The Use of Art Therapy to Address Attachment in Autism Spectrum Disorder

Author

Hilary HolmesFollow

Date of Award

Spring 5-5-2020

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

MA - Master of Arts

Department

Expressive Therapies

Advisor

Theresa Benson

Abstract

The rate of diagnosis for Autism Spectrum Disorder has grown exponentially within the last few years. With that has come a need for more comprehensive understanding of the disorder and appropriate tools and methods for treatment. This paper aims to review critical research focused on the relationship between Autism Spectrum Disorder, the development of attachment styles in children and how Expressive Arts Therapy can be used in therapeutic treatment to support the development of secure attachment and healthy and appropriate social skills within the Autism population. The literature reviewed within this paper synthesizes a body of information including topics such as affect regulation, maternal insightfulness, family systems theory, attachment theory and related attachment disorders, as well as responsive and empathic arts based interventions that can be used to support and rebuild relational capacity.

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

Recommended Citation

Holmes, Hilary, "The Use of Art Therapy to Address Attachment in Autism Spectrum Disorder" (2020). Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses. 316.
https://digitalcommons.lesley.edu/expressive_theses/316