The Effects of Environmental Noise on the Behavior of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

A high percentage of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) experience auditory sensory dysfunction (Freed & Parsons, 1997; Grandin, 1995; Quill, 1995). This exploratory study was directed toward identifying (1) whether the design of the auditory environment affects the behavior of studen...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of architectonic, spatial, and environmental design spatial, and environmental design, 2014, Vol.7 (2), p.51-64
Main Authors: Gaines, Kristi, Sancibrian, Sherry
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Auditory discrimination learning
Auditory perception
Autism
Autistic children
Background noise
Building materials
Built environment
Children
Construction materials
Design
Disorders
Environmental effects
Hearing
Learning
Learning environment
Music
Noise
Sound
Students
Urban environments
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Summary:A high percentage of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) experience auditory sensory dysfunction (Freed & Parsons, 1997; Grandin, 1995; Quill, 1995). This exploratory study was directed toward identifying (1) whether the design of the auditory environment affects the behavior of students with autism spectrum disorders, (2) auditory triggers in the learning environment for students with ASD, and (3) auditory design features of the built environment that decrease undesirable behavior. A focus group and questionnaire were utilized to achieve these objectives. Noise within the physical environment was found to have an effect on behavior and learning for children with ASD. Sudden unexpected sound and higher pitched sounds were found to be the main sound triggers. Auditory design recommendations included the use of music, spatial organization, technology, and building materials within the physical environment. This study presents a line of inquiry that is virtually untapped in the field of educational design and warrants further investigation.
ISSN:2325-1662
2325-1670
DOI:10.18848/2325-1662/CGP/v07i02/38364