Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 12, 2026

Testing Sensory and Multisensory Function in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Published on: April 22, 2015
Inquiry and innovation: Considering curiosity and creativity in autism
Rhiannon Luyster1, Kyle Greene-Pendelton2, Sudha Arunachalam3
1Emerson College, United States of America.
None:
Curiosity and creativity are faculties that support innovation, achievement and emotional well-being. They are early-appearing and lifelong, serving a critical role in human development. In this paper, we suggest that these essential capabilities have been broadly overlooked in our understanding and description of development in autistic individuals. We critically evaluate two assumptions: that curiosity and creativity are (1) diminished and/or (2) different in autism. In support of future research, we provide a number of suggestions for how we, and other important stakeholders like educators, parents, and providers, can deepen our appreciation for the ways in which curiosity and creativity might be expressed in autism. We also aim to highlight the ways in which curiosity and creativity can support personal growth and flourishing across the lifespan in autistic individuals, just as they do for nonautistic individuals.
Related Concept Videos
Autism Spectrum Disorder
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
Modeling in Therapy
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in...
Creative Thinking
Divergent thinking is the...
Cognitive Learning
E. C. Tolman's theory of purposive behavior emphasizes that much behavior is goal-directed. He argued that to understand behavior, we must look at the entire sequence of actions leading to a goal. For instance, high school students study hard, not just due to past reinforcement but also to achieve the goal of getting into a good college.
Tolman introduced the idea that behavior is influenced by...
Piaget's Theory of Cognitive Development from Childhood into Adulthood
Schemata: Building Blocks of Knowledge
Cognitive Development During Adolescence

