Shireen records her findings as she observes in an Avondale classroom.

As architects carefully consider the special needs of students on the autism spectrum, more attention is being placed on the spatial characteristics, finishes, lighting, and acoustics in the classroom.

For about six weeks this summer, Shireen Kanakri, a Ph.D. architecture candidate at Texas A&M University, conducted observational studies on the effects of noise levels on our students' behavioral challenges.

"Architecture, as a profession, is responsible for creating environments that accommodate the needs of all types of users," related Shireen. "As those in your school know, many individuals diagnosed with autism experience auditory sensitivity. Planning and designing a classroom to address these needs is critical, but there has been surprisingly little architectural research in this area."

Shireen could be seen in classrooms during the summer with a decibel meter, a laptop computer, and customized event-logging software for collecting, analyzing and presenting her observational data.

"With this research, I hope to provide greater guidance on which noises should be addressed in the classroom through the use of noise-reducing or noise-absorbing materials for ceilings, walls, and floor coverings; the selection of sound-deadening classroom furnishings; and the spatial design of classrooms featuring partitions, transition spaces, and divided work areas to prevent reverberating sound."

To learn more of Shireen's research on architecture, autism, and noise considerations, click here.

Samantha with day school student Devin.

Avondale House recently sat down with Samantha Heinle, 18, to learn more about this summer volunteer and her involvement with our day school students. She currently volunteers twice a week.

My mother attended a fundraiser for Avondale and told me about it. I thought it would be a great volunteer opportunity for the summer, especially because of my interest in autism and working with children with autism.
 

What other experiences have you had working with special needs children?

I've been volunteering for six years at my church, First Presbyterian, in a Sunday school program for children with special needs (predominantly those with autism). This is what prompted my interest in autism and subsequently my interest in volunteering at Avondale House. 
 

What types of activities have you done as a volunteer here so far?

I'm helping out with the art and music classes. In art, we're helping the students silk screen calendars, t-shirts, and tote bags using a design we helped the students create. In music, we sing and play the drums, chimes, and tambourines and just have fun creating musical noise that can be heard throughout the first floor of Avondale House. 

What have you learned about autism through volunteering at Avondale House?

I've seen the wide spectrum of autism, something I hadn't really seen before volunteering at Avondale. Although each child may be functioning at a different level, almost all express enjoyment and pride upon completing a piece of artwork or while singing along in music class. 

Is there something you've enjoyed most about your work here so far?

I've enjoyed seeing the students' delight after they finished each step of creating their artwork. Some get so excited when we show them what they've just screen printed that they touch the paint before it's dried...and then wipe their hands off on their clothing! This leaves green or blue handprints that I'm not sure come out in the wash, but that's an unavoidable peril when silk screening, I suppose. I've also enjoyed how some students dance unabashedly to the music they create, even if we sometimes have to duck out of the way lest they accidentally knock us down in their enthusiasm! 
 

Do you have any advice for future volunteers that come to our agency?

If you've never worked with children with autism before, it can be a daunting experience at first. Some days can be a tad difficult, but if you "roll with the punches," as they say, and are flexible and adapt to fit each classroom's or student's needs, it can be one of the most rewarding experiences, ever, really. 

 Thank you for spending part of your summer with Avondale, Samantha!