Art therapy as effective communication for emotional regulation in adults with autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability

This article explores how art therapy serves as an alternative and effective form of communication and emotional regulation for adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Intellectual Disability (ID), particularly in the South African context where under-resourced and marginalised mental health services persist. Using an Art-Based Research (ABR) approach, this qualitative study examined the therapeutic processes of two adults with ASD and ID and interrupted their interactions with various art materials using the framework of the Expressive Therapies Continuum (ETC). Findings demonstrated that engagement with art materials enabled non-verbal expression, facilitated emotional regulation, and fostered relational connection between therapist and client. Participants primarily functioned at the Kinaesthetic/Sensory and Perceptual/Affective levels of the ETC, where the tactile and emotional properties of art materials supported communication beyond words. The research highlights the important role in the choice of art materials in art therapy and how non-verbal modalities provide a vital communicative bridge for individuals with limited verbal ability. By linking theory with practice, the study not only contributes to the limited body of South African art therapy research but also underscores the ethical imperative of inclusion by giving voice to those too often unheard in conventional therapeutic and research paradigms.