This article introduces an adaptive art technique that has been successfully used with special needs students in integrated settings in Switzerland. The technique, "Paint Talk," encourages spontaneous painting motivated by the student's need to communicate. Guidelines for setting up the "Paint Talk" studio, interpreting…

The articles in this volume reflect a resolution passed by the International Society for Education Through Art (INSEA) World Council to provide children with opportunities to work in the arts so that the healing process that the arts can foster can be initiated. The lead article in this issue, "Heart Goes towards the Sun: Work with Children…

Emotional Release Counselling (ERC) is based on the simple premise that to feel emotions and energy and to let them be expressed keeps us mentally healthy. ERC works to help a child be deeply connected to the sensation within the body, to develop self-awareness. The book explains the concept of emotional release counseling and provides specific…

This article integrates story and the form of qualitative methodology known as arts-based inquiry. The authors use this approach to provide a case study of Kal, a 15-year-old boy who had unsuccessfully attempted to end his life by "flying" off his apartment balcony. The paper begins with orientation to the background of this case and to…

Purpose: Drawing on literature and the evaluation of a UK community Arts in Health project, this article aims first to demonstrate that, in spite of the common association in mental health practice between art and the use of psychotherapeutic techniques, involvement in art creation can, in itself, have a sustained and positive impact on the mental…

This paper reviews the history and current status of services to children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in Finland. It notes the availability of free or almost free health services in Finland and the resulting very low infant mortality rate. The history of attention deficit hyperactivity disorders (ADHD), termed "minimal brain…

Characterizes a number of cherished beliefs regarding early childhood art education as myths and argues that their continued use impedes educational reform. These include a belief in art as therapy, the inherent validity of childhood expression, the superiority of process over product, and limited intervention by teachers. (MJP)

Examines some factors contributing to the success of art as a therapeutic tool with children with autism and considers some reasons why art is not more in evidence in schools. Considers benefits of art therapy and the role of art education as part of the British National Curriculum. Outlines the skills that experienced teachers of children with…

Using children's art works as examples, explores the role of form of expression in art education and therapy. Outlines research approaches that see self-development symbolisms operating in these forms. Presents results from a West German intercultural study on the development and structure of art expression that ties artistic expression to an…

Art in context of community is the theme of this newsletter. The theme is introduced in an editorial "Community-Enlarging the Definition" (Kit Grauer). Related articles include: (1) "The Children's Bridge is not Destroyed: Heart in the Middle of the World" (Emil Robert Tanay); (2) "Making Bridges: The Sock Doll…

This qualitative research assesses mental health resources from the perspective of providers in Cambodia and in Lowell, Massachusetts. The research documents culturally relevant coping strategies available to Cambodians for combating the effects of trauma and stress. Interviews were conducted with 11 caregivers in Cambodia and with 6 providers in…