title: Reducing Listening-Related Stress in School-Aged Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Audiology & Speech Pathology, The University of Melbourne, 550 Swanston St, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia. grance@unimelb.edu.au.
authors.forename: Gary
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Rance
authors.affiliation: Department of Audiology & Speech Pathology, The University of Melbourne, 550 Swanston St, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia.
authors.forename: Donella
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Chisari
authors.affiliation: School of Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.
authors.forename: Kerryn
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Saunders
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, Animal Welfare Science Centre, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
authors.forename: Jean-Loup
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Rault
mesh_terms: D000067877:Autism Spectrum Disorder / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology*; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006353:Heart-Assist Devices; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013067:Speech Perception; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000517:prevention & control*
keywords: Autism spectrum disorder; Classroom amplification; Hearing; Remote microphone listening system; Stress