Abstract

With increased sophistication in diagnostic tools, children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are getting diagnosed at earlier ages, causing a greater demand for intervention (Steever, 2011). Social-emotional reciprocity is a defining feature of ASD which can prevent the child from making deep connections and responding empathetically to others (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Children on the Spectrum are naturally drawn to the creative arts because of their visual strengths and desire for sensory stimulation (Martin, 2009). However, current art therapy literature is lacking in specific step-by-step intervention plans to address the needs of this population. Using the steps laid out by Fraser, Richman, Galinsky and Day (2009), this paper examines current literature on ASD, child development, empathy, and art therapy in order to develop an art therapy intervention plan to increase social-emotional reciprocity in elementary aged children on the Spectrum.