\n<\/strong><\/h3>\nThe involvement of a variety of stakeholders, including government institutions, professional groups, and autism organisations, proved a challenge to manage, but for ASD, it meant they were able to defer to experts and share responsibility where necessary, something Blanca considers vital when working with vulnerable groups.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was a learning process for us as well,\u201d she explained. \u201cWe discovered understanding autistic children’s experiences is not always straightforward, and their behaviours may not always convey their true feelings or preferences directly.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor example, a child repeating the same action may seem like they are enjoying it, but it could be a ritual or a manifestation of other factors. To gain a deeper understanding, we relied on the expertise of therapists, who could provide insights based on their close observation and knowledge of the children.\u201d<\/p>\n
The collaboration was a valuable learning experience, even though Blanca suggested there were some challenges in aligning perspectives: \u201cNonetheless, working together enriched our project and brought a unique perspective to the design process.\u201d<\/p>\n
As a result, the group created their temporary pilot play space in Gl\u00f2ries Square using colour, texture, and shape as their basic conceptual building blocks.<\/p>\n
“We needed to create an outer perimeter to enclose the design space, ensuring the safety of playing children as well as the peace of mind of their families and guardians. And, since the overall aim of our design ethos is to create the right amount of sensorial stimulation for children, we were also very particular about the type of materials we wanted to use to build the perimeter.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
“For example, there’s evidence to suggest that autistic people can get quite a lot of benefits from being in contact with nature: the calm, the tranquillity, but also all the textures and smells. The materials we chose for the final design turned the play area’s outer boundary, which tends to be a dead space, into another interactive sensory experience for the children to enjoy.<\/p>\n
“We’ve since designed an autism-friendly design handbook so this method can be replicated in other locations,” Blanca explained.<\/p>\n
Support from the EIT Community<\/h3>\n Discussing ASD Publics’ work with the EIT Community, Ilona Pusk\u00e1s, Community Activation Officer at the EIT Climate KIC, said: “The original ASD Publics project and Play AUT the Box, their consequent scale-up activity, is a crucial contributor to the EIT Community NEB portfolio.<\/p>\n
“Beyond providing visibility to neurodiversity in children, the initiative offers sensitive, science-based design interventions, as well as support community building and integration in the face of a complex condition.”<\/p>\n
Blanca’s advice for those interested in undertaking socially oriented projects is to build a strong and aligned team. “Having a good idea is important, but finding partners who share the same approach and philosophy is equally vital. The partners should be aligned in their vision and commitment to the project.”<\/p>\n
This, she said, can ensure a cohesive and fruitful collaboration that can drive innovation and achieve the desired outcomes. She also highlights the importance of building a strong network of partners and supporters, something being part of the EIT Community NEB provided, alongside credibility and support.<\/p>\n
“If you’re looking to build and connect with individuals and organisations who are working towards similar goals, the EIT Community is a great launching point for any startup organisation.”<\/p>\n
Engaging autistic children in the project\u2019s design<\/h3>\n A strong network is essential to the success of any multi-actor project, Blanca continues, elaborating on the importance of the participatory design process, which is a central hallmark of ASD Publics’ work. The team recognised early on the importance of engaging the children themselves in the design process, as they’re ultimately the ones who’ll be using these spaces.<\/p>\n
“I think the real innovation in our project lies in our methodology. This interdisciplinary collaboration was novel, integrating different fields. Additionally, the participatory process we developed alongside our team of experts in autism and experts in participation with children was also something entirely new.”<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Loreto N\u00e1car, a developmental neuroscientist that worked at IGAIN and who specialises in children on the autism spectrum, explains how their innovative participatory methodology grew out of a collaboration with their partners in the ASD Publics project team.<\/p>\n
“I had to adapt to this methodology and use my expertise to make the experience comfortable for the children, helping them to participate by adapting our materials, supervising sessions, and helping in the event of a crisis,” she said.<\/p>\n
These approaches, developed over time and, along the way, serve as a testament to the power of collective action and how bringing together multiple actors can address the need for suitable public spaces for vulnerable children.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
A pilot project held in the Les Gl\u00f2ries park, Barcelona, is changing how we think of play in our cities for children with autism<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":42739,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[10551],"tags":[24493],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n
Activating spaces and building playtime for children with autism<\/title>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\t \n\t \n\t \n \n \n \n \n \n\t \n\t \n\t \n