Art Therapy Practitioners’ Perspectives Working With Autism Spectrum Disorder

The use of art therapy with individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is increasing; empirical research examining practitioners’ clinical perspectives remains limited. This gap is significant given the multimodal components of art therapy, which require adaptation to meet the diverse needs of individuals with ASD. This qualitative study explores the perspectives of art therapy practitioners working with this population. Data were collected through thematic analysis, examining clinical decision-making, intervention approaches, perceived benefits, and challenges in practice. Findings indicate variability in artistic-informed approaches and highlight the importance of client-focused creative intervention, alongside challenges related to sensory processing concerns. These findings underscore the need for foundational training to support ethical, neurodiversity-affirming, and developmentally responsive care.