Sound-Field Amplification to Increase Compliance to Directions in Students with ADHD

Abstract

This study determined the effects of sound-field amplification (SFA) on the speed with which students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) followed teacher directions. A multiple baseline design was used with 3 elementary-aged students with ADHD to assess the effects of SFA across 4 types of directions: (a) task demand (e.g., get out your math book); (b) high preference activity (e.g., line up for recess); (c) alpha commands (clear, direct, specific instructions); and (d) beta commands (vague multiple instructions given simultaneously). The speed with which all participants followed all 4 types of directions increased. Implications for this easy, relatively inexpensive device as well as areas for future research are discussed.