Event Title
Capturing Success at Autistry Studios: A Qualitative Study
Capstone Advisor
Julia Walbarger, Ph.D., OTR/L
Description
This study presents the results from a qualitative study that examined the effects of participation at Autistry Studios. Located in San, Rafael, CA, Autistry Studios offers pre-vocational training for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Currently, one in 68 people are diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and, of that number, less than a quarter transitions into independent living post high school graduation (Trainor, 2012). The mission of Autistry Studios is to help students with ASD become independent adults, by engaging in “project-based therapy.” A setting is provided where individuals with ASD can achieve personal and functional growth with the use of creative resources like art supplies, raw materials, and power tools to pursue and complete a project that is client-centered.
Purposive and convenience sampling methods were used to identify participants and interview subjects. The results describe the key themes that emerged from semi-structured interviews of three types of stakeholders (participants with ASD, their workshop mentors, and their primary caregivers). Framework analysis discovered consistent themes of improvement in five areas: self-regulation, independence, executive functioning, socialization, and self-esteem. Results also suggest the principles and practices of Autistry Studios and “project-based therapy” are consistent with occupational therapy theory and practice. The Autistry Studios methods could inform occupational therapy practice in developing prevocational programs for individuals with ASD.
Capturing Success at Autistry Studios: A Qualitative Study
Edgehill Mansion, Garden Room, Dominican University of California
This study presents the results from a qualitative study that examined the effects of participation at Autistry Studios. Located in San, Rafael, CA, Autistry Studios offers pre-vocational training for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Currently, one in 68 people are diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and, of that number, less than a quarter transitions into independent living post high school graduation (Trainor, 2012). The mission of Autistry Studios is to help students with ASD become independent adults, by engaging in “project-based therapy.” A setting is provided where individuals with ASD can achieve personal and functional growth with the use of creative resources like art supplies, raw materials, and power tools to pursue and complete a project that is client-centered.
Purposive and convenience sampling methods were used to identify participants and interview subjects. The results describe the key themes that emerged from semi-structured interviews of three types of stakeholders (participants with ASD, their workshop mentors, and their primary caregivers). Framework analysis discovered consistent themes of improvement in five areas: self-regulation, independence, executive functioning, socialization, and self-esteem. Results also suggest the principles and practices of Autistry Studios and “project-based therapy” are consistent with occupational therapy theory and practice. The Autistry Studios methods could inform occupational therapy practice in developing prevocational programs for individuals with ASD.