Understanding Autistic Artwork

Inspired by personal work with autistic children and the pursuit for more knowledge, the research in this study contributes significant findings to the field of art and autism. In this book, the artworks and processes of autistic and typically developing students were compared and analyzed. Using a unit and lesson inspired by the bold shapes and colors found in the selected paintings of Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser, the study analyzes the artwork produced by both typically developing and autistic students in kindergarten, first, and fourth grade. Throughout the study, research not only analyzes these similarities and differences, but also places a strong emphasis on answering why certain results occurred. This comprehensive approach does not isolate the findings of each grade level, but goes on to examine patterns and themes that emerge across the grade levels. In the following chapters, the researcher's methods and motivation are detailed. The results are carefully analyzed and important conclusions that affect educators in every field are explained.