Art Therapy and working with Autistic children

Art therapy is a form of expressive therapy that uses the creative process of making art to improve a

person’s physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.

Art Therapy can play a significant part in the emotion regulation of autistic children. It is a holistic

way of exploring and processing emotions, leading to increased understanding of the internal world.

Art therapy provides a safe and supportive space for autistic children to engage in different sensory

experiences. Building good rapport with the therapist or other children when doing group programs,

helps facilitate great opportunities to practice the importance of social interactions.

Art therapy can be a fitting approach for therapy for autistic children as its generally non-verbal in

nature, focusing on self expression in a child lead environment. Art therapy at Kids Inspired is always

tailored to fit the individual needs of the child, but here’s how it can fit the unique needs related to

autism:

- Non-verbal communication

- Sensory integration

- A structured, predictable environment

- Individualised approaches

- Freedom to choose

- Low pressure environment

Tahlee Punnett - Art Psychotherapist at Kids Inspired