The effect of sculpture-based art therapy in improving aggression and autonomic nervous system in children with developmental neuropsychiatric disorder

Background and Aim : Autistic is one of the most severe types of childhood disorders that is characterized by severe deficiencies and multiple pervasive developmental disorders, which include impaired social interaction and communication, and the presence of behaviors, interests, and stereotyped behaviors. The effect of sculpture-based art therapy was on reducing aggressive behaviors in people with autistic disorder and investigating the effect of this therapy on autonomic nervous system activityMethods : The method of this study is case study. Using available sampling method, the sample members were 4 children with autism with aggressive behavior. First, by filling out the Relative Aggression Questionnaire and explicit children questionnaire of Dr. Sima Shahim (Cronbach s alpha 0.78) by parents, the baseline was drawn and then the treatment was given for 10 sessions and 30 minutes (2 sessions per session). Week) performed by sample members. Aggressive behavior was recorded by the data sheet during the presentation of the independent variable. Before and after treatment, heart rate was measured in patients with autism disorder. At the end of treatment sessions, aggressive behavior of people with autism disorder was assessed again by a child aggressive and relational aggression questionnaireResults : The findings showed that aggressive behavior of all 4 subjects was reduced in evaluations of therapeutic sessions, and the decrease in heart rate at the end of therapeutic sessions showed the effect of this treatment on sympathetic nervous system as a branch of autonomic nervous systemConclusion : According to the findings, it can be stated that sculpture-based art therapy by affecting the sympathetic nervous system reduces aggressive behavior of people with autism disorder.

Keywords:

Sculpture-based art therapy , aggression , autonomic nervous system , neurodevelopmental disorder (autistic)