ReActivities © : autism and play
2006; Taylor & Francis; Volume: 17; Issue: 3 Linguagem: Inglês
10.1080/14626260600882414
ISSN1744-3806
Autores Tópico(s)Child Development and Digital Technology
ResumoAbstract ReActivities © are digital play sequences which encourage the integration of social, emotional and cognitive development in children on the autistic spectrum. High levels of anxiety in autistic children can inhibit playful experiences and increase the rigid, stereotypical and challenging behaviours which have a negative effect in social situations. Interactions with objects that offer repetition, pattern and similarity combined with colour and rhythm are regularly used by autistic children as methods to reduce anxiety. However little has been done to interpret these sensations in digital environments. The aim of ReActivities © has been to offer a rich physical and cognitive experience which simulates the perceptible characteristics of phenomena such as elasticity, velocity, gravity and inertia. This is an advanced form of cause and effect that promises a unique form of expression in response to exploration with computer technology. There are numerous thoughtful and engaging websites designed and maintained by autistic people which are testimony to the theory that computers, and particularly electronic networks, offer enormous possibilities for creativity, communication and fun. The project is utilising open source technology to enable autistic users, many of whom are already conversant with programming languages, to adapt and re-generate the software. Fostering a community approach to development affords further opportunities to explore an innovative, inclusive design method that, should it prove successful, could provide a model for other marginalised groups. Keywords: autism spectrum differencescollaborative designdigital environmentsinteractionmonotropism Acknowledgements The developers of the ReActivities © software, Wendy Keay-Bright, Ben Norris and Alun Owen are indebted to the staff and children of the Hollies School in Cardiff, Wales, in particular to Glynis Thomas, head of the Autism Unit, for their continued, unwavering support and belief in this project. Reactive Colours © and ReActivities © images, design, title and concept are currently copyright protected. © Cardiff School of Art and Design 2005. Additional informationNotes on contributorsWendy Keay-Bright Wendy Keay-Bright is the principal researcher for the Reactive Colours© autism project and Senior Lecturer in Graphic Communication and Design for Interactive Media Degree at the University of Wales Institute, Cardiff. Her career spans 25 years working in animation and moving image design beginning at Siriol Animation on the popular children's TV series, SuperTed, before becoming a freelance animation producer. Clients included BBC One, HTV West and S4C. She has presented her work internationally and continues to develop her interests and skills in the design of sensory technologies for marginalised groups.
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