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Reducing Listening-Related Stress in School-Aged Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Gary Rance1, Donella Chisari2, Kerryn Saunders3
1Department of Audiology & Speech Pathology, The University of Melbourne, 550 Swanston St, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia. grance@unimelb.edu.au.
Abstract:
High levels of stress and anxiety are common in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Within this study of school-aged children (20 male, 6 female) we hypothesised that functional hearing deficits (also pervasive in ASD) could be ameliorated by auditory interventions and that, as a consequence, stress levels would be reduced. The use of Ear-Level Remote Microphone devices and Classroom Amplification systems resulted in significantly improved listening, communication and social interaction and a reduction in physiologic stress levels (salivary cortisol) in both one-on-one and group listening situations.