Utilization of Art Therapy with Children with ADHD Co-Morbid Intellectual Disability for Decreasing Inattention

Abstract

The research aimed to examine the positive role art therapy could play in improving the attention span of children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder co-morbid Intellectual Disability in the context of Karachi (Pakistan). The key presumption was that art therapy can help in decreasing inattention among the children with ADHD co-morbid Intellectual Disability. Purposive sampling was used for the selection of cases from schools in Karachi (Pakistan) which are offering educational services to the children with special needs. The sample comprised 14 children, ages 6 to 12 years (mean age= 7.391; SD = 1.315) with ADHD co-morbid Mild ID. Experimental design was adopted for carrying out the investigation, entailing the division of the sample into the treatment group (which received 25 art therapy sessions as a form of intervention) and control group (which was provided with regular classroom activities). The allocation of children to both groups was carried out through the ABBA technique as well as the use of observation. The tools of the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder test were used to gauge the differences in the level of inattention in both groups. Analysis of data was conducted through SPSS version 17.0, using descriptive statistics to examine the pattern of data as well as identify the level of effectiveness of art therapy through administering the Wilcoxon test. The findings of the study support the assumption that art therapy is useful for curtailing impulsiveness in children with ADHD. Therefore, it can be concluded that art therapy is likely to bring positive changes in the level of attention in children with ADHD co-morbid ID. The study carries implications for individuals practicing in the field of mental health care and special education.