| People who have high functioning autism can be taught | | | | provided by a therapist. |
| at an early age to express themselves through | | | | What are the benefits of art therapy? Art therapy has |
| different forms of therapy. In order to lead relatively | | | | many benefits, especially for an autistic because it |
| normal lives, a high functioning autistic requires a certain | | | | doesn't rely on verbal or language skills, is a fun activity, |
| level of social skills. The development of these skills | | | | and does not require any art skill or experience. The |
| can be accomplished through a number of therapies | | | | following is a list of other benefits - |
| including play therapy, social skilled classes or groups, | | | | Â-Increases self awareness |
| psychotherapy, social stories and expressive therapies. | | | | Â-Develops social skills |
| One expressive therapy that has proven to be quite | | | | Â-Changes behaviors |
| beneficial is art therapy. Art therapy can help an | | | | Â-Develops problem solving strategies |
| autistic develop social response by allowing them to | | | | Â-Allows an individual to engage in creative |
| express their emotions through art. This form of | | | | thinking in a safe environment |
| complimentary therapy may be an ideal way for an | | | | Â-Allows an individual to focus solely on the |
| autistic to develop social skills. | | | | activity at hand and shut out other thoughts that may |
| What is art therapy? It is a therapy that involves using | | | | be intrusive. |
| a number of various art materials such as paints, batik | | | | Keep in mind that all of the above positive outcomes |
| (a way to dye fabric), clay, etc. as a method of | | | | of art therapy may not be experienced by someone |
| expressing thoughts or feelings through visual | | | | with high functioning autism. Remember, not every |
| representation. Art therapy is based on psychological | | | | autistic functions the same. |
| research and theory that art is naturally therapeutic. | | | | Where can I find and art therapist and what should I |
| This therapy takes into account the behaviors, | | | | look for? If an individual with high functioning autism is |
| thoughts and feelings experienced by those with high | | | | interested in art therapy, an art therapist will need to be |
| functioning autism and other disorders. | | | | sought out. An art therapist can practice in a number |
| Art therapy allows an individual to explore various | | | | of environments, but can usually be found in psychiatric |
| issues including those that involve family, relationships, | | | | or general hospitals. They may work in oncology or |
| life change, loss, abuse and overall development. It may | | | | geriatric wards, schools, rehabilitation centers, and |
| be carried out as a group process or individual counsel. | | | | counseling centers. The best way for you to find an |
| The artwork that is created during therapy may be of | | | | art therapist locally, is to speak to your child's health |
| spontaneous creations or based on suggestion | | | | care provider or call your hospital. |