Celine Schweizer MA a, a, b, c, Highlights•Review enables further development of evidence on art therapy (AT) with ASD children.•Review covers practice-based AT-experiences and theory on ‘what works’.•Practices are compared on AT-elements, &amp; AbstractWell-ordered empirical information on ‘what works’ in art therapy with children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) hardly exists. For that reason a systematic review was undertaken covering the period 1985–2012. Our study explored acad. (2014, October 23). Art therapy with children with autism spectrum disorders: A review of clinical case descriptions on “what works.” The Arts in Psychotherapy. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0197455614001087?casa_token=DMQhDrgKnj4AAAAA%3AjzqWVI6G_Et1PUr7TJV9_4Nux1amXQHynvTzVFfh5AQCkzoQKEKDAK_q1He1FfokRU1D5iP9zg 

Reference for Art Therapy for Children with ASD

Art education and art therapy strategies for autism spectrum disorder ... (n.d.-a). https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00043125.2017.1335536 

Reference for Art Strategies and Art Therapy for ASD

University of Minnesota

a form of psychotherapy involving the encouragement of free self-expression through painting, drawing, or modeling used as a remedial activity or an aid to diagnosis.

Art Therapy 

1) Introduction to Program and Intervention Embodied well-being: responding vs Reacting to the stress of life Body scan meditation 

2) Body scan meditation Attitudinal foundations of mindfulness Anchoring attention with the breath (AOB)

3) Gentle yoga and sitting meditation Intending well-being/loving-kindness meditation 

4)Cultivating receptive attention Gentle yoga and sitting meditation Loving-kindness meditation 

5) Expanding awareness Sitting (meditation) with thoughts and feelings Loving-kindness meditation  

6) The physiology of stress Walking meditation 

7)An evening (or) afternoon silent retreat: guided meditation practices and open studio 

8) Guided imagery to a place of healing Program review and discussion of program close as new beginning 

Mindfulness Skills Development 

There are three main forms of art therapy:
- Analytical Art Therapy
- Art Psychotherapy
- Art as a therapy ITSELF

Forms of Art Therapy

Mindfulness-Based Art Therpay integrates mindfulness meditation skills and aspects of art therapy into an eight week, gender segregated supportive group therapy format.

 Mindfulness-Based Art Therapy (MBAT) 

Reference to ASD and Art Therapy 

Art therapy helps children with ASD have a more flexible, relaxed attitude,  communication skills as well as  self image. Art Therapy focuses on two areas that include social communication and repetitive behavior which can be improved through the sensory experience during Art Therapy. 

Art Therapy for Children with ASD

Traditional psychotherapy in prisons is generally not very effective due to the inmates' inherent distrust of verbal disclosure. But, there has recently been some support for art therapy as an effective tool for reducing depression among inmates. Two studies were initiated in a North Florida prison to measure art therapy and its role in decreasing depression symptoms. Ultimately it was discovered that art therapy reflected a significant decrease in depressive symptoms among inmates who participated in the program.

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