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Improved Signal-to-Noise Ratio and Classroom Performance in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: a Systematic Review

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Abstract

Purpose

This paper systematically reviews the literature to determine if improving the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) improves classroom performance in students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Methods

Six databases were searched for the terms acoustics, signal-to-noise ratio, classroom and ASD. Five studies were found that met the selection criteria.

Results

All five studies reported improving the SNR benefitted students with ASD in the classroom. Benefits included improved listening behaviours, increased on-task behaviours, improved speech recognition and reduced listening stress.

Conclusion

The evidence is suggestive that improving the SNR improves classroom performance in students with ASD. Limitations included the small number of studies and limited range of technologies considered. Further research should consider other technologies that could mitigate tactile sensitivities present in some students with ASD.

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Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge the financial support of the Cooperative Research Centre for Living with Autism (Autism CRC), established and supported under the Australian Government’s Cooperative Research Program.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Cooperative Research Centre for Living with Autism (Autism CRC), Brisbane, Australia

    Yolanda van der Kruk, Wayne J. Wilson, Kelsey Palghat, Cerys Downing, Keely Harper-Hill & Jill Ashburner

  2. School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia

    Yolanda van der Kruk, Wayne J. Wilson, Kelsey Palghat & Cerys Downing

  3. School of Cultural and Professional Learning, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia

    Keely Harper-Hill

  4. Autism Queensland, Brisbane, Australia

    Jill Ashburner

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  1. Yolanda van der Kruk
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  2. Wayne J. Wilson
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Correspondence to Yolanda van der Kruk.

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van der Kruk, Y., Wilson, W.J., Palghat, K. et al. Improved Signal-to-Noise Ratio and Classroom Performance in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: a Systematic Review. Rev J Autism Dev Disord 4, 243–253 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40489-017-0111-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40489-017-0111-7

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