By Adam, Age 18
Art Attack!

We’ve scouted the country and rounded up inspirational testimonials and creative masterpieces that show the healing power of art therapy on children with autism.


By Sharona Bookbinder, BSC, DTATI, OATR, RCAT

 

Art therapy is a treatment modality that allows Autistic children to express their feelings in a non-verbal and safe way. It creates visual images that may represent thoughts and feelings, and can be used to help individuals express themselves when it may be too difficult to express verbally.

The purpose of attending art therapy is not to become an artist, but to explore art. The role of the art therapist is as a facilitator, observer and participant in the process. This does not involve just directing or interpreting, but mutual suggestion and exploration by both client and therapist, of the meaning of the images.

By Adam, Age 13
Art creation with a therapeutic component is beneficial to children with Autism Spectrum Disorder due to their sensory needs (visual and tactile), potential nonverbal expression and their draw to visual and hands-on therapy. There is now an abundance of literature in art therapy that demonstrates its effectiveness, and indicates that it’s a clinically-sound treatment option.

Some of the treatment goals that an art therapist is best qualified to treat are:

- Using imagination and abstract thinking, art therapists can design specific art techniques to meet the needs of a person with autism, providing not only a visual product, but also an opportunity for creative expression.

By Ben, Age 10
- Incorporating sensory integration. Art therapy can provide safe and enjoyable sensory integration while utilizing exploration. The combination of a nurturing therapeutic relationship and the art media can create a product with much investment and meaning.

- Art therapists are trained in therapeutic techniques that are an asset when it comes to working with people who have difficulty with communication. It provides an opportunity and safe forum for emotion and self-expression.

- Recreation, leisure and social skills can be developed in group art therapy. They can be expressive and industriousness, while observing and learning from others in a group. Modeling behaviours of the therapist and group members can be a strong form of peer support.

- Art making, being quite a visual activity, can be a useful tool for addressing visual-spatial deficits as well.

By Ben, Age 10
The function of the therapist is to engage, provide directives and sometimes even make art with the client, to build trust, and encourage communication. We use art media such as paint, clay, pencils, collage and some craft supplies. Safety is always kept in mind. Initial sessions usually involve a mutual interview, where client and family consult and decide on treatment goals. Therapy occurs weekly and can be time-specific or ongoing.

You can find art therapists practicing in a number of environments, usually listed on our association websites. When choosing a therapist, you may want to consider factors such as a graduate certificate or MA in Art Therapy, previous experience with autism patients, the types of therapeutic approach they use and what to expect during a lesson.

References
Evans, Kathy, Dubowski, Janek. Art Therapy With Children on the Autistic Spectrum:
Beyond Words; 2001, 112pp. ISBN: 978-1-85302-825-0.
Silvers, Jennifer B. “Art Therapy Workbook for Children and Adolescents with Autism.” 2008.