Art is such a myriad of definitions, especially how it is done, by whom, as well as what tools are used to create the art piece. When it comes to autism, art can be very therapeutic in all its forms, especially if an autistic individual has sensitivities to smells, touch, etc. Thankfully through art most autistic individuals are able to find their niche and soar.
Some that come to mind are visual autistic artists such as Stephen Wiltshire and Henriett Seth F. These are just two examples of autistic individuals that became famous and/or are called autistic savants. Even if your child, autistic or atypical, has no interest in getting their hands dirty or coloring anything, I know without a doubt that art brings out creativity, imagination, relieves stress and helps with anxiety as well.
Finger Painting
“Finger painting is an art that most of us have experienced in our childhood. While there’s no doubt about the fun element of this activity, few people are aware of the therapeutic benefits of this art form. In this article, we will try and understand the benefits of finger painting, both for kids and adults.” Click Here to Learn More
Coloring for Kids, Adults and Teens
“What are the benefits of coloring for kids, teens, and adults? Coloring books have been around for ages but when my own children were young we started hearing that coloring someone else’s designs was not creative enough. Parents and teachers were advised to let the children draw their own pictures and then hopefully color them. These past few years the coloring book craze is sweeping the land attracting kids, teens, and adults. What have they found now to be the benefits of coloring? “
Doodle Therapy
“The Healing Power of Doodling offers you:
- A step-by-step guide to discover your own sacred doodling skills (hint: it’s fun and easy!)
- Meditations which help you pause, push the reset button and invite you to contemplative journaling.
- 86 of Carol’s own sacred doodle drawings which will intrigue, inspire and heal your soul.
If you’re ready to quiet your mind, let go and acquire a new life-management skill, this book is designed with you in mind. It’s also of great value to anyone with a chronic or serious illness and for their caregivers.”
Music Therapy
Online Music Lessons Starting at $29 per Lesson, No Registration Fees!
“Music therapy is the evidence-based use of music interventions in a developmentally appropriate manner to impact behavior and facilitate skill development. Individuals with autism often respond positively to music and show a heightened interest in the medium, making it a particularly effective tool for working with them.
Due to its flexibility, music can be adapted to meet the needs of each individual. The structured and sensory nature of music can help establish role expectations and positive interactions. Often, music assists with the development of verbal communication since listening and responding to another person requires turn-taking and shared play. With defined target objectivities that address identified individual needs, music therapy can promote relatedness, relaxation, learning, self-expression, and motivation in children with autism.” By Autism Therapy
Dance Therapy
“Dance Therapy utilizes elements of dance and movement as methods for therapeutic assessment and intervention. Unlike dance classes, where individuals learn steps or routines, dance therapy seeks to channel movement and expression into forming relationships.
Movement is an entry point that helps therapists learn how an autistic child processes information and communicates with his or her body. Using the movements of the autistic child as cues, dance therapists can meet the child with his or her language. This initial communication through the body can lead to verbal expression. By first understanding the child, dance therapists can channel the child’s repetitive and restrictive behaviors toward creative communication and social relatedness.” By Autism Art Therapy
Drama Therapy
“Drama therapy is a treatment approach that provides a theatrical platform for people in therapy to express their feelings, solve problems, and achieve therapeutic goals.
The North American Drama Therapy Association defines the therapy as “an active, experiential approach to facilitating change. Through storytelling, projective play, purposeful improvisation, and performance, participants are invited to rehearse desired behaviors, practice being in a relationship, expand and find flexibility between life roles, and perform the change they wish to be and see in the world.” By Good Therapy
When it comes to Art therapy we have tried almost all of them and they were all very helpful in treating our autistic teen son and the ones that have stuck are the music therapy( played the piano by hear since age 4), art therapy(finger painting, coloring books) and drama we tried once when he was a bit younger. Not sure if this will be a therapy that he will try later on or not but either way, they all have helped him become who is.
Art therapy is awesome in all its forms and I hope that this has helped you see the various ways these types of art therapies enhance your autistic son or daughters lives as it has in ours.
By MomAdvocate
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Mandu Usoro is a lifestyle blogger, freelance writer, experienced homeschooler and US Army Veteran with a BS Degree in Social Work and AA Degrees in Psychology as well as Health Care Administration. She enjoys spending time with her family, advocating for her special needs son and writing for fun and inspiration. You can get in touch with her on Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn and at https://www.homeschoolspecneedstidbits.com/contact-us
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