From prose to poetry: retelling the experiences of children with autism navigating around a school to promote empathy and understanding
ISSN: 1443-9883
Article publication date: 19 February 2021
Issue publication date: 12 October 2021
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper was to describe the experiences of four children with autism spectrum disorder navigating around the corridors of an unfamiliar school and translate the findings into poetic format. Poetry could provide a more accessible format to a nonacademic audience and promote empathy and understanding about this population.
Design/methodology/approach
Each participant was shown a route from the start point to the destination by the researcher then asked to lead the way there. Post-study, participants were interviewed for their perceptions and feelings about navigating.
Findings
Participants' responses and behaviors differed, e.g. some were stimulated by colors, some noticed small details and some were distracted. Poetic translation vividly emphasized these behaviors and emotions.
Originality/value
Few studies have described how children with autism navigate the built environment or asked their opinion about navigating. None in the field have used poetic translation to explore data.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Thanks to Linda Grierson-Irish for comments on an earlier version of this manuscript.
Citation
Irish, J.E.N. (2021), "From prose to poetry: retelling the experiences of children with autism navigating around a school to promote empathy and understanding", Qualitative Research Journal, Vol. 21 No. 4, pp. 483-497. https://doi.org/10.1108/QRJ-10-2020-0137
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2021, Emerald Publishing Limited