STUDENT: Anne Murdoch
ADVISOR: Khalid Almasloukh
ABSTRACT:
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be explained as a developmental disability that affects an individual’s ability to communicate, interact socially, and regulate their behaviors and interests (Mcdonald, 2021). There is no known cause for autism, but there are several genes that are thought to contribute to the diagnosis, and it is thought to be inheritable (Mcdonald, 2021). There are several other factors that can contribute to autism as well; these can include parental age, pre- and post-natal traumas, health and nutritional deficits (Mcdonald, 2021). Diagnostics for autism spectrum disorder can be complex due to the lack of specific testing. Instead, the physician will assess how the child or individual has met developmental milestones and examine their behavior to diagnose ASD. The occurrence of autism has increased significantly; currently in the United States, 1 in 58 people have a diagnosis of autism, making this developmental disorder a more common occurrence than it was 60 years ago when 1 in 2,000 people had the diagnosis (Mcdonald, 2021). Autism spectrum disorder can affect people at any age, although it is typically diagnosed during childhood. This disorder can make it difficult for the person effected to understand social cues and respond to them (D’Amico & Lalonde, 2017).
Art therapy is a tool that can be helpful for patients suffering from chronic illnesses, cancer, and developmental disabilities, in addition to countless other illnesses (Bitonte, & DeSanto, 2014). One of the largest benefits of art therapy is that it is customizable to each individual patient’s needs, interests, and abilities (Bitonte, & DeSanto, 2014). This form of therapy can be helpful in developing cognitive, social, and emotional abilities in most patients because of the nonverbal nature of the therapy (Bitonte, & DeSanto, 2014). Art therapy uses art media, such as drawing, painting, music, dance and acting, as a method for communication and self-expression (Hu et al., 2021).