Art Therapy with Children on the Autistic Spectrum: Beyond Words (Arts Therapies)

Recent research has shown that art therapy can be particularly effective for children with autism and related communication disorders. The extensive range of symptoms experienced by autistic people makes them extremely individual in presentation, so any treatment used must be tailored to a range of varying needs. Art Therapy with Children on the Autistic Spectrum presents a new model of practice, which primarily focuses on communication difficulties. The authors describe how negative behaviors and subsequent tension may be alleviated when the autistic child is involved in interactive art making with the therapist. The book is divided into three parts: the first part explores art making processes and art work, with an emphasis on how art can be specifically communicative. A history of autism is presented within the therapeutic context. The second part challenges existing methods of practice within art therapy and considers the most appropriate approaches to treating autistic children. The last part discusses research that lead to the formulation of this specific model-methodology and assessment interventions are analyzed, as well as the ongoing development of appropriate assessment instruments. Case studies of art therapy with individual autistic children demonstrate the use of the model and the outcomes. Throughout the book, it is emphasized how art therapy works as an integral part of overall management and treatment approaches to autism. It will be of particular interest to all those professionals working with autistic children and specialists in other communication disorders. Recent research has shown that art therapy can be particularly effective for children with autism and related communication disorders. The extensive range of symptoms experienced by autistic people makes them extremely individual in presentation, so any treatment used must be tailored to a range of varying needs. Art Therapy with Children on the Autistic Spectrum presents a new model of practice, which primarily focuses on communication difficulties. The authors describe how negative behaviours and subsequent tension may be alleviated when the autistic child is involved in interactive art making with the therapist.The book is divided into three parts: the first part explores art making processes and art work, with an emphasis on how art can be specifically communicative. A history of autism is presented within the therapeutic context. The second part challenges existing methods of practice within art therapy and considers the most appropriate approaches to treating autistic children. The last part discusses research that lead to the formulation of this specific model - methodology and assessment interventions are analysed, as well as the ongoing development of appropriate assessment instruments. Case studies of art therapy with individual autistic children demonstrate the use of the model and the outcomes. Throughout the book, it is emphasised how art therapy works as an integral part of overall management and treatment approaches to autism. It will be of particular interest to all those professionals working with autistic children and specialists in other communication disorders. Recent research has shown that art therapy can be particularly effective for children with autism and related communication disorders. The extensive range of symptoms experienced by autistic people makes them extremely individual in presentation, so any treatment used must be tailored to a range of varying needs. Art Therapy with Children on the Autistic Spectrum presents a new model of practice, which primarily focuses on communication difficulties. The authors describe how negative behaviours and subsequent tension may be alleviated when the autistic child is involved in interactive art making with the therapist. The book is divided into three parts: the first part explores art making processes and art work, with an emphasis on how art can be specifically communicative. A history of autism is presented within the therapeutic context. The second part challenges existing methods of practice within art therapy and considers the most appropriate approaches to treating autistic children. The last part discusses research that lead to the formulation of this specific model - methodology and assessment interventions are analysed, as well as the ongoing development of appropriate assessment instruments. Case studies of art therapy with individual autistic children demonstrate the use of the model and the outcomes. Throughout the book, it is emphasised how art therapy works as an integral part of overall management and treatment approaches to autism. It will be of particular interest to all those professionals working with autistic children and specialists in other communication disorders Art Therapy With Children On The Autistic Spectrum Presents A New Model Of Intervention, Which Focuses Primarily On The Communication And Imagination Difficulties Experienced By Many Children With Autism. The Authors Describe How Negative Behaviours And Subsequent Tension May Be Alleviated When The Autistic Child Is Involved In Interactive Art Making With The Therapist. They Challenge Existing Methods Within Art Therapy And Explore The Most Appropriate Approaches To Treating Autistic Children. They Also Analyse Methodology And Assessment Interventions, As Well As The Ongoing Development Of Appropriate Assessment Instruments. Drawn From Their Extensive Experience In Child And Infant Psychology, The Authors Present A Range Of Case Studies Of Art Therapy With Individual Autistic Children To Demonstrate The Use Of Practical Interventions And The Outcomes. This Book Will Be Of Interest To All Specialists In Communication Disorders, And In Particular To Professionals Working With Autistic Children.--jacket. 1. Developmental Deficit: Communication And Imagination -- 2. Imaginative Play, Creativity And Art -- 3. Drawing Development -- 4. Symbols, Signs, Theory Of Mind, Autism And Drawing Development -- 5. The Basis For Intervention: From Theory To Practice -- 6. Diagnosis, Understanding And Assessment -- 7. Working With Stephen -- 8. Developing An Interactive Art Therapy Template. Kathy Evans And Janek Dubowski. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 103-105) And Indexes. Art Therapy with Children on the Autistic Spectrum......Page 4 Contents......Page 6 Introduction......Page 8 1 Developmental Deficit......Page 16 2 Imaginative Play, Creativity and Art......Page 24 3 Drawing Development......Page 32 4 Symbols, Signs, Theory of Mind, Autism and Drawing Development......Page 40 5 The Basis for Intervention......Page 50 6 Diagnosis, Understanding and Assessment......Page 64 7 Working with Stephen......Page 82 8 Developing an Interactive Art Therapy Template......Page 98 References......Page 104 Subject Index......Page 108 Author Index......Page 112 In this chapter we explore the nature of the deficits in both communication and imagination demonstrated in the behaviour of children with autism.