Parents of teens with misophonia may struggle to understand what reasonable accommodations look like and worry that if they over-accommodate, their child may not be prepared for "the real world" outside the home. These concerns are understandable, especially from a parenting perspective where behavior is often the main focus. However, research like a 2020 study by Porcaro et al. shows that accommodations for misophonia are beneficial in a college setting. In a 2023 interview, Dr. Danesh, who contributed to the study, shared that he sees no issue or harm in providing accommodations for misophonia when working with students.
Accommodations for misophonia at home should strike a balance between respecting other family members and helping the teen manage in the environment that should feel safest for them. Since sensory input builds up, the one place where individuals with misophonia can feel secure is often their own room or home.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has been shown to help manage the emotional impact of misophonia, but it’s important to remember that this only addresses coping after the misophonic moment. Currently, there is no cure for the condition that can fully eliminate the misophonic fight or flight response. Coping strategies like CBT, sensory regulation, and mindfulness are key to reducing the distress caused by misophonia. Teens with misophonia may need extra time for homework, fewer extracurricular activities so they have more time to self regulate, and may need to develop communication skills to manage outbursts triggered by misophonia. Online options for college may also help manage future misophonia related challenges, though this will vary depending on the individual teen's needs.
In a 2018 article, Dr. Jennifer Brout, a psychologist who has misophonia, pointed out that "adolescence is difficult for the individual, and it is equally overwhelming for parents. Misophonia can certainly make things worse for everyone. However, helping your child make some adjustments in daily routines and social situations can make a big difference. Demonstrating understanding and patience when your teen is acting in ways that concern you is not necessarily 'being too lenient.' Teens with misophonia often need their parents' guidance just a little longer than others."
While misophonia is tough to live with and can feel overwhelming for both parents and teens, the intensity of misophonia will likely fluctuate over time rather than remain at a high level. It's important to remember that teens naturally go through more stress and hormonal changes even without misophonia, so having patience with your teenager is a crucial part of managing family dynamics.
The Misophonia International Foundation offers a list of resources for teens with misophonia, as well as helpful advice for parents managing their teenager’s condition, including courses specifically designed for teens.
If you're a parent of a teenager with misophonia, rest assured that while this is difficult, focusing on coping skills can help ease much of the distress caused by misophonia. Managing misophonia isn’t a straight path, so it’s important to maintain perspective when it comes to overall progress. Some days will be easier than others.