The Benefits of Expressive Art Making for Children with FASD

by Randi Martin

This research presents a phenomenological case study with a retrospective thematic analysis to demonstrate the benefits of facilitating group art sessions for children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) using a relational neurodevelopmental focus and positive art therapy approach. It aims to provide an introduction to combining the existing fields of FASD research and art therapy. Data was collected at a summer camp for children with FASD with 23 campers and includes 64 pieces of art over the course of six sessions in six weeks. Each camper participated in one art session. Fun, experimentation, pride in artwork, self-mastery, group cohesion, self-regulation, positive experience of self in group, non-verbal experience, and autonomy were themes derived from session descriptions and are organized based on their social and neurodevelopmental benefits.