Menu

FRAMEwork: Guide for Welcoming Museum Visitors with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Read the FRAMEwork Guide here:

The Dallas Museum of Art, the Palais des Beaux-Arts de Lille and the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, all members of the FRench American Museum Exchange (FRAME), have been working together to develop a recognized expertise in welcoming people with Autism Spectrum Disorder. In recent years, neuroscience has recognized the therapeutic benefits of artistic experience and cultural practices for autistic audiences. Medical studies have shown that works of art stimulate human emotions, foster empathy and help to develop self-confidence in visitors with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

This publication, which is dedicated to helping other art museums develop programs to welcome people with Autism Spectrum Disorder, launches a series of FRAME initiatives called “FRAMEworks.” This document offers practical advice to other museums based on the experience in Dallas, Lille and Montreal. Written in a flexible manner to be adapted to the specificities of other museums, this protocol is likely to evolve with scientific and human research and discoveries.

In compliance with the mission of the FRench American Museum Exchange, this “FRAMEwork” is an innovative way to promote transatlantic cultural dialogue and to foster the development of ground-breaking and worthwhile programs for museums of the 21st century. We are happy to share our findings with you and all of our global colleagues.

William Beekman and Anne-Solène Rolland, Co-Presidents of FRAME
Marguerite d’Aprile Quigley and Emilie Vanhaesebroucke, Executive Directors of FRAME