Sensory abnormalities : the effects of auditory hypersensitivity on children with autism
Authors
Nic Bhradaigh, Fionnuala
Issue Date
2006
Degree
BA in Psychology
Publisher
Dublin Business School
Rights holder
Rights
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Abstract
Forty percent of children with autism display auditory hypersensitivity (Rimland & Edelson, 1995). Constant high-pitched, unpredictable abrupt and confusing multifarious noises evoke pain behaviours in children with autism. Three noise samples were played at three levels of sound intensity (dB) measured on a sound level meter. This experiment aims to identify which type and what level of noise (dB) evokes the most incidents of pain behaviour. Participants (N= 12) varied in degree of low and high functioning autism across the spectrum. A repeated measures design was employed with descriptive analysis of results. Forty two percent of the current study displayed auditory hypersensitivity. A notable level of auditory hypersensitivity in children with autism was concluded.