J 2025

Transformative Potential of Outsider Art for Neurodivergent Artists

SOCHOR, Pavel; Dagmar SOCHOROVA and Milan KUBIATKO

Basic information

Original name

Transformative Potential of Outsider Art for Neurodivergent Artists

Authors

SOCHOR, Pavel; Dagmar SOCHOROVA and Milan KUBIATKO

Edition

Neuroendocrinology Letters, Sweden, MAAS PUBLICATIONS, 2025, 0172-780X

Other information

Language

English

Type of outcome

Article in a journal

Country of publisher

Sweden

Confidentiality degree

is not subject to a state or trade secret

References:

Marked to be transferred to RIV

No

Organization

Fakulta veřejných politik v Opavě – Slezská univerzita v Opavě – Repository

EID Scopus

Keywords in English

autism spectrum disorders; inclusive studies; intellectual and development disabilities; neurodivergent artists; resilience
Changed: 27/2/2026 00:52, Bc. Ivana Glabazňová

Abstract

In the original language

THEORETICAL BACKGROUND: The intersections of inclusion, resilience, and socialisation within artistically stimulating environments are increasingly recognised in the education of individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) and Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). However, scholarly attention remains limited regarding pre-professional support systems that integrate artefiletic (reflective) educational principles with studio practice. OBJECTIVE: This paper explores how artistic engagement in the field of outsider art offers transformative opportunities for advancing human rights and fostering sociocultural participation. METHODOLOGY: The study employs a qualitative longitudinal case study design (2016–2024), utilising participatory observation and unstructured interviews to track the development of a neurodivergent artist ("Ms. Petra") within a university-based inclusive studio in the Czech Republic. RESULTS: Findings demonstrate that long-term studio engagement enabled the participant to transition from a medical model of disability to a sociocultural one. Specifically, the artistic practice served as a non-verbal catalyst for emotional articulation, strengthened self-identity, and established a sustainable support network involving family and university facilitators. CONCLUSION: The research confirms that resilience is a learned educational outcome fostered by safe, democratic studio environments. The proposed holistic studio model offers a transferable framework for supporting the lifelong learning and professionalisation of artists with dual exceptionality.

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