Colored three-dimensional (3d) crochet sculptures as learning aids for children with autism : a case of goodwill special needs demonstration academy

Abstract

Children learn a lot through experimenting with learning aids, however, there are limited special colored 3D learning aids for children with Autism. Most of the learning aids available are colored 2D and don’t take care of the children with autism and as such, children with Autism are left out. Whereas there are special schools for children with autism, in Uganda they are very few and not every parent has the capacity to take their children to such schools. This means that many children with Autism learn with other normal children. Most of the learning aids especially the colored 3D sculptures are meant for children without any disabilities. Children with Autism therefore fail to understand the available learning aids which don’t capture their interest thus impeding their development. The objectives of the study were: to analytically identify the learning aids used to teach children with autism, to analyze the reaction of children with autism towards certain colors on the Spectrum, and to create colored three-dimensional (3D) Crochet Sculpture for representing various Autistic Colors of the Autism Spectrum. The study was qualitative and employed an ethnographic approach. The respondents included the head teacher, the teachers, Children with autism, and caretakers of Goodwill Special Needs Demonstration Academy in Kireka, Kampala who were purposively selected. Data was collected through interviews and observations on children with autism to find out their reactions towards the colors in the spectrum, their attention deficit, how they study in class and the environment, how they are treated, awareness of crocheting and their learning tools and needs among others. The findings revealed that colored 3D crochet sculptures significantly benefited children with autism by facilitating color learning and sensory exploration. The children responded positively to the tactile nature of the sculptures, which helped them express their sensory abilities through touch and feel. Additionally, sculptural puppetry emerged as an effective tool for incidental learning, demonstrating that play-based activities can enhance educational outcomes for these children. The study recommends integrating colored 3D crochet sculptures into the learning environment of children with autism so as to bridge the gap left by conventional learning aids.