Consensus-based typical elements of art therapy with children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Art therapy (AT) offers a specific treatment for developmental, social and behavioral problems of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). In this study typical elements of AT with ASD diagnosed children are specified and validated in a two-round Delphi study with 29 experts (art therapists, referrers, parent). In the first round, relevance and applicability of the elements were rated. The degree of consensus per element was computed using the Gower coefficient. Results were at some point clarified in a second round by a Focus group discussion involving seven professionals. Consensus was achieved on 46 elements which relate to goals, means and outcomes of AT including therapists’ appropriate attitude and behavior. The findings are helpful to clarify the role of AT in treatments for children with ASD.