Social skills and communication skills through art in youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

Abstract

This research aimed to establish if it is possible improving better communication skills and social interaction in young people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) using art activities. We used the technique of participant observation through following up during art workshops. This is a longitudinal ethnographic method, with a qualitative approach. The study was conducted during a year, making quarterly cuts of evaluation. The information was registered in field diaries, and it was integrated through comparative arrays, and global arrays, comparing the results of the three cases. The participants were three students of an art school in Tunja, Colombia. The results showed that the young improved the communication process and the social interaction thanks to the contribution of the art as a pedagogic tool. It can be concluded that the techniques derived from art are useful to strengthen and improve communication and socialization skills in young people with ASD.