Autism and Education: A Comparison of Practices and Suggestions for Adaptation

• Main Author: Steinfeld, Lisa Irene
• Format: Others
• Published: Digital Archive @ GSU 2008
• Subjects: Art Education; Autism Spectrum Disorder; Art Therapy; Adaptive Art; Art and Design
• Online Access: http://digitalarchive.gsu.edu/art_design_theses/30; http://digitalarchive.gsu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1029&context=art_design_theses

ABSTRACT Based on my experience and research, I believe more educational resources are needed for teaching students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). I have combined interviews of participants --two certified and currently practicing art teachers working in the public school setting, two adaptive art specialists, and two art therapists-- with relevant information from my Review of Literature to compile an initial set of practices and adaptive techniques specifically for art teachers to use in constructing a successful learning environment in the art classroom for students with ASD. According to my review of literature, three factors necessary for creating a successful learning environment for students with ASD are preparation, collaboration, and instruction. To examine these factors, I focused my interviews on these topics. Results were aligned with the initial research as those interviewed described a need for more complete and applicable training, more opportunities for collaboration, and information about possible strategies to use with students with ASD in the art classroom. INDEX WORDS: Art Education, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Art Therapy, Adaptive Art