Research Projects
Since 2022, Islands of Brilliance and the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee have partnered to operate the Autism Brilliance Lab for Entrepreneurship (ABLE), a research initiative funded by the National Endowment for the Arts. This collaboration uses strengths-based research methods to explore and document the lived experiences of Islands of Brilliance participants, amplifying their creative voices and deepening understanding of neurodivergent creativity.
Jump To A Project:
NEA Year 1: Evaluating Outcomes of Creative Workshops Utilising a Mentorship Model Between Artist and Student
NEA Year 2: Evaluating Outcomes of 1-Day Workshops Within the Community
NEA Year 3: Evaluating Outcomes of a Weekly Community-Based Program within Libraries and Art Centers for Teens and Young Adults
The Joy Study
The Joy Study
Research Team
Dr. Jeana Holt, Dr. Kate Siekman
Project Dates: 2024 – 2025
This study celebrates the voices of autistic youth and their families, exploring how they experienced and expressed joy through photos and family journaling. The research team and families worked together to illuminate everyday moments of brilliance, connection, and reciprocal happiness. Through this collaboration, the project inspired new ways of seeing and supporting joy in autistic lives and communities.
NEA Year 3: Evaluating Outcomes of a Weekly Community-Based Program within Libraries and Art Centers for Teens and Young Adults
Research Team
Dr. Jeana Holt, Dr. Nathaniel Stern, Dr. Kate Siekman
Project Dates: 2024 – 2026
The research team continues to build evidence on how art and design education and skills lead to workforce and workplace integration in Study 3. Building on the lessons learned from Studies 1 and 2, ABLE is evaluating the impact of a statewide initiative that gathers neurodivergent teens and young adults (aged 16 through early 30s) to develop community contributions through creative arts-based activities and guided discussions. The Fellowship utilizes the Positive Youth Development Model to inform its evidence-based curriculum that addresses the transition from school to the workforce.
NEA Year 2: Evaluating Outcomes of 1-Day Workshops Within the Community
Research Team
Dr. Jeana Holt, Dr. Nathaniel Stern, Lilly Carillo, Dr. Kate Siekman
Project Dates: 2022 – 2025
ABLE's second study expands its reach by holding single-day data collection events at highly visible locations, e.g., a science museum, a children’s museum, a county zoo, and organizations that serve neurodiverse and neurotypical individuals. We are comparing and contrasting the impact of longitudinal versus short-term interventions, and across the spectrum. The second year of data collection centered around a singular IOB engagement, Sandbox@, and its effects on participants’ creative self-efficacy.
NEA Year 1: Evaluating Outcomes of Creative Workshops Utilising a Mentorship Model Between Artist and Student
Research Team
Dr. Nathaniel Stern, Dr. Jeana Holt, Mich Dillon, Astrid Merrit, Lilly Carillo, Gita Shiltz, Margaret Fairbanks, Dr. Kate Siekman
Project Dates: 2021 – Present
In its first year with Islands of Brilliance, the ABLE research team collected video evidence of IOB student-mentor teams engaging in digital creative art projects over 5 sessions. Foundation Design Workshops are designed for students aged 8 and older, creating art driven by their special interests. The research team continues to analyze videos of IOB students working with their mentors meticulously. This evidence lends itself to storytelling rooted in creativity, reciprocal growth, and meaningful connections.
Individuals or organizations interested in collaborative research or partnership opportunities are encouraged to contact Dr. Kate Siekman, Director of Learning and Outcomes at Islands of Brilliance, to explore potential projects that advance understanding of neurodivergent creativity and learning.