Neurodiversity and the Use of Art to Facilitate Communicating Emotions; A Preliminary Study

This research study explored whether art can be used to facilitate communicating emotions among individuals with ASD. A total of ten participants were included in this study. Five participants were diagnosed with ASD and the remaining five did not have ASD. The method that was used to collect the data included; an art questionnaire, Galvanic Skin Response and face task, art activity, two interview sessions and a face task. The results of the study found that through the process of creating art, individuals with ASD were more likely to communicate their emotions freely. Participants with and without ASD were able to express emotions better when engaging in active participation and concrete art. Individuals with ASD that used art became more conscious of their feelings, experienced themselves in the art making process, focused on making meaning, constructed a personal sense of self and enhanced their mood as they shared their emotions.