"Autism is not a disease, it's a different way of being human."
The thesis titled Experiences of professionals in working with children with autism spectrum
disorders in art education in the preschool period presents and describes the special needs
of children. The main emphasis is on Autism Spectrum Disorders. The thesis presents what
adjustments in the field of artistic creativity are necessary for children with autism spectrum
disorders and how well educators are familiar with them in the preschool period.
The theoretical part presents autism spectrum disorders (ASD), which are placed among
other forms of special needs. Characteristics of a child with ASD and description of the early
treatment are also presented. Adjustments related to ASD are included, such as: organization
of work, adjustment of space, implementation of activities and adjustment of time, use of
specific didactic aids and materials, successful training of educators and adjustment of
communication. Artistic expression or creativity and connection with autism spectrum
disorder is presented as well (the role and impact of the disorder).
The empirical part is divided into two parts. In the first part, with the help of a questionnaire,
an insight into the work of educators performing art activities with children with ASD was
obtained. A comparison was made between the results of the questionnaire with the theory
and the hypotheses were checked. In the second part, an interview was conducted with a
teacher who has already led several groups in a kindergarten, in which there was also a child
with autism spectrum disorders. The interviewee presented her experiences with working
and managing activities with children with autism spectrum disorders. The focus was also
on art activities.
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