Art Therapy and Autism: Art therapy has emerged as a highly effective approach to treating and supporting individuals with autism. Along with ABA therapy, this therapy facilitates expression through traditional methods. By engaging in art therapy, individuals with autism can find a unique channel for expression, emotional release, and self-discovery.
Are you curious about how art therapy can benefit children with autism? Then you’ll want to check out this blog post from ABA Centers of Tennessee! We’ve also included some great activities you can do with your child.
What is Art Therapy?
Before delving into the connection between art and autism, let’s understand the meaning of art therapy. According to the American Art Therapy Association, it is a mental health profession. It enhances the well-being of individuals, families, and communities through active engagement in artistic expression, the creative process, the application of psychological principles, and the use of individual experiences within a therapeutic relationship.
Professionally facilitated by an art therapist, art therapy effectively aids in achieving personal and relational therapeutic goals and addressing broader community concerns. It enhances cognitive and sensory-motor functions, boosts self-esteem and self-awareness, nurtures emotional resilience, stimulates self-understanding, improves social skills, resolves conflicts and emotional distress, and contributes to societal and ecological transformations.
10 Benefits of Art Therapy in Autism
The creative process involved in art therapy helps individuals with autism develop communication, motor, and social skills. Through art materials and techniques, individuals on the spectrum can learn to explore their emotions and thoughts and understand those of others. This increased emotional intelligence and social awareness can improve relationships and more effective communication.
A study by The American Journal of Occupational Therapy shows that art therapy interventions help children master performance skills like engaging in creative activities and social interaction. The study also observed an improvement in body and motor functions.
Let’s explore the benefits of art therapy in autism:
1. Communication and Expression
For individuals with autism who experience difficulties with verbal communication, art therapy can offer a valuable alternative. Using various art forms such as drawing, painting, or sculpture, they can express their thoughts, emotions, and experiences nonverbally.
2. Sensory Processing
Sensory sensitivities are common in people with autism. Art therapy can help individuals explore and regulate their sensory experiences. Engaging with different art materials can be a way to manage sensory issues and develop a better understanding of their sensory preferences.
3. Social Interaction
Art therapy often occurs in a group setting, allowing individuals with autism to practice social interaction and communication skills in a structured and supportive environment. It can help improve their ability to collaborate with peers and engage in collaborative projects.
4. Self-esteem Improving
The journey of creating art is as significant as the outcomes. When individuals with autism complete an art project, they often experience a profound sense of satisfaction and achievement. Crafting something entirely original from beginning to end enhances their self-esteem. Through this creative process, they acquire new skills and better understand their preferences and interests.
5. Creativity and Problem-Solving
Engaging in the artistic process fosters creativity and problem-solving skills. It encourages thinking outside the box and finding unexplored solutions to challenges.
6. Reducing Anxiety and Stress
Creative and artistic activities can be relaxing and calming. It can help individuals with autism reduce anxiety and stress levels, promoting a sense of well-being.
7. Visual Supports
Implement art therapy to create visual aids, such as visible schedules or social stories. These tools can be handy for people with autism, helping them understand and easily navigate daily routines and social situations.
8. Building Fine Motor Skills
Many art activities require fine motor skills like sculpting, painting, drawing, or shredding, which can be particularly beneficial for individuals with autism who may struggle with motor coordination. Practicing these skills through art can improve dexterity and hand-eye coordination.
9. Nervous System Enhancement
One of the critical elements in the emotional and behavioral development of children with autism is their nervous system. Recognizing that multi-sensory encounters can aid these children in connecting their emotions with sensory stimuli, art therapy is vital in refining their communication abilities and sensory awareness throughout the therapeutic journey.
10. Parent-Child Connection Bond
As a parent, you have a unique opportunity to build strong bonds with your child during their formative years. Art therapy can be a powerful tool to enrich this connection by giving you insight into your child’s unique perspective on the world.
Collaborating on art projects can lead to mutual appreciation and a more profound understanding. Consider checking out Amazon for great books on incorporating art into the lives of children on the autism spectrum. Remember to focus on activities that bring your child joy and build upon them.
Individuals on the spectrum may find socializing stressful, making it hard to express themselves. To foster a stronger bond between parents and children, using the art created by the individual as a starting point for conversation can be a helpful solution.
Art Therapy Activities to Practice at Home
As a parent or caregiver, you can engage in creative art activities with your child at home, which can help improve their cognitive, sensorimotor, and other skills. While trained clinicians at specialized centers typically administer art therapy, exploring your creative side with your child in the comfort of your home can be enjoyable. In your playdates, you can include the following:
Drawing and Coloring: Simple drawing and coloring activities can encourage self-expression, development of fine motor skills, and relaxation.
Collage Making: Creating collages can help individuals with autism explore textures, shapes, and colors while developing their creative thinking.
Sculpting: Sculpting with clay or even playdough allows for tactile exploration, and the three-dimensional aspect can be engaging and therapeutic.
Painting: Art through painting provides an outlet for emotional expression and creativity and can be used to create vibrant and meaningful works.
Sensory Bottles: This craft can have multiple benefits – they can help your child self-regulate, provide visual stimulation, and satisfy the need for self-stimulation. Whether you fill them with glitter, beads, or other fun items, sensory bottles are a terrific way to engage your child in a fun craft activity that enhances their language and fine motor skills.
ABA Centers of Tennessee and Art Therapy in Autism
To sum up, art therapy offers a creative and non-verbal means for individuals to communicate, express emotions, and develop essential skills. When integrated with ABA therapy, it becomes a powerful combination that addresses the unique needs of individuals with autism, ultimately helping them lead more fulfilling lives. Art therapy in autism is more than just an activity; it is a bridge to understanding and healing.
ABA Centers of Tennessee is committed to supporting children on the autism spectrum in pursuing their passions and aspirations. If your child is interested in art, our dedicated team is here to discuss its inclusion in therapy sessions. Engaging in art can be fulfilling, providing relaxation and self-soothing benefits. You can be confident that our ABA sessions aim to meet your child’s interests and needs.
If you’re seeking more personalized care for your child or loved one, don’t hesitate to contact us for more information, call us at (844) 423-9483, or schedule a free consultation to learn how we can assist you.
