Dataset for systematic review for art therapy in children with autism
Description
The study titled "Art Therapy Interventions and Developmental Outcomes in Children with Autism: A Systematic Review" does not explicitly state a research hypothesis as it is a systematic review of existing literature rather than an experimental study. However, the research questions guiding the review can be inferred as the basis for its exploration: (1) What are the current research patterns and future trends of art therapy for children with ASD over the past decade? (2) How do art therapy interventions influence developmental outcomes in children with ASD? The data presented in the study are derived from a systematic analysis of 22 articles published between 2016 and July 2025, retrieved from Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed. The review identifies four primary themes: Emotional Expression and Regulation, Social Skills Development, Creative and Nonverbal Intervention, and Sensory and Relational Integration. These themes collectively highlight the multifaceted benefits of art therapy for children with ASD. Notable findings include the consistent enhancement of emotional recognition, expression, and regulation abilities in children with ASD through art therapy. The review also underscores significant improvements in social skills such as joint attention, cooperation, and social confidence, along with a reduction in stereotyped and repetitive behaviors. Additionally, art therapy is shown to improve sensory integration and promote high-quality parent-child attachment. These effects are observed to be transferable across different contexts, including home, school, and community settings. The data are interpreted to suggest that art therapy, with its visual, multisensory, and relationally attuned modalities, is a highly effective intervention for children with ASD. The review posits that the success of art therapy lies in its ability to create a therapeutic environment that is both sensory-rich and relationally supportive. By engaging children in creative expression while fostering synchronous interactions and emotional attunement, art therapy facilitates the development of key social and emotional skills. The study concludes that art therapy is a valuable, humanized approach that addresses the diverse needs of children with ASD, offering a promising pathway for future intervention design and evidence-based practice.