with the state of the field when seeking help for her own child in 1999, Dr. Brout began efforts to establish better research practice, improved diagnosis, and innovative clinical practice related to auditory over-responsivity.
Dr. Brout has been at the forefront of research in this area for over 18 years, having established the Sensation and Emotion Network (SENetwork) in 2007, along with Sensory Processing and Emotion Regulation Program at Duke University in 2008 (now the Misophonia and Emotion Regulation Program). She graduated from New York University, Columbia University, and Ferkauf School of Psychology (at Albert Einstein School of Medicine) respectively.
Links
Dr. Brout’s Website - Misophonia for Parents
Jennifer’s Instagram @dr.jenniferjobrout
Duke Center for Misophonia and Emotion Regulation
Psychology Today - Misophonia Blog
Episode 123 - Sensory Modulation Disorder
Episode 187 - Auditory Hypersensitivity
All Things Sensory Podcast Instagram
Is Misophonia Connected To SPD? Interviewing Dr. Jennifer Jo Brout, Director Of International Misophonia Research Network
Imagine feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or even enraged by everyday sounds like chewing, sniffing, or keyboard typing. For individuals with misophonia, these are not just annoying sounds; they trigger sensory inputs that cause a strong fight-or-flight response.
Misophonia is an under-recognized but profoundly impactful sensory challenge that can affect both children and adults. In this post, we explore misophonia, how it differs from other auditory sensitivities, and—most importantly—how to support individuals with misophonia using strategies grounded in occupational therapy (OT).
What Is Misophonia?
Misophonia, which literally means "hatred of sound," involves a strong negative emotional response to specific, often repetitive, noises. Common triggers include:
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Chewing
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Throat clearing
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Sniffling
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Pen clicking
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Typing
These are often categorized as "mouth-centric," "nose-centric," or "person-centric" sounds. Misophonia is unique because the reactivity is not about sound volume but the emotional distress caused by specific noises.
Key Differences Between Misophonia And Other Auditory Sensitivities:
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Misophonia: Specific sound triggers, rapid nervous system response, and often emotional reactions like anger or panic.
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Hyperacusis: Sounds seem louder than normal to the individual.
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General Auditory Over-Responsivity: Broad discomfort with a wide range of noises.
The Neuroscience Behind Misophonia
Research shows that individuals with misophonia often experience heightened activity in the amygdala and motor regions of the brain. This could be due to:
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Overactive mirror neurons—causing individuals to "feel" what they hear.
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Impaired auditory gating—inability to filter out repetitive, non-threatening sounds.
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Dysfunctional autonomic nervous system regulation—causing a fight-or-flight reaction.
Real-World Impact: What It Feels Like
Jennifer, a psychologist and mother of a child with misophonia, describes the condition as overwhelming and isolating. Everyday activities like family meals or riding in a car with windshield wipers can become unbearable.
Over time, this can lead to avoidance behaviors, strained relationships, and even anxiety or depression.
Coping with Misophonia: OT-Based Strategies
Because misophonia causes such a rapid and involuntary nervous system reaction, traditional coping methods often fall short. Instead, occupational therapy offers a powerful toolkit grounded in physiologic self-regulation and sensory integration.
In-the-Moment Coping Tools:
These strategies aim to calm the nervous system discreetly during triggering moments:
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Hand grippers: Provide intense proprioceptive feedback.
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Chair push-ups: Discreet deep pressure input in public settings.
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Tongue-to-roof-of-mouth press: Easy oral proprioceptive technique.
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Crossed leg pull: Apply deep pressure through leg muscles.
Preventative Sensory Strategies:
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Use a weighted blanket or vest at home.
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Incorporate regular movement (e.g., walking, yoga, swimming).
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Build sensory breaks into the daily routine.
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Utilize a rocking chair or swing for calming vestibular input.
Long-Term Regulation:
The foundation of misophonia management is a 3-step process:
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Regulate the body first.
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Reason with the brain using cognitive strategies.
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Reassure yourself to build emotional resilience.
This OT-informed approach helps individuals regain a sense of control, reduce the severity of reactions, and participate more fully in daily life.
Supporting Children & Families With Misophonia
Children with misophonia often struggle to explain their experiences. Here are a few ways parents and professionals can help:
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Validate their emotions: Acknowledge their distress without judgment.
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Create safe spaces: Quiet zones or noise-canceling headphones can help.
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Build routines: Predictability reduces sensory stress.
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Collaborate with OTs: Personalized sensory diets and strategies make a big difference.
Misophonia & The DSM: Where Are We Now?
Although misophonia is not yet officially recognized in the DSM-5, researchers and clinicians are working hard to change that. Increased awareness, research, and advocacy—like the efforts by Jennifer and Dr. Lucy Miller—are paving the way for greater recognition and support.
Final Thoughts
Misophonia is not something to "fix"—it's something to understand and manage. With the proper support and tools, individuals with misophonia can thrive.
At Harkla, we believe in growing into challenges, not out of them. By empowering families with evidence-based tools and compassionate guidance, we help turn sensory struggles into stepping stones for lifelong success.
BORING, BUT NECESSARY LEGAL DISCLAIMERS
While we make every effort to share correct information, we are still learning. We will double check all of our facts but realize that medicine is a constantly changing science and art. One doctor / therapist may have a different way of doing things from another. We are simply presenting our views and opinions on how to address common sensory challenges, health related difficulties and what we have found to be beneficial that will be as evidenced based as possible. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or your children. Consult your child’s pediatrician/ therapist for any medical issues that he or she may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Rachel Harrington, Harkla, Jessica Hill, or any guests or contributors to the podcast, as well as any employees, associates, or affiliates of Harkla, be responsible for damages arising from use of the podcast.
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2 Responses
Glad you are addressing this topic! My husband has significant misophonia. Today I got a request as a school based OT to support a student with misophonia that impacts her significantly during the school day. I’ll share anything I discover along the way as I try to support my husband and student! Please share if you’ve learned more since this podcast! Thank you!
Hi there! I’m almost certain my 2 1/2-year-old daughter has this. She was originally diagnosed with a global developmental delay due to delayed language and gross motor skills. However her language has caught up to age appropriate levels and her gross motor skills while still slow fall in the range of average. The only thing that has not resolved are sensory issues which have been becoming more and more highly specific and to me, completely baffling. She hates coughing, laughing, the sound of me chopping vegetables, biting into crunchy apples, and even the distant noises of hammers banging and dogs barking. She sees an OT who has recently suspected misophonia. It’s extremely debilitating in terms of having people over, going out to eat or socialising in general as she cries and becomes distraught. Even playgrounds and child care are challenging in case any child starts roaring, carrying on or laughing loudly (as all kids do!) I live in Australia and would love to know if there is anything I can tap into from here whether it’s therapy via zoom sessions or webinars. Or if you have any connections to a therapist in Australia who deals specifically with Misophonia. Very eager to learn as much as I can!
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