Original text - Engels - So how do art therapists and clients reach these...

So how do art therapists and clients reach these goals? An therapy session basically involves the interaction of three dynamics: the therapeutic relationship between therapist and client(s), the art materials, and therapist adaptations/interventions.
When working with people with autism, the therapist must be the driving force within a session (although the more you can incorporate and engage the client's interests, the better) by providing directives designed to address treatment goals. Making art with the client as a way to engage, model, build friendship, and encourage communication is important. Projects might involve materials such as paints, clays, pencils, creams, feathers, and beads and processes such as puppetry, printmaking, sculpture, or mural painting and much, much more. Safety is the only limit. Initial sessions will ideally involve family consultation, observation, assessment, establishment of treatment goals, and relationship/trust building. Therapy is often (but not always) long-term (as are most ASD therapies) due to the pervasive and permanent (although improvable) nature of autism.