Art Therapy Lit Review
Running Head: AUTISM & ART THERAPY
Art Therapy for the Autistic Population
Professional Sharing Presentation
Daniela Damiani
College of Saint Elizabeth
2/28/2013
Running Head: AUTISM & ART THERAPY
Autism which is now commonly called Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) refers to the five diagnosis pervasive developmental disorder spectrum which is Autistic Disorder, Asperger’s Syndrome, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, Rett’s Disorder, and Pervasive Developmental Disorder- Not Otherwise Specified ( .) According to the DSM-IV the central features of Autistic Disorder are the presence of markedly abnormal or impaired development in social interaction and communication, and a markedly restricted repertoire of activity and interest. The severity of Autism can vary depending on the developmental level and age of the individual. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders mention some diagnostic criteria that can be examined in young children which are poor eye contact, loss of language and social skills, no smiling or social responsiveness, no babbling or pointing by age 1, and excessive lining up of toys or objects. Several later indicators in children include impaired ability to make friends, repetitive and unusual use of language, absence or impairment of imaginative and social play, restricted patterns of interest that are abnormal in intensity or focus, preoccupation with certain objects or subjects, and impaired ability to initiate or sustain a conversation with others (NINDS, 2013.)
Children with Autism rely on consistency and sameness, they have an intense need of order and routine based lives. Once their routine or order has been disrupted they may have a change in behavior in a dramatic way such as a tantrum or engage in a repetitive movement such as head-banging or rocking of the body. Children with Autism have a hard time with social
Art Therapy for the Autistic Population
Professional Sharing Presentation
Daniela Damiani
College of Saint Elizabeth
2/28/2013
Running Head: AUTISM & ART THERAPY
Autism which is now commonly called Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) refers to the five diagnosis pervasive developmental disorder spectrum which is Autistic Disorder, Asperger’s Syndrome, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, Rett’s Disorder, and Pervasive Developmental Disorder- Not Otherwise Specified ( .) According to the DSM-IV the central features of Autistic Disorder are the presence of markedly abnormal or impaired development in social interaction and communication, and a markedly restricted repertoire of activity and interest. The severity of Autism can vary depending on the developmental level and age of the individual. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders mention some diagnostic criteria that can be examined in young children which are poor eye contact, loss of language and social skills, no smiling or social responsiveness, no babbling or pointing by age 1, and excessive lining up of toys or objects. Several later indicators in children include impaired ability to make friends, repetitive and unusual use of language, absence or impairment of imaginative and social play, restricted patterns of interest that are abnormal in intensity or focus, preoccupation with certain objects or subjects, and impaired ability to initiate or sustain a conversation with others (NINDS, 2013.)
Children with Autism rely on consistency and sameness, they have an intense need of order and routine based lives. Once their routine or order has been disrupted they may have a change in behavior in a dramatic way such as a tantrum or engage in a repetitive movement such as head-banging or rocking of the body. Children with Autism have a hard time with social