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SALT LAKE CITY -- Google has found a surprising connection between one of its programs and children with autism.
Google SketchUp allows designers to work in 3D. It was originally made for architects, but others have used it to work on the Harry Potter and Transformers films. Then, they found a surprising fan base -- children with autism.
"Architects, with children who had autistic characteristics, were contacting the designer saying, ‘My kid really loves this program,'" said Cheryl Wright, the chair of the Family and Consumer Studies department at the University of Utah.
"I think it's just fascinating that these very special people may act and think differently than us, but yet they have a lot to offer," she adds.
Wright says the U is now gathering data for Google on how children with autism use the SketchUp program. Right now it is believed that many people on the autism spectrum have the visual and spatial skills that connect with the 3D software in the program.
The U of U will hold a free workshop and tutorial for parents and teachers of children with ASD. They will show how to download and use SketchUp, which can be downloaded from Google for free. The designer of SketchUp and a designer for Universal Creative will be at the presentation. It will be held on Saturday, Feb. 6, 10 a.m. to noon in 320 Alfred Emery Building, 225 S. 1400 East in President's Circle.
For more information about Saturday's workshop or to be involved in U's efforts to gather data, e-mail sandy.stark@fcs.utah.edu or call 801-585-1184.
For more information about Google SketchUp, CLICK HERE.
E-mail: mrichards@ksl.com
