A case study on the use of expressive arts therapy on primary school child with autism spectrum disorder

Abstract

Official statistics showed that the number of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is increasing in Hong Kong. Under local arrangement, students with ASD without accompanying intellectual and language impairment normally attend ordinary primary school. This may mean situating them in a setting that they may find difficult to cope with. Among services available to them, Expressive Arts Therapy (EXAT) is not usually available. The objective of this study is to explore the benefits of using Intermodal approach of EXAT on children with ASD studying in Hong Kong ordinary primary school setting. This exploratory single-case study is based on the therapy sessions with a student (the participant) conducted by the investigator. The core data of this study was collected from the therapy sessions. From direct observation of investigator after the therapy sessions, it was recorded that the most important witnessed changes of the participant are the improved psychological and social well-being, and the strengthened coping skills and inner-resources. In order to strengthen convergent validity, this study also collected data from Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC) completed by parents, semi-structured interviews with parents, as well as report from school Social Worker and teacher responsible for Special Education Needs. These supplementary data supported the findings of improved social well-being of participant, and at the same time revealed that there were uncontrollable factors in school and at home that might cause negative impact on the participant’s mood and physical health. The author recommended further researches using this approach to build up a solid body of knowledge, paying attention to children with similar characteristic but with different background, as well as the importance of support of parents and schools. From policy perspective, the author recommended more sources for EXAT service and suitable school arrangements to support such service.