FoggyRock General Forum

Art Therapy with Children on the Autistic Spectrum by Kathy Evans and Janek Dobowski

From the back cover:

"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 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 with 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 specialist in communication disorders, and in particular to professionals working with autistic children."

This is what I am hoping to do once I get my Masters in Marriage and Family Counceling with Art Therapy. My question now is: How many parents of children with autism are interested in Art Therapy as a possible intervention? I would love to hear everyone's input.