Artist and Scientists as Partners (ASaP) explored diverse medical and arts practices for persons with Parkinson’s disease and Autism Spectrum Disorders. We advocated for the recognition of the value of the arts within a holistic healing approach.
ASAP HAd Five PRIMARY GOALS:
To build mutual understanding and respect among artists and scientists for both the content and methodology of their practices
To distinguish between the arts as practice (their intrinsic value) and the arts as therapy (their instrumental value) and to make a case for the specific benefits of “art making” for all individuals
To provide supporting materials/arguments for physicians who would like to prescribe the arts for their patients
To bring public awareness to the importance of an integrated approach to neurological disorders
To provide a pathway for training for pre-medical students to increase physician empathy and decrease physician burnout.
The Project had Significance for Both the Arts and Sciences:
Through the intersection of art and science, understanding of the power of the arts to heal is deepened.
Those in the broader community who are challenged by Parkinson’s and Autism (as well as their caregivers) will benefit from the research through expanded services, e.g. dance classes.
Dance and music students will gain a broader view of their art form as well as gain an understanding of the different possibilities available to them as artists. Also, these students will learn methods to deepen their artistry.
With new information and research supporting the benefits of the arts on people with Parkinson’s and Autism, doctors, educators, and artists will have new approaches to offer. Possible outcomes could be reduced need for medications and medical care. At the least, there will be evidence that there are effective options to current approaches.