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Art is essential in expanding the horizons of children beyond everyday life. Children that are exposed to art early, are known to do better and go further in life as art creates an inner connection within the child to its outer environment.

Friday, March 13, 2015

Art Therapy as a Treatment for Autism



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 Autism Spectrum Disorders ExpertArt Therapy as a Treatment for Autism:

Written or reviewed by a board-certified physician. See About.com's Medical Review Board.

What Is Art Therapy?

According to the American Art Therapy Association , "art therapy is a mental health profession that uses the creative process of art making to improve and enhance the physical, mental and emotional well-being of individuals of all ages. It is based on the belief that the creative process involved in artistic self-expression helps people to resolve conflicts and problems, develop interpersonal skills, manage behavior, reduce stress, increase self-esteem and self-awareness, and achieve insight."

In practice, art therapy can look very different when practiced by and with different individuals. It can be free-flowing or structured, interactive or individual. For children and adults with autism, it can be a wonderful way to open to doors to expression.


Why Use Art Therapy to Treat Autism?

One of the hallmarks of autism spectrum disorders is difficulty with verbal and social communication . In some cases, people with autism are literally non-verbal: unable to use speech to communicate at all. In other cases, people with autism have a hard time processing language and turning it into smooth, easy conversation. People with autism may also have a tough time reading faces and body language. As a result, they may have difficulty with telling a joke from a statement, or sarcasm from sincerity.

Meanwhile, many people with autism have an extraordinary ability to think visually - "in pictures." Many can turn that ability to good use in processing memories, recording images and visual information, and expressing ideas through drawing or other artistic media. Art is a form of expression that requires little or no verbal interaction which can open doors to communication.
All too often, it's assumed that a non-verbal person or a person with limited verbal capabilities is incompetent in other areas. As a result, people on the autism spectrum may not be exposed to opportunities to use artistic media -- or the opportunities may be too challenging in other ways (in large class settings, for example). Art therapy offers an opportunity for therapists to work one-on-one with individuals on the autism spectrum to build a wide range of skills in a manner which may be more comfortable (and thus more effective) than spoken language.

What Can Art Therapists Do for People with Autism?

The research is somewhat sketchy regarding the impact of art therapy on people with autism -- the literature consists mainly of case studies and papers describing the observed impact of art therapy programs. Some of the papers written and presented on the subject, however, suggest that art therapy can do a great deal. In some cases it has opened up a whole world of opportunity to an individual with autism who has significant artistic talent. In other cases it has created a unique opportunity for personal bonding. Other possible outcomes include -

  • Improved ability to imagine and think symbolically
  • Improved ability to recognize and respond to facial expressions
  • Improved ability to manage sensory issues (problems with stickiness, etc.)
  • Improved fine motor skills

How to Find and Select an Art Therapist

Qualified art therapists hold a masters degree and are certified through the Art Therapy Credentials Board. Not all qualified arts therapists, however, have specific experience working with people on the autism spectrum: many specialize in working, for example, with trauma victims, individuals with mental illness, etc. To find an art therapist, start with the Art Therapy Credentials Board's online therapist locator . When you've located a local therapist, call to find out what experience that individual has had with autism spectrum disorders. While extensive experience may not be critical, it is very important that the therapist you choose understands the specific issues, challenges and strengths associated with autism. It's important to note that art therapy is not just for young children, or even for children in general. Its usefulness has been established for people of all ages, including adults.

Sources:
W. Bentivegna. "The use of art with an autistic child in residential care." American Journal of Art Therapy, 22, 51-56. 1983.
D.J. Betts. "The art of art therapy: Drawing individuals out in creative ways." Advocate: Magazine of the Autism Society of America, 26-27. 2005.
Melinda Emery. "Art Therapy as an Intervention for Autism." Art Therapy Journal of the American Art Therapy Assoc, p143-147 2004


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Art House for Kids at Lakeshore/Clarkson, Mississauga, Call 905 819 8142

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