Case Study on Art-Based Intervention with Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Macau

Abstract

Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) experience core difficulties in social interaction and communication. Teaching and interacting with them can be challenging for their families and those surrounding them. Art-based interventionas an approach engaging in the creative process and integrating internal sensations to express thoughts and feelings nonverbally. It has the potential to enhance self-esteem, awareness, and exploration, among other benefits that all are good for people with ASD. The objective of this study is to develop and implement an art-based intervention for children with ASD in Macau, with the goal of enhancing their communication and reducing the problems behaviors. Utilizing single-subject design and a one-group pre-test with post-test design involves three participants who are similar in age and same gender but differ in terms of their ASD level and comorbidities to evaluate the results. The results of Social Skills Improvement System - Rating Scales (SSIS-RS) demonstrate positive effects on both social skills and problem behaviors. Additionally, based on the Clinical Observation Reports (COR) children showed improvements in the frequency of interaction and communication. This study indicated that art-based intervention has a positive effect on children with ASD in Macau. Furthermore, implementing this intervention with children with ASD is highly significant, and the outcomes of this study can serve as a reference for the future well-being of children with ASD in Macau.