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Art Therapy for High-Functioning Autism - Getting Started
People with high-functioning autism can be taught early on to express themselves through various forms of therapy. To lead a relatively normal life, a high-functioning autistic person requires a certain level of social skills. The development of these skills can be achieved through a variety of therapies, including play therapy, socially skilled classes or groups, psychotherapy, social stories, and expressive therapies. One expressive therapy that has proven to be very beneficial is art therapy. Art therapy can help an autistic person develop social responses by allowing them to express their feelings through art. This form of free therapy can be an ideal way for an autistic person...
Art Therapy for High-Functioning Autism - Getting Started
People with high-functioning autism can be taught early on to express themselves through various forms of therapy. To lead a relatively normal life, a high-functioning autistic person requires a certain level of social skills. The development of these skills can be achieved through a variety of therapies, including play therapy, socially skilled classes or groups, psychotherapy, social stories, and expressive therapies.
One expressive therapy that has proven to be very beneficial is art therapy. Art therapy can help an autistic person develop social responses by allowing them to express their feelings through art. This form of free therapy can be an ideal way for an autistic person to develop social skills.
What is art therapy? It is a therapy that uses various art materials such as paints, batik (a way of dyeing fabric), clay, etc. to express thoughts or feelings through visual representation. Art therapy is based on psychological research and theory that art is inherently therapeutic. This therapy addresses the behaviors, thoughts, and feelings of people with high-functioning autism and other disorders.
Art therapy allows an individual to explore various topics, including those involving family, relationships, life changes, loss, abuse, and general development. It can be carried out as a group process or as an individual consultation. The artwork created during therapy may be spontaneous creations or based on a therapist's suggestion.
What are the benefits of art therapy? Art therapy has many benefits, especially for those with autism, as it does not rely on verbal or language skills, is a fun activity, and does not require any artistic skills or experience. The following is a list of other benefits –
o Increases self-confidence
o Develops social skills
o Changes behavior
o Develops problem-solving strategies
o Enables a person to think creatively in a safe environment
o Allows a person to focus solely on the activity at hand and exclude other thoughts that may be intrusive.
Keep in mind that all of the above positive outcomes from art therapy may not be experienced by someone with high-functioning autism. Remember that not every autistic person functions the same way.
Where can I find an art therapist and what should I look for? If a person with high-functioning autism is interested in art therapy, an art therapist will need to be sought. An art therapist can practice in a number of settings, but is usually found in psychiatric or general hospitals. You can work in oncology or geriatric wards, schools, rehabilitation centers and counseling centers. The best way for you to find a local art therapist is to speak to your child's healthcare provider or call your hospital.
When choosing a therapist, consider the following:
o Find out about their educational background and where they were trained
o Find out if they have previous experience with high-functioning autism patients
o Ask what types of therapeutic approaches they use
o Ask what to expect during a lesson
Inspired by Rachel Evans