Noise Reduction Headphones and Autism: A Single Case Study

Abstract

The purpose of this single-subject study was to investigate whether decreasing auditory sensation with the use of noise reduction headphones would impact attention to task in a child with auditory defensiveness. An A–B–B–A design was employed for 10 sessions using duration of attention to task as an index of behavior. In addition, classroom ambient sound levels were recorded. Visual analysis of the data was conducted by graphing baseline compared with intervention phases of task attention. Results showed ambient sound levels at or above recommended levels for an occupied classroom. Within this auditory environment, the participant demonstrated longer and more consistent attention to task with the use of the headphones. The results provide documented evidence for the use of noise reduction headphones for task attention.

Keywords:

• Autism
• attention
• auditory defensiveness