Art-thérapie et acquisition des habiletés motrices chez les enfants infirmes moteurs cérébraux en âge scolaire : cas des élèves de Promhandicam-Association.

Abstract

The present work focuses on the theme "Art Therapy and the Acquisition of Motor Skills in School-Aged Children with Cerebral Palsy: The Case of Students from Promhandicam-Association". We started with observations that children with cerebral palsy encounter difficulties with find motor skills, coordination, balance, spasms, etc. These observations allowed us to formulate the problem of motor learning difficulties in children with cerebral palsy. To explore this further, we referred to theoretical approaches such as Nathalie Rogers' person-centered approach, Winnicott's play therapy approach, Montessori's kinesthetic approach, Watson's behavioral approach, and Elbrecht's sensory approach. We posed the following question: How does the practice of art therapy promote the acquisition of motor skills in school-aged children with cerebral palsy? The answer to this question led to the following general hypothesis: "The practice of art therapy, predominantly dance and visual arts, promotes the acquisition of motor skills in school-aged children with cerebral palsy through guided drawing, sculpture, and rhythmic movement exercises." Operationalizing this hypothesis yielded three research hypotheses. To test them, we selected a sample of six children with cerebral palsy who met predefined criteria, as well as four of their teachers. We used interviews, a motor skills evaluation protocol, and an observation grid. The data collected were analyzed using content analysis and the interpretation of various tests. The results we obtained show that the regular practice of artistic activities facilitates the acquisition of motor skills. Art therapy, as a discipline, has much to offer children with special needs in our societies. Based on these results, suggestions were made to public authorities, teachers, and parents to consider this type of intervention and this category of children with disabilities. When everyone is involved, it is evident that children with cerebral palsy can realize their full potential and achieve a certain level of autonomy.