Premium
Gaining views from pupils with autism about their participation in drama classes
Author(s) -
Loyd Daisy
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
british journal of learning disabilities
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.633
H-Index - 39
eISSN - 1468-3156
pISSN - 1354-4187
DOI - 10.1111/bld.12078
Subject(s) - drama , autism , feeling , psychology , pedagogy , developmental psychology , social psychology , visual arts , art
Accessible SummaryPupils with autism were interviewed about their participation in drama classes. Interview approaches were devised so that the pupils could give their views. These approaches used different ways to engage the pupils including widgit symbols, photographs and video. The information the pupils gave was important in building an understanding of what they take away from drama sessions.Summary Pupils with autism (aged 16–18) were interviewed as part of a study examining the participation of individuals with autism in drama education. This paper reflects on the approaches devised to gain views from ten pupils with autism who communicated in different ways. The procedure for gaining views from the pupils is explained, and the views they give are outlined. The pupils were able to identify aspects of drama education that they liked and did not like; share goals of drama education and communicate feelings about drama education. The views are discussed in terms of how they inform understandings of individuals with autism as well as their participation in drama education. Challenges specific to gaining views from a group of pupils with autism are considered and implications for future research presented.