Sara Saidi: Through Their Senses: Visualizing Acoustic Experiences of Autistic Students in Inclusive Classrooms

<p dir="ltr">This image visually encapsulates the core inquiry of the research: how acoustic environments in New Zealand primary classrooms affect autistic students’ sensory experiences. Framed through the lens of a digital recording interface, the illustration symbolically represents the Post-Occupancy Evaluation (POE) process—capturing real-time reactions and sensory responses within the classroom. The visible sound level of 85 dB and the varied body language of the students—covering ears, raising arms, and gesturing—highlight the sensory challenges that high acoustic levels may pose, particularly for students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). The stylized depiction of human behavior under acoustic stress underscores the urgency of integrating lived experiences into design assessments. By portraying the classroom as both a physical and perceptual space, the image reinforces the research’s aim to develop an inclusive Post Occupancy Evaluation (POE) framework that bridges technical standards with the nuanced realities of autistic learners, ultimately informing more equitable and responsive classroom design.</p>