Aim of Project - Crafting a purpose-driven experience for Autistic children to visit Museums.
Now that our desktop research has provided us with insights and basic knowledge about ASD, we are taking steps to observe, analyse, synthesise, and gather information about how children behave and what parents and children think about visiting a museum.
As a result of our museum visit
As a result of our prior visits to museums in London, we've noticed that all museums are improving accessibility for individuals with disabilities by paying attention to signage, spaces, and bespoke experiences. We established our scope of work for Science Museum London because we were equally interested in creating an experience for youngsters that would spark their imagination. However, even though a multi-sensory setting may cause sensory overload in people with ASD, we wanted to examine the current situation and explore new options for neurodiverse people and their families.
To make it happen, we visited the museum with a plan of action to learn more about
How the museum now operates?!
What the science museum team has to say about it,
And what kinds of experiences are available that we might change into a purpose-driven experience for Autistic children.
At the Science Museum
Lincoln is a science museum explainer with professional training as a caregiver for persons with various disabilities. His responsibilities in the museum include making the museum area accessible, guiding children with exhibit information, and providing any necessary help.
Conversation with Lincoln
At SCIENCE MUSEUM, London
Lincoln is a science museum explainer with professional training as a caregiver for persons with various disabilities. His responsibilities in the museum include making the museum area accessible, guiding children with exhibit information, and providing any necessary help.
What we DISCOVERED
About present tailored programmes for people with Autism in Science Museum
EARLY BIRDS -This event is suitable for children who benefit from visiting the museum free from the hustle and bustle of the general public, specially programmed for children with ASD.
Night Owls - Night Owls is a sensory-friendly evening for young adults and adults (ages 16+) who need a quieter environment to enjoy the museum.
SENsory Astronights - From science shows to camping in one of our iconic galleries, SENsory Astronights is a relaxed, after-dark exploration of the Science Museum for children with special educational needs and disabilities
After speaking with the team, it was evident that the science museum is making an effort to make Autistic people feel comfortable. They don't assign a separate section for neurodiverse audiences they believe the museum is inclusive to everyone.
The following parameters represent my understanding of the scope of work required to continue forward.
We've gathered enough material to fill in the gaps in our fundamental understanding of the current situation, so we're moving on to finding out more from real individuals who are dealing with it on a daily basis. As Understanding people have numerous dimensions and associated methodologies, we sought to conduct one-on-one storytelling sessions by prioritising subjective accounts of their personal experiences.
Directed storytelling with Parent
Our goal for this talk is to better understand the problems and sensory concerns that children with Mild autism undergo, as well as how parents handle their children's needs.
We discovered the following key insights:
Familiarity plays a critical influence in reducing anxiety in children.
The echoee sounds and intense light, according to Gabby's experience with her child, are the most common trigger factors. Her child would reply that bright light is too harsh and that he or she would just like to leave that area.
She also mentions that he is not socially inept, but that when there is a lot of inflow, it might reach a saturation threshold, causing him to struggle.
Her thoughts for the project were favourable, and she appreciated the idea of using a design system to help a youngster who is nonverbal explore the things in the environment.
Next
As part of our ongoing effort to reach out to more people who can contribute to our knowledge of the targeted group, we have approached special needs schools, events for autistic children, and volunteer programmes that would allow us to experience the challenges and environments faced by a neurodiverse child and his or her family.