• Menu
  • Skip to right header navigation
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Before Header

Get Our Free Ebook —> 75 Tips For Improving Mind, Body & Attitude    |

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram

Loving Life Today

Tampa Holistic Health & Medical Fusion Center

  • Home
  • About Us
    • Our Mission
    • Areas Served
    • Our Team
    • Giving Back
  • Treatments
  • Promotions
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Schedule Appointment
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Our Mission
    • Areas Served
    • Our Team
    • Giving Back
  • Treatments
  • Promotions
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Schedule Appointment
  • Your First Appointment
    • Rates & Fees
    • Payment Plans
    • Policies
    • Intake Forms
  • Therapy & Counseling
    • Virtual Therapy
    • Therapy and Counseling
    • Couples Counseling
    • Psychiatry Mental Health Services
    • Depression Treatment
    • Sex Therapy
    • EMDR Therapy
  • Virtual Therapy
  • Ketamine Treatment
    • Ketamine Depression Treatment
    • Guide to Ketamine Treatment
  • Alternative Wellness
    • Medical Marijuana and CBD Treatment
    • Cupping Therapy
    • Massage Therapy
    • Therapeutic Yoga
    • Integrated Energy Therapy
    • Hypnotherapy
  • Courses
  • Your First Appointment
    • Rates & Fees
    • Payment Plans
    • Policies
    • Intake Forms
  • Therapy & Counseling
    • Virtual Therapy
    • Therapy and Counseling
    • Couples Counseling
    • Psychiatry Mental Health Services
    • Depression Treatment
    • Sex Therapy
    • EMDR Therapy
  • Virtual Therapy
  • Ketamine Treatment
    • Ketamine Depression Treatment
    • Guide to Ketamine Treatment
  • Alternative Wellness
    • Medical Marijuana and CBD Treatment
    • Cupping Therapy
    • Massage Therapy
    • Therapeutic Yoga
    • Integrated Energy Therapy
    • Hypnotherapy
  • Courses

Art Therapy for Autism

By //  by Admin Leave a Comment

To children and adults on the autism spectrum the world is one big sensory overload, every day. Many of them experience heightened hearing and smell, which quickly become overwhelming in crowded areas. Combine that with difficulties expressing and understanding social interactions and it’s enough to make anyone scream. Art Therapy offers an alternate form of expression to these individuals in a secure, comfortable environment.

Art Therapy 1

Visual Thinking, Routines and Self-Esteem

People with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are often very visual thinkers – many self-describe as “thinking in pictures” (as opposed to abstract terms and concepts). The ASD mind prefers concrete explanations and routines, which the unpredictable outside world often does not provide. But art is a self-directed activity where the artist is completely in control of the process and the outcome.

Art therapy can also be as interactive or individual as the client likes. Their personal space is protected and they may choose to share their project at any time, which can lead to improved social interaction. Regular, positive feedback in this environment strengthens feelings of self-esteem and acceptance. These feelings can be hard to come by for ASD individuals feeling isolated in the outside world.

Art Therapy 2

Art Therapy & Skill-Building

Activities like “Free Drawing” often open up lines of communication with quiet or non-verbal clients. They are invited to draw anything at all that comes to mind, and can then explain their creation if they choose. This alternate form of communication helps them to overcome the frustration of trying to express themselves. And beyond that, many ASD individuals find themselves distracted and seeking sensory stimulation in normal situations. Providing them a self-directed project channels their tendency toward intense focus into an expressive outlet.

Similarly, creating collages out of paper, cotton balls, ribbon and other materials provides tactile stimulation. This is especially important because touch can be another overwhelming sensation, and becoming accustomed to different textures can provide therapeutic exposure. Fine motor skills are practiced through activities like cutting, pasting and organizing materials. Occupying the mind and hands allows the client to switch their focus from the overwhelming experience of the world to the pleasant, proud activity of creating artwork.

Art Therapy 3

Understanding Other People

ASD individuals typically struggle with implicit social cues, such as a sarcastic tone of voice. It can be difficult for them to understand a person’s meaning if that person is purposely exaggerating or speaking in metaphor. The symbolic nature of art makes it a wonderful exercise in understanding indirect meaning.

It can also help with seeing another person’s viewpoint. Difficulty processing verbal conversation doesn’t keep someone from perceiving feelings in a piece of art someone else has created. Discussing the meaning and mood in different pieces of art is a helpful way to learn to recognize those things in everyday interactions as well.

Art Therapy 4

The Therapist’s Role

Autism is measured along a spectrum (hence the term Autism Spectrum Disorder), and each person experiences a varying level of social or sensory impairment. It is important that a therapist find the best approach for each individual. As the client and therapist become acquainted and begin to bond over progress and accomplishments, the most beneficial path is gradually discovered. Goals are developed for the art therapy sessions as well as at home, and develop at a pace the client is happy with.

A good art therapist is a guide and a cheerleader, and celebrates every personal expression a client shares. Here at Loving Life we believe that every single person is capable of improving their daily functions and abilities, and that ASD individuals are highly receptive to social integration. Even in the case of adults whose long-term responses have become habitual. With the help of a trained art therapist clients can begin to change their behaviors, and learn new responses that help them cope better with difficult environments. Art allows people — even serious, grown people — to let down their guard and feel a freedom they don’t experience in daily life.

Art Therapy 5

Call or email us today with any questions about autism or art therapy and we’ll be happy to provide all the details you need.

Have another issue or want to see what other services we offer? Click here.

Filed Under: Mind, Well-being

Previous Post: «Marriage Counseling Featured “Can Marriage Counseling Help Me?”
Next Post: Drop 80% of Your Stress, Daily »

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Innovative New Treatment Option

Recent Posts & News

  • 8 Unconscious Signs of Stress (& How To Respond to Them)
  • How to Avoid The Four Horsemen of Toxic Relationships
  • What Is Love & How Can You Keep It Alive?
  • How To Invite More Intimacy Into Your Life
  • 3 Surprising Ways Relationships Got Better During Quarantine Life

Schedule Your Appointment

Call Now:
813-609-6946

Schedule Online

Ask us about our payment plans.
Now accepting insurance.

Footer

Loving Life Today

(Formerly Loving Life Therapy)
Center for Wellness & Holistic Health
p. 813-609-6946

300 E. Madison Street, Suite 201
Tampa, FL 33602

Pride SmallLoving Life welcomes members of all communities.

Come meet our diverse, talented, and multilingual team!

States Served

  • Florida
  • Maryland
  • Michigan
  • Ohio
  • Oregon

Learn More

  • Treatments
  • Promotions
  • Payment Plans
  • Physician Referral Network
  • Careers
  • Contact Us

Copyright © 2021 | Loving Life Today, LLC
Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions