Examining the impact of nature-based art programming for children with ASD social participation skills, 2025

Item — Call Number: MU Thesis Kap

Identifier: b7932418

Scope and Contents

From the Collection:

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The collection consists of dissertations written by students enrolled in the Monmouth University graduate Occupational Therapy program. The holdings are primarily bound print documents that were submitted in partial fulfillment of requirements for the Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree.

During the fall 2022 semester (in instances where the requisite waivers were received from consenting student authors), the Monmouth University Library, together with the University's Graduate School and School of Education, began providing open access to select full-text digital versions of current theses and dissertations through links to the ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global website in the Library's Online Public Access Catalog. Links to these open access digital publications can also be found in the "External Documents" section under any conforming titles that are listed among the holdings itemized in the collection inventory for this finding aid.

Dates

Creation: 2025

Creator

Kaplan, Jordan (2000- ) (Author, Person)
Bahr, Elisabeth (Thesis advisor, Person)
Garcia, Andrea (Thesis advisor, Person)
Patro, John (1985- ) (Thesis advisor, Person)

Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open for research use. Access is by appointment only.

Research appointments are scheduled by the Monmouth University Library Archives Collections Manager (732-923-4526). A minimum of three days advance notice is required to arrange a research appointment for access to the collection.

Access to the collection is confined to the Monmouth University Library and is subject to patron policies approved by the Monmouth University Library.

Patrons must sign a completed Researcher Registration Form and provide appropriate identification to obtain access to the collection. Copies of these documents will be kept on file at the Monmouth University Library.

Full Extent

1 Items (print book) : 46 pages ; 8.5 x 11.0 inches (28 cm).

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Abstract Importance: Objective: This study examined the impact of a nature-based art group on the socialization skills of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Design: A four-week mixed-methods study which leveraged pre and post-intervention testing, with open and closed-ended responses, to explore caregiver-reported key therapeutic outcomes, in addition to structured student investigator observations. Setting: The study took place at a nature-based pediatric occupational therapy site. Participants: The inclusion criteria included caregivers of children diagnosed with ASD, ages 6 to 10. Convenience sampling was used to select the participants (n=2). Intervention: The intervention was a 4-week, 60-minute, nature-based art and social skills group. Outcomes and Measures: A “Nature-Based Art Group: Social Skills Caregiver Survey” was developed to capture caregiver perception and gather preliminary evidence on outcomes. Results: A descriptive analysis revealed positive change in mean social skill scores in self-expression, direction following, communication skills, emotional regulation skills, and turn-taking skills. A thematic analysis of survey responses uncovered two main themes: Therapeutic Factors Contributing to Client Changes and Therapeutic Outcomes, which are discussed further. Student investigator structured observations further inform factors contributing to outcomes and change. Conclusion and Relevance: This study provides an initial foundation for using therapeutic nature-based art groups to support the development of social skills for children with ASD. What This Article Adds: This article provides pediatric occupational therapists with a therapeutic approach to enhance their students’ social participation skills.