Individual Art Therapy with Neurologically Impaired Youngsters

This film features three art therapists working individually with neuro-diverse boys between 11 and 18 years old. In its three different experiential vignettes many instructional points are conveyed in vivo. Pierre Boenig is seen in a clip from a special report aired on CBS.  He models sensitivity as he engages a boy with autism in free drawing using a ballpoint pen to externalize his inner world and become more aware of his perceptions. We see how a year later the therapeutic relationship has deepened, as the art expands communication possibilities.

Carole Kunkle-Miller is seen conducting an art therapy session with a boy with Asperger’s Syndrome, a moderate form of autism.  Given a choice of materials, the child selects the unusual medium of Three-Dimensional magnetic sculpture which encourages novel experiences that engage and challenge him, stimulate his imagination, and increase affect, without offending his need for cleanliness.

Finally, Craig Siegel engages a boy with Tourette’s Syndrome in completing Myra Levick’s Emotional and Cognitive Art Therapy Assessment (LECATA). The combination of Mr. Siegel’s receptive approach and the particular content of the series of drawings promotes relaxation and trust in the child. The youngster is able to offer pertinent information with evident cognitive/emotional integration and visible enjoyment of his own imagination and creativity.

Total Running Time: 1 hour, 14 minutes, 5 seconds