Art Therapy & Autism Spectrum Disorders

There are many therapeutic  services for children with Autism out there, but how many are fun and engaging? Here in Bergen County, New Jersey, Colors of Play provides children with many creative yet therapeutic activities that are targetted for the child with Autism.

Art making is beneficial to children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) due to their intense sensory needs; they generally benefit from more visual, auditory, kinesthetic and concrete, hands-on therapies. Basically, all the creative arts therapies (Art, music, drama, and dance) benefit persons with ASD depending on the particular strengths and preferences. Other therapists working with the population acknowledge this and may attempt to include therapeutic art making into their clients’ activities on a regular basis. However a trained Art Therapist will be able to interpret the sessions through the media and the creative process. Using their skill and insight, Art Therapists can help determine developmental levels, emotional and behavioral issues, ego strengths, and more.

There is no need to be talented in art in order to benefit from art therapy, although a client should be at least somewhat interested in the art making process or the materials. (Although there are some materials that may be unappealing to ASD clients due to their “messy” qualities) In fact, some families seek out art therapy because creativity or graphic skills are deficits for their child or tactile defensiveness is an area they would like help in.

Parents and caregivers CLICK HERE to request more information on obtaining art therapy for your child.

See Video Sensory Art Therapy