For this reason, we've collected some of the best kits that can be used forart therapy with autism!
What is Autism Spectrum?
Autism spectrum disorders are a group of developmental disabilities that can cause social, communication and behavioral issues.These symptoms can be quite debilitating that it affects the daily life of children with autism. The autism spectrum disorder is the result of a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
There is no specific cause, and there is no cure for these disorders. However, with early intervention, treatment, and therapy, many people with these disorders can lead healthy, productive lives.
Symptoms of Autism in Children
Autistic children often manifest poor communication skills. They may also engage in repetitive behaviors, which interfere with their social interactions.Some people with autism spectrum disorders have poor social skills resulting to limited verbal interaction, and may have difficulty understanding spoken language. They also have difficulty expressing ideas.
Others may be highly verbal but have difficulty understanding other people's perspectives. The autism spectrum is complex, and each person with an autism spectrum disorder has a unique set of symptoms. However, all autism spectrum disorders share some common features.
What is Art Therapy?
Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy thatuses art as a way of helping children develop new skills. Art therapy may also be referred to as other artistic media therapy or fine arts therapy.Artistic media used inart therapy can include painting , drawing, sculpting, and collage. These therapists typically work one on one with children, but they may also work with groups.
What is the American Art Therapy Association?
Founded in 1969, the American Art Therapy Association is a professional organization dedicated to delivering art therapy. Art therapy is a type of psychotherapy that uses art-making or art therapy sessions to help people express themselves and promote healthy self-expression.Art therapists are trained in both art and psychology, and they use their knowledge to deliver art therapy services. The Association works to support therapists and advance the field of autism art therapy by providing resources, promoting research, and advocating for art therapists.
By supporting art therapists and promoting the power of art therapy, the American Art Therapy Association is working to improve the lives of people across the country.
What are Art Therapists?
Art therapists are licensed mental health professionals who use art media, the creative process, and the resulting artwork to develop social skills, improve reality orientation, and increase self-esteem.Art therapy activities may be directive or non-directive and are often customized to the individual client's age, interests, culture, art experience, and treatment goals. An art therapist works in a variety of settings.
To help with the social development and sensory difficulties that often accompany ASD, more parents and teachers are turning to these therapists.
How Does Art Therapy Help People With Autism?
Art therapy is often used as a way to help develop creative expression and lessen or help distress and pain.Art therapy activities involve art projects that are geared toward promoting healthy self expression and emotional well-being. It is also designed to help improve communication styles, fine motor skills, and everyday life skills in general.
There's no one specific approach toart therapy . Different art classes work for different people. It can be goal-oriented or open-ended, organized or free-flowing. It also depends on whether they're high-functioning or low-functioning.
That’s what makes art therapy so wonderful. It benefits all ages!
Meanwhile, avast majority of the ASD community has an extraordinary ability to think and visualize "in pictures."
Many people may put that talent to good use by using sketching or other creative mediums in processing memories, recording images and visual information, and communicating their thoughts and feelings. Overtime, many children exhibits enhanced communication skills.
Benefits of Art Therapy
Kids with autism benefit from participating in arts and crafts because they are more likely to accept sensory inputs (such the feel of a construction paper or the scent of paint) that they might otherwise want to avoid. The other benefits include the following:- Promotes emotions, self-expression, and feelings
- Develops problem-solving skills
- Develops self stimulating behavior
- Helps with Sensory Processing Disorders (SPDs)
- Healthy coping and interpersonal skills
- Improves fine motor skills, visual skills
- Improves symbolical thinking and the ability to respond to facial expressions
- Helps with processing memories
How to Help Autistic People With Art Therapy
Art therapy is a support system for autistic people of all ages. It's quite effective with children between ages 2 to 15.The bestway to help autistic people with art therapy is through guided encouragement. According toDr. Theresa Van Lith of Florida State University, some of the best practices of art therapy include:
- Follow the same routine when beginning each session
- Explain instructions in a soft manner
- Encourage curiosity in a new skill
- Avoid being overly directive
You must also take note of any sensory issues they may have, as over-stimulatingart materials may become too restrictive.
5 Best Paint by Numbers Kits for Autism Art Therapy
As follows are some of the bestpaint by numbers kits for art therapy!1. Coolstek Paint by Numbers Kit
[amazon box="B08HJ57878"]The Coolstekpaint by numbers kit is a great project to work on alongside an autistic individual. Everykit comes with three pictures to paint , all of which are brightly colored and full of emotion. Every image is paired with a wooden frame, three brushes, and a set of high-qualityacrylic paints .
Art therapists recommendstarting small before moving on to more complicated paintings.
What's Included In the Kit?
- Three 8 x 8 pre-printed art canvas
- Three wooden frames
- Three paint brushes of different sizes
- One set of acrylic paints
- Hooks to hang the finished project
2. Museum Series by Faber-Castell
[amazon box="B004SXMB2A"]What better way to inspire young artists than to introduce them to the stunning works of some of the best-known artists in the world?
The Museum Series by Faber-Castell shows six different masterpieces:Van Gogh's ever-famousStarry Night , Sunflowers, and Irises; Claude Monet's The Japanese Footbridge and Water Lilies; and George Seurat's The Eiffel Tower.
A personal favorite of mine isClaude Monet's The Japanese Footbridge, because of its beautiful portrayal of nature. The color patterns aren't overly complicated and don't require too much effort topaint . Even so, the painting is quite beautiful. As they say, simplicity is beauty!
A little-knownfact about Van Gogh is that he was suffering fromAsperger's Syndrome , a form of autism. Knowing that one of the most well-loved painters belongs to the ASD community may encourage young and old autistic artists to further their creative process.
What's Included In the Kit?
- 6 x 8 inch printed canvas
- Number coloring guide with fun facts
- Hang tabs and pop-up easel
- Brush
- Six acrylic paint colors
3. Faber-Castell Paint by Numbers Foil Fun Series - Unicorns
[amazon box="B06VV27K5D"]Compared to the Faber-Castell Museum series, the Foil Fun series is available in bothacrylic paints and watercolor pencils. This is great news for those who are not too fond ofpainting with acrylic !
Autistic children andbeginner artists may find it difficult to paint with a brush, so being able to use color pencils in its place is a lifesaver. Best of all, thecolored pencils are eco-friendly and non-toxic!
What's Included In the Kit?
- Seven Faber-Castell eco-friendly watercolor pencils
- One 9 x 9-inch pre-printed illustration board
- One paint brush
- Foam display
- Mounting tape
4. Ledgebay Paint by Numbers Day to Remember
[amazon box="B07R3GYNRX"]If you're searching for a more challenging piece, check out this beautiful kit by Ledgebay!
While difficult, Ledgebaymade sure to provide artists with a full set of instructions to complete the piece. Ledgebay also included a woodeneasel to make painting comfortable and easy.
What's Included In the Kit?
- Set of acrylic paints
- Four differently sized paint brushes
- One 16 x 20-inch canvas and easel
- One 4 x 5 color reference picture
- One sample reference on paper
5. Acerich Paint by Number Mountains
[amazon box="B08R9Y3Q47"]Thispaint by numbers kit by Acerich is simple yet stunning. Acerich's Mountains depicts scenery of a mountainous lake under a bright full moon.
Apart from its easy-to-follow instructions, this kit has multiple larger-to-fill areas that make it easy to complete. It's colorful, too, making it a beautifulart piece to hang on your walls .
What's Included In the Kit?
- One 16 x 20-inch pre-printed art canvas
- One set of acrylic paints
- Three brushes
- Two hooks
- Reference drawing
Art Therapy Autism - Closing Thoughts
Many children engage in some type of art activity on a daily basis, whether it be drawing, painting, sculpting, or collage. Art offers many benefits to children, including the opportunity to express themselves visually, work through emotions, and improve fine motor skills.Although most parents view art as a fun activity for their children, more and more research is showing that art can also be therapeutic. Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses art as a means of communication.
It is often used to treat children who have difficulty expressing themselves verbally. The most common goals ofart therapy are to reduce stress , promote self-awareness, and improve social skills.
Many child psychiatrists and psychologists believe that art therapy can be an extremely powerful tool in helping children to cope with a variety of mental and emotional issues.
Usingpaint by numbers as a form of art therapy is greatly effective and reduces anxiety, stress, and feelings of depression. Good luck, and have fun!
CLICK HERE to shop our complete selection of high qualitypaint by numbers kits!