As our world endures multiple crises, educators have turned their eye to what does and does not work effectively to assist students in the school environment, regardless of changing landscapes, such as lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, anti-critical race theory legislation, anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, personal crises students face, as well…

Recently there has been an expansion of the literature on creative arts therapy (CAT) interventions in the United States (U.S.) school system. However, findings across studies in the field have yet to be systematically investigated on a national level. The present review is an integrative systematic review of empirically evaluated CAT intervention…

Art therapy is an alternative therapeutic intervention implemented with individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Researchers, therapists, and parents suggest that art therapy is an effective treatment for targeting social and communicative behaviors. However, there is a paucity of evidence-based research to support this claim. A…

The relationship between learning and mental health, as well as a growing body of literature, underscores the need for art therapy in educational settings. This is particularly true for learners with special needs. Shostak et al. (1985) affirmed that "for children with special needs, art therapy in a school setting can offer opportunities to…

Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) has been at the forefront of integrating art therapy in schools since 1979, helping children with emotional/behavioral disabilities become more receptive to academic involvement while maximizing their social and emotional potential. This article describes the history, development, current configuration,…

Outlines basic art therapy processes for the art teacher. (SJL)

Describes a sculpture project for emotionally disturbed children conducted by a New York artist. (SJL)

The contributions of art therapy to the education of emotionally disturbed students is illustrated via two case studies. Recommendations for using art therapy techniques in the classroom are offered, including encouraging release of feelings through drawing and sharing the pictures with the child's therapist or art therapist. (CL)

Metaphoric interpretation of art serves different purposes in art education and psychotherapy. These differences are discussed in the context of categories of art criticism adapted from E. B. Feldman's work. Practical guidelines are presented to help art teachers use metaphoric interpretation and maintain the boundary between education and…

There is a paucity of literature on social skills therapy for students on the autism spectrum, revealing an urgent need for additional research. Past research has focused on the use of small groups or single-case study designs. The present study examines the effectiveness of a social skills therapy program for school-age children ages 11 through…

An art-teacher therapist discusses six principles she uses in working with disturbed children (such as consistency of management and clearly defined expectations and limits), and cites two examples of how an art project can help children develop trust and lessen their withdrawal. (CL)

Describes the knowledge, skills, and training required of an art therapist and suggests how career education for art therapy may begin in the elementary/ secondary grades, before the formal university program. This article is part of a theme issue on career education in art. (SJL)

The paper reviews literature pertaining to art and art therapy for persons with severe handicaps. Following a definition of terms (including disability terms), a distinction is made between art education and art therapy. Chapter 2 presents an historical overview on art education for the handicapped, beginning with the influences of Maria…

Proposes that inclusion of arts in the curriculum of all handicapped students can improve motor, perceptual, and social skills, and can be of functional, therapeutic, and aesthetic value. Suggests ideas for adopting art instruction to the needs of handicapped children in regular and special education classes. (JD)

The roles of teachers and therapists, when dealing with troubled students, are clarified. If an art teacher is not trained as an art therapist, he or she cannot assume responsibility for addressing the emotional needs of these types of students. (RM)