Thesis
What impact do Irlen Spectral Filters have on the sensory profile of students who have Autism Spectrum Disorders? A pilot study
University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Master of Education by Research, University of the Sunshine Coast
2016
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25907/00349
Abstract
Background/Aim: The aim of this study is to investigate what impact Irlen Spectral Filters have on the sensory profile of students who have Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). The intention was to add to the understanding of the sensory difficulties experienced by these students and the impact these difficulties have on student learning. Irlen Spectral Filters are precision tinted (coloured) ophthalmic lenses, or contacts lenses, that may be used to relieve symptoms related to atypical visual sensory processing. Method: Six students who identified as having Autism Spectrum Disorder and who wore Irlen Spectral Filters volunteered to participate in the study. The ages of the students ranged from 16 years of age to 51 years of age. The participants completed the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) questionnaire and two Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile (AASP) questionnaires. Each participant was asked to complete one AASP questionnaire to reflect their sensory experiences when they do not wear their Irlen Spectral Filters, and the other AASP questionnaire to reflect their sensory experiences when the do wear their Irlen Spectral Filters. Only three participants who returned the survey met the inclusion criteria. The participant's sensory experiences, when they do not and when they do wear their Irlen Spectral Filters were measured using the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile (AASP) questionnaire. Each of the participants AASP scores and their responses to each of the AASP sensory statements were compared. Results: When comparing the two AASP scores of each participant, it was noted that the participants' scores in each sensory quadrant on the AASP varied between the two conditions, when they do not wear their Irlen Spectral Filters, and when they do wear their Irlen Spectral Filters. Two of the three participants indicated a reduction in sensory scores in every AASP sensory quadrant when they wear their Irlen Spectral Filters. The other participant indicated a reduction in scores in three AASP sensory quadrants, and an increase in the fourth sensory quadrant. Conclusion: Irlen Spectral Filters may have an effect on the sensory behaviours exhibited by the students in this study. This effect may have a positive impact in their ability to engage in learning. The findings of this pilot study need to be confirmed with further research.
Details
- Title
- What impact do Irlen Spectral Filters have on the sensory profile of students who have Autism Spectrum Disorders? A pilot study
- Authors
- Fiona Randall
- Contributors
- Deborah Heck (Supervisor)
- Awarding institution
- University of the Sunshine Coast
- Degree awarded
- Master of Education by Research
- Publisher
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- DOI
- 10.25907/00349
- Organisation Unit
- School of Education - Legacy; School of Education and Tertiary Access; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine - Legacy
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99450099702621
- Output Type
- Thesis
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