Arts therapy groups for autistic preschool children: Therapists’ conceptions and intervention methods

Emerging research shows that arts therapy for an autistic population has great value and at the same time, there is a disparity between the prevalence of arts therapy groups and the lack of research on this topic. The aim of the present study was to map professional conceptions and commonly employed intervention methods of arts therapy groups for autistic preschool-age children. This was executed using a qualitative-constructivist methodology. Sixty-two group therapists in diverse arts responded to a survey questionnaire; of these, 10 participated in an in-depth, semi-structured interview. Thematic analysis of all the information gathered revealed that arts therapy groups include deliberate interventions relating to four foci of the 'here and now': 'interpersonal', 'intrapersonal', 'creative work and creativity' and 'group experience of togetherness'. The Discussion section examines the uniqueness of each theme with reference to the young age of the children and the characteristics of autism.