Grandparents and their grandchildren with autism spectrum disorder: building bridges through technology

Grandparents of grandchildren with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) remain an under researched population. This research provides grandparents a voice concerning the experience of their grandchildren with ASD in workshops that taught them the use of the 3D Google SketchUp™ software. The workshops focused on the computer strengths of the participating children. Six grandparents participated in two focus groups. Videotapes from the focus groups were transcribed verbatim and coded. Two key themes were identified from the data: reframing expectations and building communication bridges through shared interests. Grandparents perceived that their grandchildren learned technological skills and had a positive experience, which gave them hope for future educational and employment opportunities for these grandchildren. The grandparents perceived that the shared interests in the computer program augmented communication opportunities between themselves and their grandchildren, and with other grandparents of children with ASD. This paper addresses the challenges children with ASD and their families experience and explores from the grandparent’s viewpoint the potential benefits of social engagement around technology.