Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: Children diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder can experience a wide range of difficulties due to social and communication impairments. These challenges also affect the child’s family and can cause stress and disturbances within the family system. This case report describes an eight-week art therapy experience with a family who has a child with autism. A Projective Imagery Family Evaluation (PIFE) was conducted, followed by a discussion session with the family and then six one-hour art therapy sessions. The sessions occurred once a week and were implemented to address the specific concerns demonstrated by the family. Participants included a mother, father, and two sons, one of whom is neurotypical and one who is diagnosed with autism. This case report was generated from session observations, audio recordings, and artwork made by the family members. DAP (Data, Analysis, and Plan) notes were recorded for each session, followed by a discussion and summary of the needs and concerns revealed by the family. Considerations and implications about how art therapists might work with this population in the future are provided.
DOI: 10.25777/1mb4-tr32
Author: Eve, E. Lange
Institution: Eastern Virginia Medical School
Language: English
Subfield: Conservation
Field: Arts and Humanities
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7214609125