The analysis of multi-sensory environments for children with autism spectrum disorder in United Arab Emirates
List of Authors
  • Chuloh Jung , Nahla Al Qassimi

Keyword
  • ASD, Multi-sensory Environment (MSE), Single-subject experimental design (SSED), Short Sensory Profile (SSP), Heart Rate

Abstract
  • Recent statistics indicates that one in 146 children had been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the United Arab Emirates and the number is increasing. Even though there is no cure for ASD, the multi-sensory environment (MSE) is widely accepted in the world. The objective of this paper was to explore the effects of the multi-sensory environment on children with ASD, who have visual and auditory hyposensitivity, with the help of cutting-edge technologies to monitor their heart rate. As a methodology, Single-Subject Experimental Design (SSED) was used for the study and MSE interventions was design with visual stimulation, auditory stimulation, and integration of visual and auditory stimulation. The result had shown that experience in a multi-sensory environment is effective in reducing negative repetitive behaviors in daily life of children with ASD. Visual/auditory integrated environmental intervention had a very positive effect on the target behavior of children with visual and auditory hyposensitivity. It was statistically proven that there are obvious differences in heart rate of children with autism spectrum disorder according to the three types of multi-sensory environment interventions. The change in heart rate in a multi-sensory environment, however, could not be concluded with the same effect as the reduction in target behavior. This study will serve as a basic data that one of the important aspects of multi-sensory environment therapy is the flexibility of spatial design that can provide customized environments according to each child with ASD's sensory needs.

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