A new fish in school: the impact of art therapy practice in a special education school for adolescents with mild intellectual disability
The purpose of this thesis was to explore and understand the impact of art therapy practice in a special education (SPED) school in Singapore. The research question was: what was the impact of introducing art therapy services in a SPED school for adolescents, aged 13-14years and diagnosed with mild intellectual disability (MID)? A qualitative arts-based and practitioner-led approach served as the impetus for this research. Participants included students, class and art teachers and the trainee art therapist, as an immersed participant. Data, gathered via observations, student artworks and teacher interactions during weekly group art lessons between July-November 2019, was analysed into four key themes: space, relationships, art-making and ethics. Findings highlighted that the development of a dedicated therapeutic space, embracing a therapeutic way of working, empowering and unleashing student creativity and implementing inclusive student practices were the key impacts of art therapy practice in the setting. This study might serve as a bridge connecting the practice of art educators and art therapists and be insightful to those working or planning to work in SPED school settings. Further research is recommended to explore related topics in art therapy practice specifically in an art classroom setting.