UQ researcher seeks to explain the meanings of children’s drawings

A researcher from The University of Queensland is seeking to explain what the drawings of children who have been diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome can tell us about their behaviour.

Conducted by clinical psychology doctorate student Hui Lim, the study is looking at children’s social awareness in relation to their drawings.

Asperger’s Syndrome is a pervasive developmental disorder that affects how the brain processes information.

Children with Asperger’s Syndrome have been said to have some difficulties in understanding other people’s unspoken beliefs, wishes and intentions, according to Ms Lim.

“Research has demonstrated that children`s drawings can reflect self-concept, attitudes, wishes, and concerns. These drawings, particularly human figure drawings, may help to shed some light on their abilities to understand other people`s perspectives and points of view, and also their social awareness,” she said.

Ms Lim said that parents who had ever wondered what their child’s drawing was telling them, or who had ever felt puzzled about the reason their child had drawn a picture a certain way would be ideal for the study.

“The outcome of this research hopes to pave the way to develop an assessment tool for evaluating either the effectiveness of therapeutic programs, for example social skills programs, or children’s social awareness,” she said.

Ms Lim said by volunteering for the study, parents and their children would be contributing to research that will allow a greater understanding of children with Asperger’s Syndrome.

Children participating in the study need to be above five years old and have been diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome. Typically developing children above five years old are also required for the study.

Research will be conducted in the privacy of participants home and will involve an analysis of four simple pictures drawn by the child. Parents will also be interviewed to obtain information about their child’s social behaviours and communication skills.

To be involved in this study or find out more information, please contact Hui Lim at The University of Queensland on 0410 836 509 or lim@psy.uq.edu.au.

Media: For further information contact Ms Hui Lim on 0410 836 509 or email lim@psy.uq.edu.au.