An experimental study of acoustical design, physiological measurements, and repetitive behaviors in children with autism

Abstract

Researchers have known that sound is an aspect of the environment that can have an effect on children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) due to hypo or hypersensitivities that are commonly present in this population. What is less known is how sound is specifically correlated to behaviors and physiological phenomenon. In order to build a predictive measure of sound decibel level on behavior, children with ASD were observed in a controlled environment while exposed to varying acoustic levels. Behaviors, heart rate, ECG, and respiration were recorded during experimental sessions and results revealed that the children typically stayed on task consistently throughout the sound stimulation; however, significant ECG, HR, and respiration rate variances occurred at the different sound levels in all behaviors. The results found from this study do point to a predictive relationship when it comes to the influence of sound and physiological readings on behavior in ASD children.