ART THERAPY WITH CHILDREN WITH MILD INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES

Abstract

The article examines the application of art therapy in working with children who have mild intellectual disabilities. The theoretical foundations of the correction and development of children with intellectual impairments include the principle of social determination of development, reliance on abilities formed through interaction with an adult, the principle of compensatory mechanisms, the gradual transition to internal and generalized forms of thinking, development through the stimulation of preserved functions and the reorganization of neural connections, the theory of sensory integration, the creation of a safe environment, and the development of social skills, communication, and self-regulation. Multisensory and multimodal approaches in art therapy for children with mild intellectual disabilities are effective when combining visual, auditory, tactile, and motor stimuli; when influencing brain development through various types of creative activity; as well as through the integration of art, music, movement, storytelling, and play. The article analyzes the effectiveness of visual arts, sand therapy, mandala work, music therapy, fairy-tale therapy, and eurythmy. It has been determined that art therapy is an effective tool for psychological correction and development for children with mild intellectual disabilities. Art therapy combines creative activity with the development of cognitive, emotional, social, and motor functions. The article examines modern approaches to the application of art therapy in terms of their effectiveness in correctional and developmental work with children who have intellectual disabilities. Recommendations are presented for organizing art therapy sessions with children who have mild intellectual disabilities, including the duration, regularity, and combination of different techniques. The conclusions confirm that the systematic use of art therapy promotes the development of thinking, self-expression, emotional self-regulation, and socialization in children, and enhances the effectiveness of correctional work in private practice, educational institutions, and specialized learning environments such as inclusive resource centers. The effectiveness of the multisensory approach in art therapy for children with mild intellectual disabilities has been confirmed. The combination of drawing, music, movement, and fairytale therapy helps reduce neurotic manifestations, improves interpersonal relationships, increases motivation, and has a positive effect on the self-esteem of children with mild intellectual disabilities.