ACCESSIBILITÀ COGNITIVA E STRATEGIE DIGITALI NEI MUSEI: UN APPROCCIO INCLUSIVO PER VISITATORI CON DISTURBO DELLO SPETTRO AUTISTICO

In the museum context, accessibility is a cornerstone of cultural inclusion and comprises a set of practices and principles designed to ensure that exhibition content is accessible to all, regardless of the physical, cognitive or sensory abilities of visitors. The aim of this thesis is to explore the complexity of cultural accessibility in museums through a multidimensional view, examining both cognitive and digital accessibility for visitors with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). According to the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders), ASD is characterised by significant variability in communicative and behavioural abilities. A comprehensive literature review was conducted across three databases (Scopus, ERIC, and Web of Science) from 2015 to 2023, identifying only six studies that examined the use of technology and cognitive approaches to enhance the museum experience for individuals with autism. These studies provide an overview of current practices and challenges in the field. The research covers a wide range of museums and uses innovative digital technologies, including interactive applications, virtual reality and immersive storytelling. Research on museum accessibility emphasises the importance of involving young adults with autism not only as beneficiaries but also as co-creators and highlights the need for more diverse technological applications. However, other studies warn that an excess of virtual elements can be disorienting for individuals with autism. Furthermore, a “strategic plan for cognitive and digital accessibility for visitors with ASD” was developed at the Gemmellaro Museum in Palermo to foster greater inclusivity. Within this framework, a Toolkit was created, inspired by best practices in cognitive accessibility, providing accessible language resources in both traditional and digital formats, alongside audiovisual materials tailored to diverse communicative and cognitive needs. Evaluation results showed high appreciation, with a preference for digital resources. The project offers a replicable model to advance museum accessibility and ensure inclusive educational experiences for all visitors. In conclusion, the thesis highlights the need for further comparative studies between traditional and digital workshop activities to better understand the specific benefits for individuals with ASD, thereby informing more effective educational and therapeutic practices.