Date of Award

Spring 3-2010

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

EVMS School of Health Professions

Program/Concentration

Art Therapy

Committee Director

Cheryl Shiflett

Abstract

Siblings of children with autism are at an increased risk for psychosocial and adjustment difficulties due to the extra stresses and frustrations they often experience. This qualitative, phenomenological multiple case study explored the unique experiences of siblings of children with autism in an art therapy support group. Seven 40 minute art therapy sessions, occurring approximately once per month, were implemented to address the specific concerns of siblings of children with autism. This study included three participants who agreed to share their experiences and their reactions to the sibling art therapy support group. Case reports were generated from session observations, semi-structured interviews, and artwork by three siblings of children with autism. Themes generated from the interview indicate that art therapy interventions are an effective way to elicit cognitive and affective responses from participants about their experiences of being a sibling of a child with autism. The art processes provided participants with ways to safely express their concerns, ideas, and feelings within a supportive environment, and also encouraged healthy adjustment behaviors.

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DOI

10.25777/7bwn-2576

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