Arts Therapies Research and Practice with Persons on the Autism Spectrum

Supritha Aithal is Researcher and Senior Lecturer in Creative Approaches to Psychotherapy, Edge Hill University, UK.Vicky Karkou is Creative Psychotherapist and Professor in Arts and Wellbeing, Edge Hill University, UK.

• Introduction: Steering the Road Map of Arts Therapies Research with Persons on the Autism SpectrumPART 1: Little Hatchlings – Arts Therapies with Children on the Autism Spectrum and Their Families1. Looking After the Hatchlings: Exploring the Reciprocal Nature of Friendship with an Autistic Girl through Dramatherapy2. Fostering Creative Social Connections Between Autistic Children and Their Families Through Shared Music Experiences3. Perspectives on Social Engagement During Short-Term Dance/Movement Therapy Groups within an Integrated Special Education Classroom4. Practical Implications of the Sensory-Based Relational Art Therapy Approach5. Shine a Light on Autism: Group Dramatherapy with Children Identified with Autism and Autistic Traits Who Experience Anxiety6. Music Therapy and Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A New Assessment Scale Evaluating Resilience-Informed Relationship QualityPART 2: Blooming Hatchlings – Arts Therapies with Young People and Adults on the Autism Spectrum7. The Impact of Mirroring in Dance Movement Therapy on Empathy and Relating in Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Secondary Reflexive Research8. Interpersonal Art Psychotherapy for Adults with Autism and Intellectual Disabilities Being Treated in Secure Care: A Single-Case Study9. Parental Perceptions of the Process and Impact of Dramatherapy Group Sessions for Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder10. Looking at the Big Picture: Caregivers’ and Relatives’ Life-worlds on the Contribution of a Combined Dance/Movement and Music Therapy Intervention for Adults with Autism Spectrum DisorderPART 3: Coming Together with Hatchlings – Arts Therapies in Different Combinations and Conditions11. Adapting to COVID-19: Tele-Dance Movement Psychotherapy for Children and Adolescents with Autism12. From Music Therapist to Action Research Designer: A Narrative Account13. Attunement and the Nonverbal Autistic Child: A Multi-Disciplinary Perspective14. “The Art of Receiving”: A Heuristic Narrative Exploration of Long-Term Art Therapy with a Young Person with Autism from the Perspectives of Therapist, Client and ParentConclusion: Inside-Out and Beyond