Exploring What Works in Art Therapy With Children With Autism: Tacit Knowledge of Art Therapists

Abstract

Children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are often referred to art therapy. To investigate what works in art therapy with children with ASD, the tacit knowledge of 8 experienced art therapists was explored through interviews. Promising components were arranged into the Context and Outcomes of Art Therapy (COAT) model. According to the respondents, art therapy with children with ASD contributes to becoming more flexible and expressive, more relaxed, and more able to talk about their problems in the therapeutic setting as well as in their home situation. Considering the evidence in this study, further empirical research into the process and outcomes of art therapy with children with ASD is strongly recommended.

Acknowledgments

This research was completed to fulfill requirements for the first author's doctoral degree at Rijks University Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands. This article could never be published without the help of the art therapists who were so helpful to share their practice experiences. Thanks a lot for their contributions.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Celine Schweizer

Celine Schweizer is a doctoral candidate at Rijks University, Groningen, The Netherlands, and a Lecturer at Stenden University of Applied Sciences in Leeuwarden, The Netherlands. Marinus Spreen is a Professor at Stenden University of Applied Sciences in Leeuwarden, The Netherlands. Erik J. Knorth is a Professor at Rijks University Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.

Marinus Spreen

Celine Schweizer is a doctoral candidate at Rijks University, Groningen, The Netherlands, and a Lecturer at Stenden University of Applied Sciences in Leeuwarden, The Netherlands. Marinus Spreen is a Professor at Stenden University of Applied Sciences in Leeuwarden, The Netherlands. Erik J. Knorth is a Professor at Rijks University Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.

Erik J. Knorth

Celine Schweizer is a doctoral candidate at Rijks University, Groningen, The Netherlands, and a Lecturer at Stenden University of Applied Sciences in Leeuwarden, The Netherlands. Marinus Spreen is a Professor at Stenden University of Applied Sciences in Leeuwarden, The Netherlands. Erik J. Knorth is a Professor at Rijks University Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.