The Effectiveness of a Training Program to Develop an Attitude toward Creativity in Gifted Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

Attitude toward creativity may play a central role in developing creative abilities in gifted children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), so, examining attitudes toward creativity is important. This empirical research evaluated the effectiveness of a training program to develop attitudes toward creativity, that is, training that encourages the production of a wide range of ideas marked by freshness and originality in the realms of talent; these ideas should be practical and beneficial, and well received in the community in which these gifted children live). The sample involved six gifted children with ASD, aged between 8 and 12 years. A quasi-experimental approach was used, the Scale of Attitude toward Creativity was applied, and the training program was presented by the researcher. The results show a statistically significant difference (p<0.05) between the mean ranks of participants on the Scale of Attitude toward Creativity before and after the application of the training program, in favor of the post-test. After two months, a follow-up application of the Scale of Attitude toward Creativity found no statistically significant difference between the mean ranks of participants between the second and third evaluation. In light of these findings, the researcher recommends that the necessary services and funds are provided to develop the talents of gifted children with ASD. Specialized programs should be pursued in the fields of the talents discovered in these children. Research in the field of giftedness and ASD should be strengthened and gifted children with ASD must participate and be included in various relevant programs and events.