Creative arts in the national museum of computing

Abstract

Families of children with autism and other special educational needs may often feel excluded from social activities and/or report on lack of quality family time. Some museums offer individual booking times for families outside their regular public opening hours. Such relaxed openings in museums present opportunities for families to participate in leisure activities that suit their sensory and social needs. However, further exploration of the meaning of such programs to families is needed to enhance the inclusive offer of museums. This research study evaluated the feedback and reflection of creative workshops conducted in The National Museum of Computing during its relaxed openings for families with children with autism and other special educational needs. The findings of the project highlight the benefits of the creative workshops with sensory-friendly aspects, evidenced by the observed engagement of children and families in the activities and interpreted through data from child and parental questionnaires and facilitator reflective log.