Special Interest Connection Framework: Integrating Pop Culture Into Art Therapy With Autistic Individuals

Abstract

A hallmark symptom of autism includes restricted repetitive behaviors that manifest as special interest fixations. These interests can aid in building therapeutic relationships in art therapy. A retrospective review of clinical notes based in grounded theory identified 6 ways pop culture special interests function in the art therapy relationship: (1) behavioral reward, (2) social initiator, (3) social facilitator, (4) personal metaphor, (5) anxiety mediator, and (6) communication clarifier. These functions form the basis of the proposed Special Interest Connection Framework. Practitioners can use this framework to structure art therapy sessions with autistic individuals.

Keywords:

• Art therapy
• autism
• popular culture
• therapeutic relationship
• special interests

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jessica Woolhiser Stallings

Jessica Woolhiser Stallings, DAT, ATR-BC, LMHP, LMHC, is an art therapist who completed her doctorate studies in Art Therapy at Mount Mary University, Milwaukee, WI.