Using Art-Based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for an Adolescent With Anxiety and Autism

Abstract

Anxiety is a common experience for young people with an autism spectrum condition (ASC). This article describes the use of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) through the medium of art to increase well-being for a young woman with ASC and significant anxiety. An ACT art protocol was delivered over 8-weekly sessions with outcome measured administered at baseline, pre-, mid- and post-intervention. Follow-up data were also obtained 3 months after the intervention. It was found that the young person experienced improvements in measures of well-being and psychological flexibility. Importantly, these were seen to translate to increased engagement in activities that were in line with the young person’s values. This demonstrates that using third-wave approaches for young people with ASC can result in improvements in well-being and quality of life, but that adaptations in line with person-centered care are crucial to facilitate engagement and produce meaningful change.