Project Abstract

Abstract
 

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by difficulties in social communication, restricted interests, and repetitive behaviors. Many individuals with ASD experience challenges in emotional regulation and expression, which can lead to emotional distress and impaired functioning. Art therapy, a form of psychotherapy that incorporates various art modalities, has emerged as a promising intervention for promoting emotional expression and developing coping skills among individuals with ASD. This study aims to explore the use of art therapy in supporting emotional regulation and coping skill development among children with ASD. A mixed-methods approach will be employed, combining quantitative measures of emotional regulation and coping skills with qualitative observations and interviews to gain a comprehensive understanding of the experiences and perspectives of children, their parents, and art therapists. The findings of this study will contribute to the existing literature on evidence-based interventions for individuals with ASD and inform the development and implementation of effective art therapy practices tailored to the unique needs of children on the autism spectrum.

Project Overview

Chapter 1: Introduction 

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction, as well as restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities.^1^ According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the prevalence of ASD in the United States has risen steadily, with 1 in 44 children being diagnosed with ASD in 2018.^2^ While the core features of ASD involve challenges in social interaction and communication, many individuals on the autism spectrum also experience difficulties with emotional regulation and expression.

Emotional regulation refers to the ability to manage and respond to emotions in appropriate ways, while emotional expression involves the ability to communicate and convey emotional states effectively.^3^ Children with ASD often struggle with recognizing, understanding, and expressing their emotions, which can lead to emotional distress, maladaptive coping strategies, and problematic behaviors.^4^ Additionally, the sensory processing differences and communication challenges associated with ASD can further complicate emotional regulation and expression.

Art therapy, a form of psychotherapy that incorporates various art modalities such as drawing, painting, sculpture, and collage, has emerged as a promising intervention for promoting emotional expression and developing coping skills among individuals with ASD.^5^ By providing a non-verbal, multisensory means of communication, art therapy can facilitate emotional expression and self-regulation for individuals who may have difficulties with verbal communication or processing abstract concepts.^6^

While numerous studies have explored the potential benefits of art therapy for individuals with ASD, there is a need for comprehensive research that specifically examines the use of art therapy in promoting emotional expression and coping skill development among children on the autism spectrum. Existing literature has yielded promising results, suggesting that art therapy can improve emotional regulation, reduce problematic behaviors, and enhance overall well-being.^7^ However, most studies have focused on specific art modalities or have been limited in scope, failing to capture the subjective experiences and perspectives of children, parents, and therapists involved in the art therapy process.

This study aims to contribute to the existing literature by exploring the use of art therapy in promoting emotional expression and coping skills among children with ASD. Specifically, the research objectives are:

1. To assess the impact of art therapy on emotional regulation and coping skill development among children with ASD, using quantitative measures and observational data.
2. To explore the subjective experiences and perspectives of children with ASD, their parents, and art therapists regarding the strengths, challenges, and potential areas for improvement in using art therapy for emotional expression and coping skill development.
3. To identify key factors that contribute to the success or failure of art therapy interventions in promoting emotional expression and coping skills among children with ASD, including considerations related to specific art modalities, therapeutic approaches, and individual child characteristics.

By addressing these objectives, the study will provide valuable insights for mental health professionals, art therapists, educators, and policymakers, enabling them to develop and implement effective art therapy practices tailored to the unique needs of children with ASD and their families.

In the subsequent chapters, a comprehensive review of the relevant literature will be presented, followed by a detailed description of the research methodology, data analysis, and the presentation of findings. The study's implications for clinical practice, as well as recommendations for future research, will be discussed in the concluding chapter.

Footnotes:

1. American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: Author.
2. Maenner, M. J., Shaw, K. A., Bakian, A. V., Bilder, D. A., Durkin, M. S., Esler, A., ... & Pettygrove, S. (2021). Prevalence and characteristics of autism spectrum disorder among children aged 8 years—autism and developmental disabilities monitoring network, 11 sites, United States, 2018. MMWR Surveillance Summaries, 70(11), 1-16.
3. Gross, J. J. (2015). Emotion regulation: Current status and future prospects. Psychological Inquiry, 26(1), 1-26.
4. Mazefsky, C. A., Herrington, J., Siegel, M., Scarpa, A., Maddox, B. B., Scahill, L., & White, S. W. (2013). The role of emotion regulation in autism spectrum disorder. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 52(7), 679-688.
5. Martin, N. (2009). Art therapy and autism: Overview and recommendations. Art Therapy, 26(4), 187-190.
6. Isserow, J. (2008). Looking together: Joint attention in art therapy. International Journal of Art Therapy, 13(1), 34-42.
7. Epp, K. M. (2008). Outcome-based evaluation of a social skills program using art therapy and group therapy for children on the autism spectrum. Children & Schools, 30(1), 27-36.
8. Durkin, K., Gumus, Y. Y., Smith, J., & Yoder, J. (2020). Art therapy for children with autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review of mental health outcomes. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 40, 101217.
9. Bragge, A., & Fenner, P. (2009). Exploring art therapy through a Buddhist framework. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Art Therapy, 4(1), 31-52