The role of AI-driven art therapy in supporting autism, mental health, and emotional well-being: An umbrella review.

BACKGROUND

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into therapeutic practices has introduced new possibilities for enhancing mental health interventions. Among these innovations, AI-driven art therapy has emerged as a promising approach, combining the expressive and healing aspects of traditional art therapy with the adaptive and analytical strengths of AI. This modality shows particular potential in supporting individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), mental health challenges, and those seeking emotional well-being.

AIM: This umbrella review aimed to synthesize and evaluate existing evidence on the application, effectiveness, and implementation of AI-driven art therapy in improving outcomes for individuals with ASD, mental health conditions, and emotional distress.

METHODS

A comprehensive search was conducted across multiple databases-including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO, IEEE Xplore, and ACM Digital Library-to identify systematic and scoping reviews that adhered to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. The methodological quality of included reviews was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklist. Thematic analysis was applied to extract and synthesize recurring patterns and core themes across studies.

RESULTS

The findings revealed significant therapeutic benefits of AI-driven art therapy, including enhanced communication and emotional regulation in individuals with ASD, and reduced symptoms of anxiety, depression, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in mental health populations. Additionally, the platforms improved emotional well-being through personalized engagement, self-reflection, and increased autonomy. However, technological barriers, ethical concerns, and accessibility issues were noted as key limitations.

CONCLUSIONS

AI-driven art therapy represents a transformative and accessible tool in modern therapeutic practices. While challenges remain, its potential to support diverse populations through individually tailored and engaging interventions makes it a valuable complement to traditional mental health care.