Background: To explore the effect of arts based therapy on basic skill level and behavior parameters as measured by Behavior Assessment Scale for Indian Children with Mental Retardation (BASIC-MR) and performance on Arts-Based Therapy (ABT) rating scale in children with intellectual disability (ID).

Method: Six children (4 males) aged 5 to 13 years with mild-moderate intellectual disability underwent individualized ABT modules with music, rhythm, drama and visual arts in a child friendly academic environment for 9 months. BASIC-MR and ABT rating scale were administered quarterly till the end of study.

Results: Median (range) BASIC-MR scores for basic skill level, BASIC-MR behavior score and ABT rating scale score at 3, 6 and 9 months were 725(349-1208), 855(389-1262) and 936(432-1291); 14(0-22), 6(0-14) and 3(0-16) and 16(12-23), 20(13-26) and 23(15-29) respectively (p< 0.05 by Friedman test for all) indicating steady improvement in the skill scores as measured by BASIC-MR & ABT rating scale at 3,6 and 9 months. Posthoc analysis showed that these improvements were steady across the quarters.

Conclusion: ABT results in a medium-term improvement in skill, behavior and ABT parameters in children with ID. This study suggests the need for restructuring remedial education to include performing and visual arts.