April is Autism Awareness Month

April is Autism Awareness Month. Learn about the work of Centre for the Arts in Human Development researchers working to provide therapeutic assistance to people diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. 

Miranda D'Amico (Department of Education) is currently conducting a research project at the Centre for the Arts in Human Development implementing a therapeutic intervention using the Creative Arts Therapies model to evaluate its efficacy on the social skills and problem behaviors of a group of preadolescent children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The objective of this project are to provide a therapeutic setting for the children to discuss some of the difficulties they experienced in their social interactions, whereby they have the opportunity to develop a better understanding of appropriate ways to respond in social situations. By using expressive modalities in a group context, the children are able to develop and practice social skills, experience positive social interactions, and manage their problem behaviors with other individuals who share similar experiences. The project also offers a concurrent support group for the parents of the participating children, wherein they have the opportunity to address their concerns or issues related to their child's behaviors, development and education in a supportive environment.

Laurel Young (Department of Creative Arts Therapies, Music Therapy) is currently conducting a research project at the Centre for the Arts In Human Development, the main purpose of which is to investigate the impact of a structured weekly singing group on the health and well-being of adults with high functioning Autism or Asperger's Syndrome. Although previous
research has indicated that singing can have positive health outcomes for the general population (such as improved mood, increased self-esteem/confidence, increased feelings of well-being, improved respiration, positive impacts on the immune system, etc.) the relevance of these findings for persons with unique needs and potentials has not been fully explored.It is hoped that the proposed project will be the first of several that will aid in the development of specific models of singing/vocal techniques that can be used in both clinical and community contexts with individuals who have a variety of complex or special needs.