One Saturday afternoon in October, twelve autistic children sat around a long table in a storefront location in Eastern Toronto. In front of their computer terminals, they watched intently as instructor Paul Tom showed them how to make bobbleheads using 3D printing technology.
The event, held at Little Robot Friends, was enjoyed by both children and their parents and caregivers who had brought them. Some of the more experienced children used computer software to draw designs on the screen of the monitors in front of them.
“Everyone seems to be enjoying themselves,” observes Elizabeth Rudyk, Care Coordinator, Service Navigation - Toronto Region. She smiles as she notes that the event has a 99 per cent attendance. “Autism Ontario events are unique. They really give families different opportunities to try new activities.”
“My son is very into technology, devices, coding, and animating, explains Nicole Thompson, who brought her autistic son Nathan and his little sister Athena to the event, both of whom are computer literate. “So, at home, they do a lot of animating. They have a software where they make little cartoons and little skits.”
“This is very cool,” said Nathan, Nicole’s son. “I’ve never 3D printed before.” Athena sits beside her big brother at her own terminal, her fingers working on the keyboard, and a smile on her face. Nathan looks intently at his own monitor and the design he has on the screen. “It’s an iPod,” he explains.
Across the table, Charles Lane sits in front of his own terminal, drawing an elephant. This is also his first time working with 3D printing. “It seems fun,” he says.
“Charles is very interested in 3D printing,” says his father, Brit. “He spends probably 20 hours a week playing with LEGO, which is a very similar type thing in terms of design.”
Brit says both his son and his family gain much from events such as these. He says the events are a chance for Charles to get together with his friends and try something new that interests him, which is especially important as he admits it’s sometimes difficult to find activities for Charles that he’ll enjoy. “This is also very close to where we live. It's very convenient. And he gets to meet other people.”
“This gives them an opportunity to use more software that we don't have,” says Nicole, while noting that 3D printing is still expensive. “It's good to be around others, finding community, and friendships. There’s a sense here of camaraderie. It’s cool and understanding.”
“We set it up in such a way that it’s an accepting environment for kids to be themselves,” says Elizabeth. “If it's a different type of programming, a child might feel pressure to act a certain way or not fully be themselves.
“As much as these programs have been impactful for the kids and the families, I would like everyone to know, that it's been hugely impactful on myself as well,” says Paul Tom, Lead Educator and Education Manager, Little Robot Friends, who finds the experience of leading the events enjoyable. “I always look forward to the Autism Ontario workshops.”