Sandplay Therapy Of Eight Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders

Autism spectrum disorders is also called pervasive developmental disorder. The onset of autism occurs before the age of three, is characterized by language communication disorder, social interaction and behavior disorder.Sandplay therapy is a form of Play therapy. Children are in " the free and protected space " which are created by psychotherapist. They play with sand, water and toys in games that encourage them to freely express emotions, stimulate the imagination and awaken their self-healing potential.This case study includes eight children Sandplay therapy treatment process, to discuss following issues .The treatment continued for four months, average of 18 times or more. The study found eight cases of Sandplay Therapy process generally includes three stages: the initial stage, middle stage and end stage. In the three stages, the features on behalf of autism spectrum disorders were larger proportion in the treatment of early stage, for example confusion, division, destruction, empty, hide, repeat etc. During later stages, the participants underwent a transformation including relationships, power, dialogue, and integrate positive development that increased significantly. By interviews and questionnaire measurements from parents and teachers, eight participants occurred different degrees of changes before and after treatment. Sandplay therapy promotes the development of children with autism spectrum disorders. This study got the following conclusions:(1) Autism spectrum disorders as children own characteristics, the establishment of therapeutic relationship requires a long process. While the psychotherapist is acceptable, inclusive and unconditional positive attention may facilitate the development of relationship.(2) Sandplay therapy can effectively promoted the development of children with autism spectrum disorders. After treatment, the initiative language of eight cases increased, vented to bad feelings, and formed new learning, thus promoted their social development.(3) Sand was an important therapeutic factor for children with autism spectrum disorders. The feelings of children with autism spectrum disorders was contented by playing sand. At the same time sand can trigger their imagination, awaken potential energy, and achieve the purpose of adjusting the energy distribution.