The experience of expressing through art has widely been practiced as a form of therapy. It’s no surprise that art brings a sense of calmness and serenity. But what about art and autism? What kind of benefits does this form of expression have for those on the spectrum?
For children with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who have sensory issues, art therapy can be an effective way to help them. Why? Well, mostly because they are usually able to experience sensory input processes better, including non-verbal activities.
Most people are not aware of the wonders of teaching children with ASD using art therapies. As a result, they miss out on the incredible benefits this approach can bring. Let’s explore them in more detail.
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1. Improves communication skills
Art therapy can activate various regions of the brain while providing autistic children a creative outlet for expressing themselves non-verbally. For example, as a way of communication, children with ASD can paint or describe something using symbols or icons.
This process can help autistic children develop communication and think more clearly. It can also help children with ASD focus more and interact with others directly.
It is a good way to reduce anxiety and help improve their emotional development.
2. Builds and develops feelings and emotions
Autistic children often struggle with managing their emotions and maintaining emotional stability. Luckily, art therapy can help them with these issues, too.
Through art, children can learn how to express their feelings through drawing or crafting. Making collages is one of the many activities that can help them achieve this.
This therapy also helps build endurance and patience in completing art tasks while enhancing self-expression and emotional processing.
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3. Improves the nervous system
The nervous system plays a crucial role in children with ASD. Engaging in multi-sensory activities that stimulate senses like hearing and touch can support their emotional development.
For example, incorporating musical instruments or regularly practicing singing in different therapy sessions can enhance communication skills and sensory sensitivity.
These methods align with the unique characteristics and needs of each child, promoting positive interactions during therapy.
Similarly, tactile activities using materials such as slime, clay, kinetic sand, and other craft supplies can encourage sensory exploration and support nervous system development.
4. Improves fine motor skills
Art therapy for autism provides a creative way for autistic students to refine their fine motor skills. Activities such as drawing, painting, and sculpting require controlled hand movements, helping to strengthen small muscles in the fingers and hands.
These movements improve dexterity, making everyday tasks like holding a pencil, buttoning a shirt, or using utensils easier for children with autism.
Engaging in repetitive, structured art projects for autistic students also supports hand-eye coordination, allowing them to develop greater control over their movements.
Through various art therapy activities for autism, children can practice precise hand movements in a fun and engaging way. For example, cutting shapes from paper or threading beads onto a string encourages careful finger manipulation, helping to build muscle memory and control.
Over time, these skills transfer to other areas of life, improving writing abilities and self-care routines. Art and autism go hand in hand when it comes to skill development, as creative activities offer a low-pressure environment where autistic students can practice motor skills without frustration.
5. Enhances balance and flexibility
Art autism programs often include activities that require children to use their entire bodies, supporting balance and flexibility. When children engage in tasks like molding clay, tearing paper, or reaching across a large canvas, they activate muscles that help with stability and movement.
These actions encourage better posture and joint flexibility, which can reduce stiffness and improve overall body coordination. Art therapy for autism ensures that children develop these physical skills while enjoying the creative process.
Balance and flexibility are essential for everyday movement, and structured art projects for autistic students can be a fun way to practice them. For example, standing while painting on an easel or pressing hands into soft clay encourages controlled movements that strengthen core muscles.
Over time, these activities help autistic students develop greater body awareness, reducing their clumsiness and increasing their ability to move smoothly through different environments.
Art is not just about creativity for autistic students; it also plays a vital role in their physical development.
6. Reduces stereotyped movements
Many autistic children engage in repetitive behaviors such as hand-flapping, rocking, or finger-flicking, often as a way to self-regulate.
Instead of suppressing these behaviors, art for autism encourages children to channel their need for repetition into something productive. This approach helps them engage with their surroundings in a more controlled way while still meeting their sensory needs.
Art projects for autism often incorporate repetitive motions, such as brush strokes or rolling clay, that can provide the same soothing effects as stimming behaviors. Over time, these structured activities help autistic students gain better control over their movements, allowing them to regulate their energy levels more effectively.
Art and autism work together to transform excessive or distracting movements into creative expressions that promote engagement and focus.
7. Boosts sensory processing
Sensory processing challenges are common in autism, making certain textures, sounds, or colors overwhelming. Art therapy for autism introduces a variety of sensory experiences in a controlled, enjoyable way.
Working with different materials—such as soft clay, rough paper, or smooth paint—allows autistic students to explore textures at their own pace. These experiences can help desensitize children to stimuli, making interactions with their environment more comfortable.
By participating in structured art therapy activities for autism, children learn to process sensory input in a safe and predictable setting. Activities like finger painting or working with textured fabrics provide gentle exposure to different sensations, helping autistic students gradually adjust to new experiences.
The wonderful connection between art and autism
The connection between art and autism is truly special. Many autistic children find it easier to express their thoughts and emotions through art rather than words.
Whether they are painting, drawing, or making music, creative activities help them feel calm, reduce stress, and build confidence. Art therapy also helps with important skills like hand-eye coordination, patience, and problem-solving.
It gives children a safe way to explore their feelings and communicate in a way that feels natural to them. Art also helps autistic children connect with others. It allows them to express themselves without pressure and helps others understand their unique perspectives.
This article was featured in Issue 80 – Conquering Challenges With ASD
FAQs
Q: How does art help with autism?
A: Art provides a nonverbal way for autistic individuals to express emotions, thoughts, and experiences that may be difficult to communicate through words. It also supports sensory regulation, fine motor skills, and social engagement in a structured yet flexible environment.
Q: How does autism affect creativity?
A: Autistic individuals often exhibit unique creativity, excelling in pattern recognition, detailed visual thinking, and unconventional problem-solving. However, sensory sensitivities and rigid thinking patterns can sometimes influence how they engage with creative processes.
Q: Why do autistic people like crafts?
A: Crafts offer a structured, hands-on activity that can be both calming and rewarding, helping with focus and sensory regulation. The repetitive motions and clear steps provide a sense of control, while the end result brings a sense of accomplishment.
References
Schweizer, C., Knorth, E. J., Van Yperen, T. A., & Spreen, M. (2020). Evaluation of ‘Images of Self,’ an art therapy program for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Children and Youth Services Review, 116, 105207. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S019074092030339X
Malhotra, B. (2019). Art therapy with puppet making to promote emotional empathy for an adolescent with autism. Art Therapy, 36(4), 183-191. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/07421656.2019.1645500
Durrani, H. (2019). A case for art therapy as a treatment for autism spectrum disorder. Art Therapy, 36(2), 103-106. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/07421656.2019.1609326
Jalambadani, Z. (2020). Art therapy based on painting therapy on the improvement of autistic children’s social interactions in Iran. Indian Journal of Psychiatry, 62(2), 218-219. https://journals.lww.com/indianjpsychiatry/fulltext/2020/62020/Art_therapy_based_on_painting_therapy_on_the.21.aspx
Sabet, S., & Abadi, Z. G. H. (2021). The effect of art therapy on motor skills of children with autism. International Journal of Applied Behavioural Sciences, 8(4), 27-34. https://journals.sbmu.ac.ir/ijabs/article/download/33684/28765/
