Improving Communication Through Art Therapy for a Child with Special Needs (N/NY-CA6182)
Papers
Susan Ridley, PhD, ATR-P
Susan has over 25 years’ experience working with diverse communities of various ages, abilities, and disabilities including substance abuse, mental health, developmental disabilities, and physical impairments. She is the Assistant Professor of Creative Arts Therapy at West Liberty University and an Adjunct Professor in the MAAT program at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College.
This case study on a child with Downs Syndrome investigated the effectiveness of art therapy in improving communication. Three art assessments were administered: Kramer assessment, Bird’s Nest Drawing, and Diagnostic Drawing Series. The results, limitations, and areas for future research will be discussed as well as the implications for practice.