Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder, a condition once thought to be rare, currently affects millions of people world wide. A "cure" for this illness currently does not exist, therefore making approaches to treatment and rehabilitation the most important considerations for families after diagnosis. This holistic narrative case study investigates and discusses the use of a behavioural approach to developmental art therapy as a therapeutic approach for a young child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The current literature review investigates the causes, effects and the contemporary approaches available for treatment for children with autism, including the use of Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA). The case study looks to describe and explore the melding of a behavioural approach, particularly the techniques and principles of ABA, with the use of developmental art therapy practice, as an approach to treatment for a child with autism. In this, it describes the work and therapy that transpired over a year and a half period with a twelve year old boy with autism utilizing this approach to therapy. The works of art created during the art therapy sessions are displayed and discussed as a way to illustrate the growth and development that occurred over the course of the therapy. The future potentiality of this approach for children with autism and its implications for art therapy practice are also investigated.