Creative Response Activities for Children on the Spectrum

Master child therapist David Henley's new book is both a professional and personal memoir-one of rigor, insight, and rare poignancy. I challenge any therapist, artist, teacher, parent, or person interested in human possibility to read just the introduction to this exceptional volume without feeling that thrill of anticipation at realizing one's understanding-here, of the power of the creative act-is about to change. ã Ellen Dissanayake, author of What Is Art For?, Homo Aestheticus: Where Art Comes From and Why, and Art and Intimacy: How the Arts Began David Henley's lucid style caters both to a specialist and a lay audience, and sustains his account of a lengthy career spent caring for youngsters deemed to reside on the autistic spectrum. A thoughtful therapist who seeks novel ways of developing the creativity of his often difficult young clients, Dr. Henley draws on his clinical notes while adding his spirited personal memories. A gift for illuminating parallels enlivens this report of a fascinating adventure of discovery. Roger Cardinal, MA, PhD, Emeritus Professor of Literary and Visual Studies, University of Kent, Canterbury, England David Henley has written a thoughtful, informative book on his work with children who challenge even the most sophisticated art therapist. The author's frank descriptions of his own experiences as patient, artist, teacher, and therapist are deeply moving, while his beautifully written case studies make for truly engrossing reading. A major contribution to the art therapy literature, this book should enable countless clinicians to help children on the spectrum to find their unique creative voices. Judith A. Rubin, PhD, ATR-BC, HLM, author of Child Art Therapy and The Art of Art Therapy; editor of Approaches to Art Therapy