OPINIONS OF PARENTS OF CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS ON ART THERAPY IN THE IMPROVEMENT OF THEIR FUNCTIONING

Abstract

The aim: Our work aims to investigate the therapeutic effect of art on children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) up to the age of 18 and to disseminate knowledge about its use as a part of therapy. Materials and methods: The authors created an anonymous online questionnaire addressed to parents and legal guardians of children and adolescents with and without ASD. The studied population comprised 190 subjects, of which 108 were a control group (children and adolescents without ASD) and 82 – a study group (children and adolescents with ASD). Results: Most respondents did not hear about the therapeutic use of art (59.5%). 20.73% of respondents with ASD participated in therapy using artistic activities. 82.4% participated in music therapy, 23.5% – in theater therapy, and 70.6% – in art therapy. These forms of therapy effectively improved disorders related to social relationships, speech, and atypical behavior. Conclusions: There is a positive therapeutic effect of art on children and adolescents with ASD. The therapeutic use of art among the respondents is not very widespread. Artistic activities have a positive impact on social relations, speech, and unusual behavior. Music and visual arts activities seem to positively impact social relationship disorders, while theater activities seem to impact speech disorders positively. Combining several arts in therapy is more beneficial than using just one. Art therapy is most often used at the age of 13 and older.