| Children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder, which appears in babyhood, have social communication disorder, language communication disorder and abnormal behaviors and interests. The clinical therapy with it has attracted extensive attention. Sandplay therapy which is a kind of mature clinical psychological therapy inspires children's self-healing potential with the "free and protected" space provided by therapist.The research aimed to find how sandplay therapy helps children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder on their psychological aspect. The study in the model of action research discussed this issue in one of Shanghai Children's Welfare Institutes, working with 6 cases once per month for 6 months. According to deeply analyzing of one typical case and clinical statistics of the total 6 cases, the study was summarized with the followed conclusions:1) Sandplay therapy has played a positive role in helping children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder:great changes took place in the aspects of the variety of miniature, language reflection, the expression of laugh, body contact and eye contact with therapist.2) Sandplay therapy went through 4 phases while helping children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder:the startup of sandplay therapy, the establishment of therapeutic relationship, the evolution of problems and further development.3) The establishment of therapeutic relationship played an important role in the process to inspire the self-healing potential. Sandplay therapy insists establishing safe, realistic and empathic relationship, as well as "free and protected" space. The study found that attitudes and skills of intimating from therapist helped a lot to the relationship.4) The analysis of "themes" and "symbols" play a positive role in understanding children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder. The wounded themes and the healing themes in sandtray and the symbol of sand and miniatures help to understand the inner world of the autistic children and their expression style. |
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