My name is Carrie Higgs and I am currently studying design at Robert
Gordon University, Aberdeen. My Honours Project aims to design a
product that will benefit children with an ASD (Autistic Spectrum
Disorder).

My interest in ASDs has grown during my time working as a part time
support worker at the Grampian Autistic Society where I work with
children aged 5-16 who have an ASD or communication difficulties.

At the moment I am developing two concepts for my honours project.
The first of these concepts aims to address sensory overload. I
have observed that sensory sensitivities can be a pivotal difficulty
in group situations, such as playschemes. I hope that by addressing
this, individuals will find it easier to integrate within a group,
or at least to cope better with playing alongside other children.
Though my concept is not finished, I hope to design a
headpiece that can reduce sensory overload. The child would have
choice and control over the headpiece. The aim is that the
headpiece would be in use while the child is distressed only. It
would address sound, sight and pressure (the application of pressure
around the head can be comforting for some individuals.)
At the moment, I am considering a simple, sound proof head
band with a push down visor. The head piece can be tightened if you
wish. Thus the pressure and light deprivation are optional.

The second concept looks at play and imagination. I have observed
that the most popular toys at the playscheme are those which are
simple and adaptable, (particularly those that can provide an
action), such as a parachute or big, bouncy ball.
I hope to design a large tree. Its branches could be
manipulated to provide the opportunity for numerous play movements
such as under, over, in etc. This would also assist children to
train their motor skills and sense of balance.
I hope that by designing an adjustable toy it will encourage
the use of the child's imagination regardless of where they lie on
the spectrum. I hope that this will also encourage customisation
and a high level of choice. As the children move a part of the tree
they can produce a slide or a shelter and the tree's form and beauty
will grow.
This product should help develop proprioception, balance,
imagination and interaction: turn taking, sharing and be fun to play
with!

It is vital that my outcome is primarily user orientated.
Continuous observation and collaboration with the user group will
ensure that my designs reflect social behaviour and relate to how
the product is used in reality.

Consequently, I would be very grateful if you could provide me with
information, opinions, ideas or preferences for either concept.
Which product do you think would be more successful? Any feedback
would be much appreciated and would be considered as I develop the
concepts.

Thank you for your time,

Carrie Higgs