Use of art based methods in nursing for intellectually disabled children

Abstract

Nurses ought to be competent in providing high quality care to all and this is with no exclusion of children with intellectual disabilities (Malvin & Marianne 2008, 6). However, caring for intellectually disabled children is an enormous task which demands a great deal of clinical and cultural competency as well as a coherent understanding of the values guiding professional nursing (Chan & Sigafoos 2001, 4). Nurses in this light also need empathic attunement and good communication skill which entails the adequate utilization of both verbal and non-verbal features of communication (Tronto 1993, 181). The aim of this thesis is to produce better knowledge to nurses on how to use tools from art therapy during nursing interventions. This thesis being part of the MIMO project has the task of arranging some workshops using performance based on art-based methods for intellectually disabled school children. This thesis found out through literature review that art based methods has positive effects in aiding communication with intellectually disabled children. Besides, art based methods do have the ability to uplift moods and help intellectually disabled children to come in touch with their feelings and experience sense of love and belonging. The forgoing was clearly evident at the workshops which were organized as the project part of the thesis. In view of this, nurses likewise other health professionals should embrace the use of art based methods in promoting communication as well as the health and well-being of all including children with intellectual disabilities.