Nicole Martin: Art as an Early Intervention Tool for Children with Autism

Abstract

Reviews the book, Art as an early intervention tool for children with autism by Nicole Martin (2009). by Nicole Martin is just the right book for busy parents, a practical reference for psychologists, teachers, occupational therapists, sensory integration therapists and anyone working with a child on the autism spectrum. It will be of particular interest to all those professionals working with autistic children and specialists in other communication disorders. Throughout the book, Martin emphasizes how art therapy works as an integral part of overall management and treatment approaches to autism. The author presents a range of case studies of art therapy with individual autistic children to bring to light the use of practical interventions and their outcome. Martin also suggests that art therapy provides an avenue for nonverbal expression and enables the children increase their communication and social skills. The author presents word-pictures of scenes and pictures of art drawn by children themselves, by giving specific details that appeal to the five senses. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2013 APA, all rights reserved)