Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Research regarding art therapy with adults with autism is limited. The objective of this study was to understand the effect of a specific art therapy intervention upon social interaction and communication of the adults with autism. The hypothesis was that by participating in this intervention, the participants’ communication and socialization would increase and their maladaptive behaviors would decrease. Over a series of nine sessions, the five participants from Bittersweet Farms were introduced to basic techniques for working with clay. Results were based on qualitative analysis of data from staff surveys, through the use of pre and post questionnaires; observations made by the researcher throughout the nine session art intervention; and through the artwork produced in the sessions. Although the participants did not verbally communicate and socialize with each other they all verbally interacted with the staff present and the researcher throughout the nine sessions. They also interacted nonverbally with each other as well as with the staff and researcher through the art-making process. This was seen through the use of modeling techniques and skills when working with the clay. Maladaptive behaviors were limited while the participants were engaged with the clay. Suggestions for further research include the following: a longer time period in which the intervention is performed, using a different type of clay, a larger studio space in which to have the intervention, the use of more consistent staff, and incorporation of more opportunities for reciprocal communication among the group members.
DOI: 10.25777/w5q9-4t80
Author: Dennler, Kimberly
Institution: Eastern Virginia Medical School
Language: English
Subfield: Conservation
Field: Arts and Humanities
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7213565448