Evaluation of ‘Images of Self,’ an art therapy program for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders (ASD)

Abstract The art therapy (AT) program for children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), ‘Images of Self’, has been evaluated with repeated single case studies (n = 12) in a mixed-methods design. The program focuses on children’s difficulties with their ‘sense of self’, ‘emotion regulation’, ‘flexibility’ and ‘social behavior’. Parents, teachers and art therapists scored the BRIEF and CSBQ, instruments for rating child behavior. Children filled out the SPPC, a self-image scale. To evaluate the quality of the program, therapists used a child observation scale (OAT-A) and a therapists’ self-evaluation scale (EAT-A). All instruments were applied three to five times per case, depending on the corresponding measurement objectives: one week before the start of the program (T0), during session 3 (T1), session 8 (T2), session 15 (T3), and 15 weeks after termination of the treatment (T4). Parents and teachers were invited to complete a form for qualitative comments which was structured around the four problem areas. Therapists video-recorded three sessions and evaluated these with parents and - during training sessions - with the principal investigator. At the end of the treatment parents, teachers and art therapists gave a rating for their overall satisfaction with the treatment. Main improvements after treatment were seen in children’s flexible and social behavior. Overall satisfaction regarding the program showed averages between 7.1 and 7.7. Implications of our study for the AT-practice and future research are discussed.