Frames of Identity: Unveiling Life Stories of People with Down Syndrome through Art Therapy and Reminiscence

This chapter discusses the use of art therapy with a reminiscence method in order to enhance the positive emotions of younger adults with Down syndrome through art therapy groups in China. Four groups were run for Hong Kong Chinese adults with Down syndrome and their carers to share their personal life experiences through art-based reminiscence activities. Using photo album making, the group aimed to facilitate the narratives of their personal history. The groups utilized a structured approach involving directive prompts and themes to guide participants in creating a final product, fostering non-verbal expression through art facilitation, and incorporating caregivers to assist with storytelling. A total of eight participants attended two focus groups, sharing their experiences of and insights into the way art-based reminiscence activities support their life narratives. The qualitative feedback from these groups was transcribed and analyzed. It revealed themes that underscored the benefits of incorporating these three approaches in reminiscence work with young adults with Down syndrome. Overall, participants responded positively to the group experience, describing it as special and emotional. These findings contribute to the ongoing discussion on designing effective group interventions for this specific client group. © 2026 selection and editorial matter, Nicki Power and Simon Hackett; individual chapters, the contributors.