Autism & Art therapy

I have had the privilege of working for over ten years with numerous men and boys with ASD. Every person I have worked with has been different, and I try and individualise my approach to meet the needs of each of my clients.

For people on the autism spectrum, art is the perfect medium to encourage individuals to express themselves. Since children and adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are visual thinkers, art is a natural way to communicate how they feel and how they view the world.

Those with ASD can share their understanding of the environment pictorially through drawing, painting, sculpting clay or other hands-on avenues. This allows individuals a chance to process the world in an accommodating, sensory and unrestricted way.

Most individuals on the autism spectrum have difficulty with social and verbal communication. Some are nonverbal, while others find it challenging to hold a conversation and are unable to read the body language and faces of others successfully.

Art therapy allows people with ASD to use their already visually minded brains to communicate through artistic media. They can record images and visual data, express ideas, and process memories that they are unable to do verbally.

It is often assumed that because someone is nonverbal or has limited verbal abilities that they are not intelligent, but this is untrue and unfair. However, because of this stigma, these individuals may not be exposed to art or other avenues for expression. Art therapy allows people with autism the chance to build communication skills in another way in a comfortable setting where they can find happiness and success.

How do art therapists help people with ASD?

Art therapists help individuals on the autism spectrum with:

· Understanding more about themselves and the world, developing coping strategies and feeling happier in themselves.

· Developing innate artistic talents.

· Improving motor skills.

· Recognising and responding appropriately to facial expressions.

· Imagining and thinking figuratively.

· Managing sensory issues.