Denise DuBois
There are many ways in which art can be therapeutic. This short commentary features the perspectives of two young artists with Autism Spectrum Disorder. It explores their experiences and art through the lens of occupational therapy and occupational science, as well as how the role of art may be viewed from the perspective of a motivator for functional goals or a meaningful activity.
Alexandra Thompson & Cori Snow
This article explores creative therapies in rehabilitation. The Creative Works Studio (CWS) provides an example of creative therapies in mental illness and/or addiction rehabilitation. Although founded by an occupational therapist, the CWS has recently lost direct occupational therapy involvement. This article advocates for the inclusion of occupational therapists in programs like the CWS.
Tania Ruiz-Chapman & Rebecca Renwick
‘Pathways to Belonging’ is a qualitative research project that uses an arts-based methodology, called socio-spatial mapping, to study how young adults (YA) with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) come to feel and experience a sense of belonging. It aims to uncover the contexts and conditions that foster and promote a sense of belonging for YA with IDD.
Julia Rybkina
Research recruitment can be a lot like dating: there are many participants and studies in the sea, but it can be hard to find the perfect match. This article discusses some of the common challenges faced by researchers when recruiting study participants in the field of rehabilitation and introduces social media as a novel, viable platform for recruitment.
Adora Chui
Ever imagine making hit music like Pharrell, painting like Georgia O’Keefe, or inventing like Blaise Pascal? For some people, artistic and creative worlds were opened to them after their brain injury. Extraordinary phenomena like these challenge our understanding of how the brain works―and has unexpected implications for the science and practice of rehabilitation.
