The drawing method : researching young people with a disability

This case study discusses the drawing method and its use in researching young people. Drawing from a feminist approach, we used this method as we worked with particularly vulnerable young people with Asperger's disorder. Often, young people find it difficult to discuss their feelings on certain issues involving themselves and their family. The drawing method gives them the opportunity to draw how they feel and their experiences, rather than put these feelings and experiences into words. In this project, the drawing method was used in conjunction with an in-depth interview. Hence, we had an opportunity to discuss other themes with the participant that may not have emerged during the drawing phase. Although this method has many benefits, we have found during data collection that not all young participants responded well to the method. This is particularly so among the older participants who would prefer to only be involved in the in-depth interview. We therefore recommended that the drawing method be used in conjunction with other qualitative methods not only to ensure a rich analysis of the participants' lived experiences but also to give the young participants an option on how they wish to tell their story.