Abstract
An action research project was carried out, using theater workshops and basic digital fabrication technology workshops to improve social skills—such as the expression of emotions, communication, self-control, and teamwork—in a group of 10 young individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This article focuses on the digital fabrication workshops, where participants worked on the fundamentals of electronics and programming, as well as 3D design and printing, to make props that were later used on stage in the theatrical performances in which they participated. These workshops were systematized through observation guides. According to the results, it was evident that the participants not only enjoyed and gained technological knowledge, but that their social skill development needs were addressed. Professionals from the Special Education Faculty and the Fab Lab Kä Träre, both from Universidad Estatal a Distancia in Costa Rica, were in charge of the study during its first phase, executed in 2016 and 2017.
Highlights
Persons with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have difficulty in developing social skills, an impairment that continues throughout their lives
This paper describes the experience of a theater project for the development of social skills in people with ASD, that integrates elements of technology from a digital fabrication space
The project started in March 2016 and used a qualitative approach with an action research methodology (Hernández et al, 2010) and with the involvement of Universidad Estatal a Distancia (UNED), La Máscara Theater, and the persons with ASD and their families
Summary
Persons with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have difficulty in developing social skills, an impairment that continues throughout their lives. According to the Organización Mundial de la Salud (2019), one out of every 160 children in the world has an ASD that persists into adulthood This deficit affects them in different ways and, depending on each individual, impairs their functioning. Due to their condition, individuals with ASD often experience stigmatization, discrimination, and inadequate access to services. This paper describes the experience of a theater project for the development of social skills in people with ASD, that integrates elements of technology from a digital fabrication space For this purpose, a review of previous works where art, technology and attention to disability are combined is made, to subsequently expose the work methodology used and the results achieved
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