INCORPORATING TINGATINGA ART IN THE CREATION OF AESTHETIC PRODUCTS FOR CHILDREN WITH AUTISM

Background: Autism Spectrum Disorder is a developmental disorder characterized by social and communication impairments, combined with limited interests and repetitive behaviors. Research indicates that 1.7% of children, that is, 1 in every 59 children, are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Children who have Autism Spectrum Disorder display mild to severe impairments in social interaction and communication along with restricted, repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behaviors, interests and activities. Encoding and decoding messages during communication become difficult as an issue that arises from their neurodevelopment disorders.
The problem: There is a crucial need for facilitation of communication in regard to Autism. The condition impairs the communication process, leading to a cavity in the interaction between the children faced with Autism and their families and friends. In Kenya, therapists and support centers are challenged to find products that they can use for the treatment of children with Autism, with limited resources and financial constraints. The products, therefore, that are provided are not only limited but also do not fully explore the recovery process.
Objectives: The objectives of the paper was to determine and establish the challenges faced by autistic children in Nairobi, explore the challenges faced in aiding children affected by Autism, examine the available therapeutic products for children suffering from autism in Nairobi, establish how the Tingatinga art form and emotional design can be used to inspire products for the children and finally to propose aesthetic products that can aid autistic children in their communication process and interactions with others. Design: A case study model and descriptive research design, the research employed the collection and analysis of majorly qualitative data obtained through observation, photographs and interviews. Setting: The Differently Talented Society of Kenya and the Autism Support Center. Results: Better environmental and product development with the application of color, texture and balance and an improvement in user experience leads to better therapy results for autistic children. Conclusion: The findings established that the children’s products have to be able to facilitate an experience between the children and the products themselves. They also have to be able to expose them to different environments and textures during their interaction. The products must also offer some kind of therapy to the children, neutralizing their sensory
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and behavioral sensitivities. A great flaw was observed in the communication process that children within the autism spectrum are involved, and to facilitate proper communication then products have an upper hand in easing the process.