A distressed resident of the Woodbine Apartments dialed 911 at 12:55 AM, fearing a child was in danger. The caller reported frequent domestic disputes in a neighboring unit and said they could hear a child screaming, worried that the child was being hit.
Portsmouth officers rushed to the scene to investigate the troubling report. However, when they arrived, they discovered that no abuse was taking place. The child’s mother explained the situation, telling officers that her child is autistic and often cries loudly. At the time of their visit, the child was simply sitting on the couch, rocking—a common self-soothing behavior in children with autism.
Understanding Autism and Noise Sensitivity
Neighbors who don’t understand autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may misinterpret loud cries, repetitive movements, or other behaviors as signs of distress when, in reality, they are simply part of how some autistic children express themselves. While the 911 caller had good intentions, these types of misunderstandings can create unnecessary stress for both families raising autistic children and law enforcement officers responding to the calls.
How to Address Noise Concerns with Neighbors
If you are a parent of a child with autism, and you’re worried about noise complaints, here are some steps to help foster understanding and cooperation in your community:
Talk to your neighbors – A simple conversation can go a long way. Let them know your child may sometimes be loud but is not in danger.
Provide educational resources – If your neighbors are unfamiliar with autism, consider sharing resources that explain common behaviors.
Soundproof your space – If noise is an ongoing issue, consider adding rugs, curtains, or soundproofing panels to minimize disturbances.
Encourage communication before calling the police – Let neighbors know they can check in with you if they have concerns rather than immediately involving authorities.
This incident highlights the importance of community awareness and understanding. While it’s always important to report suspected abuse, it’s also essential to recognize that not every loud situation is a dangerous one. With better communication and awareness, misunderstandings like this can be avoided in the future.