SketchUp™: A Technology Tool to Facilitate Intergenerational Family Relationships for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)

Abstract

This study used a qualitative design to examine intergenerational relationships facilitated by an intervention employing Google SketchUp™, a freeware 3D design program. Seven high‐functioning boys (ages 8–17) with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) participated in computer workshops. The investigators capitalized on the boys’ strengths in visual–spatial skills. The interdisciplinary team structured the workshops to facilitate computer skill development as well as social interaction. Qualitative analysis involved thematic analysis of transcripts from focus groups with parents and grandparents. The two key themes that emerged were as follows: (i) reframing expectations (parental efficacy and creating a safe environment) and (ii) building intergenerational bridges among parents, children, siblings, and grandparents. These findings indicate that technology can build on the strengths of children with ASD and promote social engagement of the children with their families.

Social Skill Group Interventions for Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders: a Systematic Review

“…However, some described investigations evaluated adolescent social skills groups in school settings (Minihan et al 2011;Williams 1989) and other settings, such as on horseback (Gabriels et al 2012), at a musical theater company (Corbett et al 2011), in computer workshops (Wright et al 2011), and in summer camps (Lopata et al 2008). While most studies reviewed took place in the USA, several were conducted in other countries, such as Germany (Herbrecht et al 2009), Scotland (MacKay et al 2007), Ireland (Minihan et al 2011;Rose & Anketell 2009), Italy (Valenti et al 2010), and South Korea (Shin et al 2012).…”

Autism spectrum disorder and the applied collaborative approach: a review of community based participatory research and participatory action research

“…This project is a strengths-based, interest-focused and family-centered program to develop computer-based and technology talent in students with higher-functioning autism [92]. The iSTAR Project uses a CBPR/Ecological research model employing both the experience of an interdisciplinary team of faculty and graduate students from four disciplines (Nursing, Social & Behavioral Science, Health, and Education) and evaluation feedback from family members (parents, grandparents, siblings) and teachers, special educators and the participating students with ASD.…”

“…The primary software is SketchUp -used by millions of professionals around the world including architects, engineers, gamers, directors and urban planners. This multidisciplinary research team has the goal of conducting CBPR evidence-based research on the strengths of using 3D design software to spark technology interest in visual-spatial design and facilitate social engagement in students with ASD [92].…”

“…A summary of the iSTAR Project and CBPR community outreach activities indicate a robust record related to the socio-ecological/CBPR factors that support and facilitate the technology interests and visual-spatial strengths of youth with ASD [92]. This type of active participation and involvement in the research program enhances social interactions and establish "islands of competencies" for students [12].…”

“…These research journal publications were not listed in a Scopus query in either ALL or TITLE-ABS-KEY as parameters for (community-based participatory research AND autism spectrum disorders). However, when using the "Advanced Search" option and employing ALL fields for a Scopus query with the following search string, ALL(("participatory action research" and "autism spectrum disorders")) two of our articles [92,93] were in the list of documents retrieved, but not retrieved when using TITLE-ABSTRACT-KEYWORDS as the parameter for the search query. The implications of these differential results when using Scopus will be examined in the following discussion section.…”