My name is Carrie Higgs and I am currently studying design at Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen. My Honours Project aims to design a product that will benefit children with an ASD (Autistic Spectrum Disorder).
My interest in ASDs has grown during my time working as a part time support worker at the Grampian Autistic Society where I work with children aged 5-16 who have an ASD or communication difficulties.
At the moment I am developing two concepts for my honours project. The first of these concepts aims to address sensory overload. I have observed that sensory sensitivities can be a pivotal difficulty in group situations, such as playschemes. I hope that by addressing this, individuals will find it easier to integrate within a group, or at least to cope better with playing alongside other children.
Though my concept is not finished, I hope to design a headpiece that can reduce sensory overload. The child would have choice and control over the headpiece. The aim is that the headpiece would be in use while the child is distressed only. It would address sound, sight and pressure (the application of pressure around the head can be comforting for some individuals.)
At the moment, I am considering a simple, sound proof head band with a push down visor. The head piece can be tightened if you wish. Thus the pressure and light deprivation are optional.
The second concept looks at play and imagination. I have observed that the most popular toys at the playscheme are those which are simple and adaptable, (particularly those that can provide an action), such as a parachute or big, bouncy ball.
I hope to design a large tree. Its branches could be manipulated to provide the opportunity for numerous play movements such as under, over, in etc. This would also assist children to train their motor skills and sense of balance.
I hope that by designing an adjustable toy it will encourage the use of the child?s imagination regardless of where they lie on the spectrum. I hope that this will also encourage customisation and a high level of choice. As the children move a part of the tree they can produce a slide or a shelter and the tree?s form and beauty will grow.
This product should help develop proprioception, balance, imagination and interaction: turn taking, sharing and be fun to play with!
It is vital that my outcome is primarily user orientated. Continuous observation and collaboration with the user group will ensure that my designs reflect social behaviour and relate to how the product is used in reality.
Consequently, I would be very grateful if you could provide me with information, opinions, ideas or preferences for either concept. Any feedback would be much appreciated and would be considered as I develop the concepts.
Thank you for your time,
Carrie Higgs
