Collaborative Co-Creation: Transforming Naive Art of Autistic Children into Fashion Design through Graphic Design Intervention

This study investigates the collaborative co-creation process between autistic children’s naive artwork and professional designers in developing innovative fashion designs. Through a rigorous qualitative methodology, we examined how graphic designers can enhance and transform artistic expressions of moderate-stage autistic children (ages 5-7) into viable textile patterns. Participants were purposively selected based on their diagnosed moderate-stage autism, demonstrated interest in artistic activities, and ability to engage in structured creative tasks. The study employed mixed methods, including in-depth interviews with five art teachers experienced in autism education (minimum 5 years experience), direct observation of artistic sessions, and detailed case studies of three autistic students at SK Desa Pinggiran Putra, Kajang. Ethical considerations, including parental consent, sensory accommodation, and child-centric approaches, were prioritized throughout the research process. The findings reveal that specific artistic techniques – bubble wrap printing, abstract brush strokes, and free-hand drawing – can be successfully translated into fashion designs while preserving the authentic creative voice of the autistic artists. Statistical analysis of engagement patterns showed significant improvement in sustained attention (p