Maryland Institute College of Art

A team of first-year GD MFA candidates developed work for submission to a student competition called “Autism Connects,” organized by Core 77. The goal of the competition is to engage students in research and design innovation around issues in the autism community. Shown here are MICA’s submissions.

• Cameron Zotter: Line Up Game

In my research, I have found that it is common for autistic children to line up objects (often very precisely). I have developed a product that aims to harness that behavior to teach better communication skills by improving facial expression recognition, which is a struggle for Autistic children. Line Up is a fun game for autistic children, that harnesses their interest in lining up toys and other objects, to to teach them facial recognition skills that are essential for communication.

Line Up from cameron zotter on Vimeo.



• Cameron Zotter: Visual Watch

Visual Watch is a time management and picture exchange communication system (PECS) tool designed specifically for people with Autism. The concept tackles two complex issues: Sense/Management of Time and the need for portability of the picture exchange communication system (PECS).
With this product, my goal is to increase autistic children’s communication abilities and ultimately to ensure better inclusion into society.

Visual Watch from cameron zotter on Vimeo.



• Rolando Gutierrez: Pictoric

A simple, personalized, visual scheduling and organizational tool which utilizes the portability and syncing capabilities of the iPod and iPad for individuals under the PDD umbrella and their respective aides.

• Noel Cunningham: weSYNC

Autism Spectrum Disorder affects many different people in many different ways. Because the spectrum is so broad, it is important to evaluate each person’s needs on an individual basis as we determine their care options. It is common for a child with an ASD to have a rigid schedule and work with several different people on a daily basis. Doctors, therapists, and teachers may communicative with the child’s parent regarding their care, but not necessarily with one another.