Colors of Play, LLC services a variety of special populations including children and young people who are physically and cognitively challenged, those suffering from chronic medical conditions, as well as individual dealing with hospitalization, bereavement and loss. We also provide art and play therapy to children dealing with emotional difficulties, trauma, adjustment and behavioral issues. 

Art Therapy and Autism Spectrum Disorder

Art making is beneficial to children and adults with 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.

ASD therapists of all kinds 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 the skill and insight, art therapists can help determine developmental levels, emotional and behavioral issues, ego strengths, and more.

Imagination deficit is a classic characteristic of autism and can be addressed by art therapists in a way that is without parallel in other fields. Art projects tailored by art therapists to the needs of a person with ASD provide a visual, concrete format in which help to develop abstract thinking skills, express creativity, and increase flexibility

When working with people with autism, the art therapist acts as the facilitator within the session by providing directives (specific art projects) designed to address treatment goals. However, in the beginning of therapy the art therapist may allow participants to experiment with materials and create freely.

Projects might involve materials such as paints, clays, pencils, or craft materials. Age-appropriateness and safety is the only limit. Initial sessions are for assessment and the establishment of treatment goals; families may be asked to participate initially. Therapy is often long-term due to the pervasive and permanent nature of autism. 

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.

Pediatric Art Therapy and Child Life

Pediatric Art Therapy refers to the use of Art Therapy in medical settings and situations where children are coping with chronic or acute illnesses and medical conditions. Engaging in art making within the medical setting or situation can help restore the young patient’s sense of hope, self- esteem, independence and competence while offering a chance to express feelings in a safe manner. Children who are faced with chronic or acute medical issues have little or no choice about their condition. Art Therapy creates opportunities for children to make choices within the context of self-expression and can ultimately empower the child who is facing tough challenges.

Child life specialists are experts in child development, who promote effective coping through play, preparation, education, and self-expression activities, such as art. They provide emotional support for families, and encourage optimum development of children facing a broad range of challenging experiences, particularly those related to healthcare and hospitalization. Many creative arts therapists who work in healthcare and pediatric settings are also child life specialists. They combine their knowledge of child development, the medical setting and their background in expressive therapy to help children facing medical issues, their siblings and other family members affected by the circumstances.

For more information about child life, please visit www.childlife.org

Colors of Play, LLC works very closely with ArtWorks a non-profit organization that provides creative programs for hospitalized children and their families. Artworks programs are interactive, educational and therapeutic and strive to empower children by recognizing their inspiring stories and maximizing access to all forms of creative self-expression. Colors of Play, LLC has helped design various programs such as iCAIR- an artist in residency program that trains and places professional artists in the hospitals to work with children and their families.

Children and Families Facing Grief, Loss and Other Emotional Difficulties

The journey through grief and loss and can be extremely difficult and lonely for anyone, but for children it can be even more intense. There are different situations that can create loss, not just death. Divorce or family transitions can cause a sense of loss that can be very powerful to a young child. Children and adolescents need a safe place to express the grief, anger and fear related to their loss thereby developing important coping skills. Families need to understand how to help themselves and their children as well.

Art Therapy is a vehicle for these emotions when talking about it is too hard. A child’s perception of death and other losses can vary depending on the child’s age, developmental level as well as the circumstances involved. The art therapist is trained to provide: 1) A safe environment for the child to express their feelings through image making as well as verbalizing, 2) Clear up misconceptions about the child’s understanding of death, 3) Provide on-going support and coping for entire family.