An Observational Study of Classroom Acoustical Design and Repetitive Behaviors in Children With Autism
Abstract
The objective of the present study is to explore the impact of acoustical design on children with autism in school classrooms. Empirical research on this topic will provide information on how interior space features and spatial environment characteristics can be used to support the learning and developmental needs of children with autism. Specifically, the connection between repetitive behaviors and ambient noise levels in school classroom environments was observed in four classrooms. The occurrence of repetitive motor movements, repetitive speech, ear covering, hitting, loud vocalizations, blinking, and verbally complaining in relation to decibel levels were analyzed using Noldus Observer XT software. As hypothesized, a correlation between noise levels and frequency of target behaviors was found; that is, as decibel levels increased, several of the observed behaviors occurred with greater frequency. Further empirical testing is necessary to test a causal relationship between increased ambient noise levels and autism-related behaviors, and sensory discomfort as a mediator of that relationship. Findings are applied to the development of classroom design guidelines.
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Biographies
Shireen M. Kanakri, MArch, PhD, is a tenure-track assistant professor in the interior design program and affiliate faculty with the Autism Center at Ball State University. She completed her doctorate in architecture from Texas A&M University/Center for Health Systems and Design in May 2014. Her interests include effects of environmental factors such as acoustics and lighting on the children with autism, and the psychology of design and architecture. She is leading the Health and Environmental Design Research Lab (HEDR) in Ball State University.
Mardelle Shepley, DArch, FAIA, FACHA, LEEP AP, EDAC, is a professor in the Department of Design and Environmental Analysis and associate director of the Institute for Health Futures at Cornell University. Her research focuses on the impact of health facility environments on patients, families, and staff.
Louis G. Tassinary, PhD, J.D, is a professor in the visualization department in the College of Architecture at Texas A&M University. His research explores affective and cognitive processes at the nexus of neuroscience, design, and perception.
James W. Varni, PhD, is a professor emeritus in the Colleges of Architecture and Medicine. His research emphasis is health-related quality of life measurement in pediatric chronic health conditions, and the effects of the built environment on child health outcomes.
Haitham M. Fawaz, MEng, is a graduate electrical engineering major at Texas A&M University. His research interest focuses on the impact of environmental factors on people health.
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Article first published online: October 5, 2016
Issue published: October 2017
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