OUGD505: Brief 1- What is Autism?

What is Autism?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a condition that affects social interaction, communication, interests and behaviour. It includes Asperger syndrome and childhood autism.

Some people also use the term autism spectrum condition or ‘neurodiverse’ (as opposed to people without autism being ‘neurotypical’).

The main features of ASD typically start to develop in childhood, although the impact of these may not be apparent until there is a significant change in the person’s life, such as a change of school.

In the UK, it's estimated that about one in every 100 people has ASD.

There is no 'cure' for ASD, but a wide range of treatments – including education and behaviour support – can help people with the condition.

http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Autistic-spectrum-disorder/Pages/Introduction.aspx

This an extremely small definition but as I have found listening to TED talks each individual who has autism is completely different. There are no separations of saying how one is worse or less severe than the other. Each individual has their own needs and ways of learning and need to be supported individually based on their own behaviours. 

ASD can cause a wide range of symptoms, which are often grouped into two main categories:

Problems with social interaction and communication – including problems understanding and being aware of other people's emotions and feelings; it can also include delayed language development and an inability to start conversations or take part in them properly.

Restricted and repetitive patterns of thought, interests and physical behaviours – including making repetitive physical movements, such as hand tapping or twisting, and becoming upset if these set routines are disrupted.

Children, young people and adults with ASD are often also affected by other mental health conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety or depression.

About half of those with ASD also have varying levels of learning difficulties. However, with appropriate support many people can be helped to become independent.

Children with more severe symptoms and learning difficulties are likely to need more additional care and assistance to live independently as adults, although there is no reason why they and their families cannot enjoy a good quality of life.

http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Autistic-spectrum-disorder/Pages/Introduction.aspx

What I have found when researching is that there are no particular indications as to what causes autism but what I am interested in is how people with autism can be supported.

OUGD505: Brief 1- Design Thinking

We had a morning session based on design thinking. This is a new way of following ideas and developing concepts. We were given a short brief which was to find a way to get more people in the UK the eat insects. Insects are most commonly eaten in the east in countries such as Thailand and as the reaction from the class proved it isn't common here. 

In my group we spent a while writing comments which stated the negatives associated with insects which were mainly based on how they look and the fact that in western culture it is associated with joke tv programs and dirty surroundings. The positives were that insects have a high protein amount and therefore are good for you as a snack. The main problem that we found was thinking of an audience that would accept that insects are good to eat, so perhaps they could be marketed towards children as they are quite daring although I was unsure whether parents would buy them for their children. 

So therefore we thought about people who go to the gym. They are interested in their diets and protein intake. They would eat insects without thinking about their consistency. As a high protein and low fat sustainable food source we felt it was important to market the insects as being a recognisable food source so therefore they would be put into a range of different products based on gym snacks. These would include protein shakes in a powder, other shakes would be instantly drinkable as well as other snacks such as bars and a simple bag of insects. James also thought about a name for the product series "Nature" because calling the product after insects directly may put people off but the name nature links to the earth and environment but it a more subtle way. 

OUGD505: Brief 1- TED talks

Autism on Ted Talks:

Rosie King: How autism freed me to be myself

“People are so afraid of variety that they try to fit everything into a tiny little box with a specific label,” says 16-year-old Rosie King, who is bold, brash and autistic. She wants to know: Why is everyone so worried about being normal? She sounds a clarion call for every kid, parent, teacher and person to celebrate uniqueness. It’s a soaring testament to the potential of human diversity."

People tend to diagnose autism with really check box descriptions but in reality there are variations to what we are like. My little brother is severely autistic and is non verbal, yet I love to talk. It is a stereotype that autistic people are good at maths and science. 

One of the things I can of because I am autistic is my imagination. The real world that we share isn't as interesting as the world in my mind. Being autistic there is no urge to want to fit into a box and therefore we can have our own interests. There are problems with being autistic because it makes school very difficult to concentrate in class and make friends. 

I'm going to leave you with one question: If we can't get inside the person's minds, no matter if they're autistic or not, instead of punishing anything that strays from normal, why not celebrate uniqueness and cheer every time someone unleashes their imagination?

https://www.ted.com/talks/rosie_king_how_autism_freed_me_to_be_myself/transcript?language=en#t-28735

https://www.ted.com/talks/ami_klin_a_new_way_to_diagnose_autism

Ami Klin- A new way to diagnose autism

Autism is a disruption of survival skills that we inherit. Without the caregiver a baby animal would not survive in the wild. This is the same with humans. Babies prefer to make contact with their caregiver through human sounds rather than concentrating on the environment around them. They prefer to look at people, especially their eyes. Eye contact made with the care giver (usually mother) is the start of a humans social mind. Autism begins at this stage. As a regular baby would learn how to gain attention of their caregiver a baby with autism would be completely oblivious of these social queues. The 15month old baby pictured above has autism as she doesn't react to having her personal space intruded. The world of people is not attracting her attention as much as objects. As she interacts more with objects she is further isolating herself by being interested in objects rather than people.

Autism is one of the disabilities that has the strongest link to genetics in developmental disorders. There is a very broad spectrum of autism and each individual is unique. Some are intellectually profound whilst others are gifted. Around 1 in 100 people have autism. 

Early diagnosis is important for treatment. Adults who are not treated can become incredibly disabled and isolated. The window of opportunity for change happens in the first three years of life. The window doesn't close it diminishes. Diagnosis currently takes around 5 years to complete and this is much longer in developing countries. 

Children with autism become adults with autism. Helping children in those early stages of life can have lifetime consequences for the child, family and community. Autism creates itself is not completely based on genetics which means that through early diagnosis children can be helped much sooner. New technology has allowed for more children and adults to be diagnosed as seen in the graph above. Autism hasn't increased but diagnosis and recognised behaviours certainly have. 

New technology based on eye tracking was created by this particular speaker (Ami Klin).

The video clips shown above show how a regular baby and a baby with autism reacts within the diagnosis. The regular baby is focused on the ladies eyes and social interaction whereas the baby with autism is focused on the objects around the room and rarely gains eye contact. Eye contact and scientific technology can detect autism in babies of 6months and therefore allows a sooner opportunity to give the child support to help their individual development. 

https://www.ted.com/talks/wendy_chung_autism_what_we_know_and_what_we_don_t_know_yet

With increased awareness more parents, teachers and doctors understand the signs of autism which therefore leads to more individuals being diagnosed to be able to receive help. Autism is a spectrum and there is no one answer as to what causes it. 

There are possible connections which include:

an older father

mothers who take epilepsy medication

some genes can also cause autism but they are not the only cause. 

Males seem to be affected more than females. In identical twins the stats are 77% that they would both be autistic. It is interesting that this is not 100% as they share the same genetic data and therefore shows how it is not completely genetic. There are 200-400 genes which can cause autism and there is no one particular gene which causes autism. 

Early diagnosis is key for us. Being able to make that diagnosis in a time where we have a window where there is the ability to transform an individual. 

Scientists like Ami Klin have developed methods using videos and eye contact to spot a baby at risk of developing autism. 

Babies who focus on the eyes will not develop autism those who focus elsewhere will.

It means we can intervene at an early stage and have the greatest impact. 

How do we intervene? In some cases there are medications but drugs are not the only answer. Children with autism learn in a different way and therefore they need support in their own development. 

'Join the mission to help those with autism have better and richer lives'

Within the ted talks slides she also mentions Interactive Autism Network:

Which has a fantastic amount of information on a whole range of different topics.

http://iancommunity.org

OUGD505: Brief 1- Part 1 Topic considerations

When researching into different areas within issue led design I have found that I am more interested in health based campaigns. When I was 16 in school I volunteered for a short while at a local special school:

http://www.ridgewood.lancs.sch.uk

"Ridgewood Community High School is a special school catering for boys and girls between the ages of 11 and 19 years with generic learning difficulties. 

Ridgewood is within Area East, Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale, of Lancashire Authority. All pupils attending Ridgewood Community High School have a statement under the 1981 Education Act. The pupils all have Special Educational Needs including: Moderate, Severe, Profound and Multiple Learning difficulties, Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Physical Disabilities, Language, Communication and Interaction Difficulties and Sensory Impairment. 

A specialist staff of teachers, teaching assistants and bi-lingual assistants meet the needs of our pupils. The school has a wide range of support from across the service providers, including Speech and Language Therapy, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, School Nurse, Lancashire Education Inclusion Service, (LEIS) Childrens’ Social Care and the Educational Psychology Service."

http://www.ridgewood.lancs.sch.uk/download/file/Prospectus%2014%2015.pdf

This is something I want to further research into as a topic of interest for my own issues led campaign. During the crit it was mentioned that I should look at why some of the special schools have been closed down in the UK although other than that I didn't gain much feedback but I believe that is perhaps because it is personal to me and my own interests.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/6196098.stm

From reading the report link posted above from David Cameron I found that the main points were that children should be supported within their own comfortable learning environment. As it is now more common for special schools to close, those with less severe learning difficulties are now places in 'mainstream' schools which can have disastrous affects. The cuts within the government should not affect a child or adults needs based on their disability, they should be supposed by all means necessary. 

To further research into disability awareness as a topic I will need to further look into the different types of disabilities especially within children as well as how health campaigns are put together in different mediums. 

Types of disability within children:

http://www.ciccparenting.org/childhooddisabilities.aspx

There are so many different types of disabilities each of which are equally as important as each other but to complete a design based project I will need to narrow down my search criteria to one particular disability. Autism was the one which initially caught my attention because it has been in the news recently about vaccines. 

"A growing measles outbreak in the U.S. that has spurred more than 100 cases -- of which many can be linked to a flare-up in Anaheim, California's Disneyland theme park, according to Reuters -- is causing concern among experts and health care providers claiming the anti-vaccination movement is at least in part to blame.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. saw arecord number of measles cases last year -- 644 in 27 states."

"Over the last two decades, extensive research has asked whether there is any link between childhood vaccinations and autism," Rob Ring said. "The results of this research are clear: Vaccines do not cause autism. We urge that all children be fully vaccinated."

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/02/08/vaccines-do-not-cause-autism-speaks_n_6632000.html

'Vaccines don't cause autism, but rubella killed my unvaccinated 6-year-old cousin

Jeneba Jalloh

If your fear is autism, you know that condition isn’t a death sentence; not immunizing your children from deadly disease possibly is. I have memories to prove it.'

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/feb/06/vaccines-do-n0t-cause-autism-but-measles-killed-my-unvaccinated-cousin

NHS about the MMR vaccine:

MMR is a safe and effective combined vaccine that protects against three separate illnesses – measles, mumps and rubella (german measles) – in a single injection. The full course of MMR vaccination requires two doses.

Measles, mumps and rubella are common, highly infectious conditions that can have serious, potentially fatal, complications, including meningitis, swelling of the brain (encephalitis), and deafness.

They can also lead to complications in pregnancy that affect the unborn baby and can lead to miscarriage. 

Since the MMR vaccine was introduced in 1988, it's rare for children in the UK to develop these serious conditions. However, outbreaks happen and cases of measles in particular have been rising in recent years, so it's important to make sure your children and yourself are up-to-date with MMR vaccination.

There has been some controversy about whether the MMR vaccine might cause autism, following a study published in 1998 by Dr Andrew Wakefield. In his paper published in The Lancet, Dr Wakefield claimed a link between the MMR vaccine and autism or bowel disease.

However, Andrew Wakefield's work has since been completely discredited and he has been struck off as a doctor in the UK. Subsequent studies during the last eight years have found no link between the MMR vaccine and autism or bowel disease.

http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/pages/mmr-vaccine.aspx

This links to the depression campaign I was researching previously, the opinion that MMR causes autism is a complete myth and isn't correct at all. In fact it is pure coincidence that the jab is given at a similar time to when autism is detected in children. 

OUGD503: J20 Evaluation

'Brief Considerations:

Ensure that consumers know that J2O is a blend of two fruits.

The J2O logo and bottle shape drives consumer recognition so must be maintained.

The J2O brand is synonymous with the colour green that is on all of our packaging. Please make sure that it features in some capacity when coming up with design ideas.

In the past, the depiction of fruit on our packaging has increased taste credentials so although it’s not compulsory to do so, bear this in mind when coming up with design ideas.'

I am quite pleased with what I have been able to produce for the J20 submission for YCN because I feel as though I have made a huge change to the packaging. I am unsure as to whether they will like the changes but I have answered the brief how I have seen fit to do so. The juxtaposition of the black and bright coloured fruit would ensure the packaging stands out among pastel and lighter coloured fruit juices within the supermarket. But also the bright colours contrast the black within the type too which will ensure the bottles can be clearly read behind a bar too. The colour palette I have chosen is definitely vibrant and fun however by using black and white I feel as though it has matured the design slightly. I followed the advice within the brief and drew the fruit on the box. By using black the packaging could be seen as an alcoholic drink, however the fruit defines the product and ensures the audience/customer knows it is a fruit drink, specifically a two fruit blend. I spent time on my illustrations and digitally painting the artwork in line with the colours I had picked out from photographs. The colours of each of the logo's are continued throughout to create a consistency and a clear understanding of the identification of each drink. 

OUGD505: Brief 1

From the initial presentation:

These posters follow a particular style due to the limitations of the time. They are one colour screen prints created by art students to protest. The informal and almost child like quality to them enhances their purpose and contributes to the students feelings/thoughts/reasons for protesting. These one colour screen prints can also be created quite cheaply and quickly therefore being cost effective for the creators. Therefore the medium matches the message because the bright colours and slogan messages are eye-catching and would stand out within a protest to capture attention and attempt to change opinions. The style of using bright colours and slogans are still used today because they are effective and bold. 

There were a few posters within the presentation based upon health that were quite shocking as they seem to use this tactic to capture attention on bus stops/billboards or within a doctors surgery. Black and white is also used often within health campaigns because it highlights a serious issue. These posters also use negative space to frame the important elements and this makes the person view the poster. Often these posters can be seen quite close up therefore there is usually a small amount of text to read as an educational tool. 

Even though this campaign has a theme based upon politics it is extremely subtle in its approach which therefore allows the information to appear more friendly and less invasive to someones personal space as posters who state shocking statistics and images. The smaller books allow for someone to read the information and educate themselves in a quieter fashion than a bombardment of facts and bold lettering which is something I need to consider in my own project, perhaps it wouldn't be suitable to use a bold advertising campaign and another medium would be suitable?

http://adcollector.tumblr.com/post/16855828219/leagas-delaney-germany

Environmental issues is not something I want to focus on for my project but I have included this image due to its connections between medium and message. This "Every lead traps CO2" campaign uses actual leaves within its imagery and therefore makes it appear realistic. The campaign is connected to planting trees and reducing our impact on the environment and the concept works perfectly along with its message as they are intertwined. 

https://www.behance.net/gallery/21300317/Bee-Blue-Garden

This example is from when I was initially looking at environmental issues. This guide based on decline in bee populations is interesting because the products are educational and also connected to the issue. This includes using seeds and honey plus a publication with information. I have previously looked at animal related issues in OUGD504 so I want to focus on something which is a little different this time. 

https://www.behance.net/gallery/20108453/Design-For-Good-Down-Syndrome-Awareness-Posters

These posters which have an emphasis on positivity within down syndrome have an incredibly good concept due to their target audience being parents. Disability awareness is something I have always been interested in as it a change of opinion and perceptions in this case it is with parents. As in statistics many unborn babies are terminated due to the possibility of down syndrome. I recently also found a video which supports this point of view in changing the opinion of parents to support their child despite them having a disability. 

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAzPsJi_SFdpPBvbiPc1DNQ

http://www.upworthy.com/a-pregnant-woman-learns-her-baby-has-down-syndrome-people-who-have-it-answer-her-one-big-question-2?c=ufb4

"A mom-to-be learned the baby she was carrying had Down syndrome. So she asked a significant question to a Down syndrome advocacy group, and they answered her with this beautiful video where 15 people shared their wisdom."

The email was "I'm expecting a baby... Ive discovered he has down syndrome. I'm scared: what kind of life will my child have?" 

"today we reply to her like this"

'Dear future mum, don't be afraid your child will be able to do many things. He'll be able to hug you. He'll be able to run towards you. He'll be able to speak and tell you he loves you. He'll be able to go to school, like everybody. He'll be able to learn to write. And he'll be able to write to you, if someday he is far away. Because, indeed he'll be able to travel too. He'll be able to help his father fix his bicycle. He'll be able to work and earn his money. And with that money he'll be able to invite you out for dinner. Or rent an apartment and go living alone. Sometimes it will be difficult. Very difficult. Almost impossible. But isn't it like that for all mothers? Dear future mum, your child can be happy. Just like I am. And you'll be happy too. Right mum?'

'People with Down syndrome can live a happy life. Together we can make it possible.' 

'The best part? Everyone in this video has Down syndrome. And they focus on the good things — reminding people, especially parents who might be worried about what the journey of parenting a child with Down syndrome will be like, that people who have Down syndrome can do all the important things that any parent values. They can go to school, travel, work, make friends, and express their love for their parents, friends, and family. They're honest about the fact that it can be hard—but isn't parenting always hard?'

http://www.upworthy.com/a-pregnant-woman-learns-her-baby-has-down-syndrome-people-who-have-it-answer-her-one-big-question-2?c=ufb4

This advertising campaign for a down syndrome charity is incredibly moving and appeals to its target audience because it talks about a mothers fears and generally the relationships between mother and child. Disability is often looked down upon as something negative however this video is incredibly positive in both is visual queues such as a warm filter and yellow/orange tones which in western culture is seen as happiness. This also shows another example of where a large amount of information can be put into another medium rather than just simply a set of posters, it is effective because it allows you to feel emotion and therefore makes the cause successful. 

https://www.behance.net/gallery/23176727/Spring-2014-Graduating-Exhibition

This particular graduate project I found fascinating because of the subject matter. This poster set again focuses on the idea of myths and changing perceptions on a particular subject, in this case depression. The simplicity of the information on a larger poster allows for the work to be read easily rather than in a book. Linked to my own interests it could be interesting to look at a topic which links to health and perhaps something connected to the brain and hidden disorders as they are more complex and not easily understood. 

OUGD505: Brief 1- Part 1 initial thoughts & exhibition

"From a Suffragette tea service to protest robots, this exhibition was the first to examine the powerful role of objects in movements for social change. It demonstrated how political activism drives a wealth of design ingenuity and collective creativity that defy standard definitions of art and design. Disobedient Objects focussed on the period from the late 1970s to now, a time that has brought new technologies and political challenges. On display were arts of rebellion from around the world that illuminate the role of making in grassroots movements for social change: finely woven banners; defaced currency; changing designs for barricades and blockades; political video games; an inflatable general assembly to facilitate consensus decision-making; experimental activist-bicycles; and textiles bearing witness to political murders."

The inspiration I gained from this exhibition was not necessarily from a visual point of view in terms of graphic design. The passion and stories behind each of the pieces were incredibly interesting and moving. Especially the wall of notes by a large amount of people who has written thoughts that bothered them based on current issues such as "black lives matter" and "je suis charlie". However these pieces were based on protest and creating work which demands attention and action. I will research further into graphic responses to issues which follow my own interests. 

OUGD505: Brief 1- Product Range Distribution

Examine graphic design outputs relating to social, political and ethical change. Aim to increase your awareness of historical examples plus contemporary practice that is responsive to 21st Century issues. Be sure to note the relationship between medium and message.You should then produce a body of research work that explores the connections between these concepts and their respective design outcomes prior to your own practical and conceptual exploration of possible products, ranges and methods of distribution that may be suggested by your preferred content or, indeed, those that reflect your own ideologies, concerns and/or ambitions.

This brief is in two parts -

Part 1: Based on the introductory workshops, develop a practical, visual and contextual investigation of a specific subject. You should aim to develop research from a range of primary and secondary sources in order to fully explore the opportunities for informed creative development. Your research and development of this part of the brief should be documented on appropriate blogs and will be presented as part of your interim concept pitch.

Part 2: Devise and develop a body of practical work that both distils your knowledge of an identified issue and demonstrates your ability to tap into the market potential for socially, politically and ethically-driven design. This output should still work within the broader creative and professional contexts of graphic design but could be based around ideas of awareness or protest. Examples of potential deliverables include (but are not limited to):

materials relating to an issue-led campaign (this could be one affiliated to an established organization or a more ‘guerilla’ approach)

a poster series

a booklet/publication/manifesto

a web/digital platform

placards, banners or a set of badges

a range of products or merchandise that communicate your identified core message

Your contextual research, critical observations and reflective evaluations should be documented on your Design Practice blog and summarised within reflective content that supports your design submission. Your response should explore the relationship between product range and methods/media of distribution as well as specific audiences, contexts and appropriate tone of voice. 

As defined by your interpretation of the selected brief.

You will need to meet any mandatory requirements specified on individual briefs.

In addition to the submission requirements for the briefs you will need to evidence the research, development and production of your resolutions.

Your work should be documented through regular labelled posts to your Design Practice Blog.

Correct labelling of your work on your blog is essential. Failure to organise your work clearly will affect the assessment of your worK. 

Your response to the brief should be supported by a rationale and evaluation of your work in relation to the initial brief.

Resolutions & Products appropriate to your selected brief(s).

Presentation boards articulating the selected research development, resolution and contextualisation of your work.

Posts to your Design Practice blog demonstrating your ability to effectively record, document and critically evaluate the progress of your work in relation to your own intentions and appropriate areas of contemporary creative practice.

Final crits will take place on 25th March 2015.