Using Classroom Lighting and Acoustical Systems to Enhance the Diverse Visual and Auditory Sensory Needs of Children with Autism

If students with disabilities are not accommodated in learning environments, then they are unlikely to learn important skills and may struggle to live independently within society (Khare & Mullick, 2009). Sensitivities to visual and auditory stimuli have been found to result in distraction, discomfort, unwanted behaviors, and poor learning outcomes for students with ASD. This scoping literature review includes recommendations for lighting and acoustics that were identified as important considerations for integration within K-12 educational settings. Recommendations are organized into four areas: two are Lighting (electric and daylight sources) and two are Acoustics (air-based and assembly-based transmission). These recommendations led to the development of a general set of classroom design guidelines to support the needs of children with autism.<br><i>Keywords:</i> autism, classroom, built environment, acoustics, lighting