Environment and Ecology Research Vol. 5(1), pp. 39 - 44
DOI: 10.13189/eer.2017.050105
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Acoustic Design and Repetitive Speech and Motor Movement in Children with Autism

Shireen Kanakri ^*
Department of Family and Consumer Science, College of Applied Technology, Ball State University, USA

ABSTRACT

Emerging research in Evidence-Based Design for interiors such as classrooms has begun considering the unique sensory needs of users with autism spectrum disorders. The current study observes the impact of the acoustic environment on repetitive speech and motor movement in children with autism. An observational study was conducted in four school classrooms to observe changes in behavior associated with changes in the decibel levels in the room. Forty-two children diagnosed with high-functioning autism between the ages of six and nine years old were observed in classroom settings. Variant decibel levels in the classrooms and variance in the frequency of repetitive behaviors were measured to determine the strength and direction of the correlations between the two. Results were analyzed using Noldus Observer XT software, and confirmed the hypothesized relationship. The finding that repetitive behavior is correlated with the acoustical condition of the environment should be considered in the design of classrooms for children with autism, for the benefit of user comfort and educational performance.

KEYWORDS
Acoustics, Repetitive Speech, Autism, Children

Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Shireen Kanakri , "Acoustic Design and Repetitive Speech and Motor Movement in Children with Autism," Environment and Ecology Research, Vol. 5, No. 1, pp. 39 - 44, 2017. DOI: 10.13189/eer.2017.050105.

(b). APA Format:
Shireen Kanakri (2017). Acoustic Design and Repetitive Speech and Motor Movement in Children with Autism. Environment and Ecology Research, 5(1), 39 - 44. DOI: 10.13189/eer.2017.050105.