Accessible and engaging

Animation film making is an extremely versatile, creative and tactile medium, which brings to life anything we can imagine. It uses a wide range of materials and techniques to creatively share story through visuals.

The Animation Curriculum has been specifically designed for individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD), but has been used to support students holding diagnoses including; Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, Trauma, Learning Disability, Visual Impairment and Sensory Processing Disorder. 

Jessica’s aim is for The Animation Curriculum to be accessible and available to anyone who would benefit from engaging with the curriculum. 

Developed through Research

The Animation Curriculum was developed by Dr Jessica Rutherford, who completed her PhD titled Animation-based learning for individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD), at Loughborough University in 2023. She has presented her work and research at 10 International Conferences in the fields of FASD, Education and Animation Studies, and has published in recognised journals. 

The idea for animation-based learning came from Jessica’s academic background in Animation and Special Effects, and her exploration of the use of Animation for receptive learning. She became aware of the use of this valuable story telling and narrative building tool for therapeutic purposes, and began exploration of specifically designed applications of Animation-based learning for a therapeutic approach to education.

Inspired by Lived Experience

Jessica has been working in the FASD field since 2015, acting as Assistant Director of Operations at CAMP – A FASD Community, FASD Advisor at FASD Hub Scotland, FASD and Complex Case Service Lead at Nudge Education and Education Co-ordinator at the National Organisation for FASD. Jessica is also co-presenter of the UK’s first podcast dedicated to talking about all things relating to FASD, Spotlight on FASD.

Jessica is extremely passionate about her work and her research. She currently works as an Independent Researcher, exploring opportunities for Animation and Creative Practices for educational and therapeutic benefits for neurodiverse populations.

Jessica Rutherford is a member of The Society for Animation Studies, patoss and The FASD Knowledge Share Collective.