Art therapy with meditation for children diagnosed with ADHD and their caretakers

The focus of this theoretical, bibliographic research is the review and synthesis of literature to develop a new understanding of the feasibility of multi-modal approaches, specifically art therapy and meditation, for children up to age 17 (adolescents included) diagnosed with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) together with their adult primary caretakers. The three subject areas (i.e. both modalities and ADHD) were researched separately in order to define and most extensively where they intersect. While there is new and promising research available for each modality, no published, peer-reviewed research was available within the specified search parameters about how the two could work together for children with ADHD and their caretakers. Important components and benefits of related studies where some intersection occurred are conveyed in a review and synthesis of findings. Core symptoms of ADHD in the children (i.e. hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention) often saw improvement while other positive outcomes were noted in various interventions. When directly involved, caretakers experienced benefits too. These sometimes included increased calm, increased self-care, reduced parenting stress, reduced parental overreactivity or relational improvements. However, it is only possible to theorize about the viability and outcomes of a complete intersection of such modalities when used together for this population. In order to respond to the gap in the literature, future research is necessary