ART-THERAPY IN A SOCIALIZATION PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN WITH ATTENTION-DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER

This paper reports on an on-going therapeutic and socialization progra m for young children, up to latency age, with Attention Deficit Hypera ctivity Disorder (ADHD). The multi-modal, integrated program features the expressive therapies in concert with behavioral, cognitive, psycho dynamic and medical approaches. The program seeks to address long-stan ding problems with regard to peer, school, and family relationships. W eekly two-hour sessions are divided into three components: free play, group discussion, and an expressive arts activity. Relational problems and discussion topics raised during the first two components may be e xplored further during the final arts activity. Impromptu art making o pportunities facilitate self-expression and awareness of self and othe rs in all components of the program as well.