Fluorescent Lighting & Children's Behavior

For decades, educational experts and researchers have wondered if fluorescent lights affect children's behavior, especially whether it increases hyperactivity at school. Despite claims that changing light sources improves behavior, significant research has not proven these theories. The specific needs of children with autism, however, must be considered when choosing light sources.

  1. Theories/Speculation

    • Fluorescent light as a possible source of behavior problems.

      Researchers and educators have pointed to fluorescent lights as a possible cause of children's hyperactivity and other behavior problems. Several studies have changed the lighting in classrooms from fluorescent to a source more like daylight and have claimed to have witnessed less hyperactivity in children.

    History

    • Lights don't seem to change behavior.

      Although some studies claim to see a difference in children's behavior based on the light in the classroom, others have found that neither fluorescent nor full-spectrum lighting create a difference in behavior, except a slight change in the children's visual fatigue.

    Misconceptions

    • Lights don't exacerbate symptoms of ADHD.

      Current research has eliminated fluorescent lights as a cause of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

    Significance

    • Introduce more natural light to eliminate distractions for autistic children.

      Autistic children can be affected by florescent lights because they can see the flickers evident in 60-cycle electricity. New bulbs reduce this distraction, as does the introduction of more natural light and the proximity to a regular light source.

    Expert Insight

    • Research does not support an overall effect on children's behavior from florescent lights.

      A review of studies from 1945 to 1993 claiming that florescent lights can create hyperactivity in children, among other negative effects, indicated that such studies were poorly done and did not prove that florescent lights have a significant effect on children's behavior.

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