A case study submitted to the Research Excellence Framework 2014 demonstrating the impact of the University's research.
Research at Kent led by the School of Arts is helping children with autism to communicate more effectively. Working with children aged seven to 12, the study aimed to encourage language development, empathy and imagination.
It did so by exposing the children to a series of imaginary environments and providing drama and play-based activities (puppetry, physical performance techniques and responsive digital technologies).
During the Imagining Autism project the parents offered many compelling testimonies: ‘He has gained in his imagination; he is talking more, commenting on everything.’ ‘He is identifying emotions, and naming them.’ ‘He gave me a kiss and a cuddle, which is rare.’ ‘He is reasoning things out – we had a conversation for 15 minutes for the first time.’
Many professionals were also surprised by the project’s results. Education and health settings usually focus their efforts on providing children with specific skills such as counting or dressing. In contrast, the project’s environments were highly sensory and child-centred, giving the children creative autonomy as ‘co-producers’ in the activities. And the children displayed significant changes in behaviour.
The National Autistic Society is now training staff in the Imagining Autism approach and the work is being used in health settings including diagnostic services within the NHS.
Principal researchers were Professor Nicola Shaughnessey and Dr Melissa Trimingham, School of Arts, Dr Julie Beadle-Brown, Tizard Centre and Dr David Wilkinson, School of Psychology.
The Research Excellence Framework 2014 showed that Kent ranks 17th in the UK for research intensity, has world-leading research in all subjects and that 97% of our research is deemed to be of international quality.
Contributing to the University’s REF success were the number of our world class publications, the number of research active staff and the demonstrable impact our research has made to the sciences and to economic, social and cultural understanding.