Building Bridges Art to Art, Heart to Heart

• Tweet

• Tweet

Asa and granddaughter having a great time creating.

by Robin V. Schwoyer

The arts can have profound effect on all persons. Children are especially open to how creative expression enhances their world. Experts agree that the arts are a natural means for children to play and learn. The benefits of arts participation and education are many: motivates children in learning, stimulates memory, facilitates understanding, enhances symbolic communication, strengthens problem-solving, develops imagination and critical thinking, builds self confidence and a sense of craftsmanship. The arts play a central role in cognitive, motor, language and social-emotional development.

Opportunities for Creative Expression
When working with Spectrum children, the key is to allow the opportunity for creative expression. Given the nature of the condition, some children will easily engage in some activities OR they can strongly resist an activity for various reasons. As the caregiver, without judgment, consider what their interests and fixations are. Look for what they crave in sensory stimulation or what they resist. These become clues on how to proceed.

Allow Creative Freedom
A very important rule is to detach from outcome. In a results based society, along with a condition that is often measured by what is and isn’t being done, this rule can be very hard. However, when encouraging creativity, freedom is necessary. There is a balance between providing structure, so creative expression can occur, and imposing structure, so we get the results we think we want.

With children on the Spectrum, this is a process. Art is a process, though we tend to focus on the finished product – the painting, the dance, the song, the performance, sculpture, story, etc. We often confuse creative with artistic, and place high expectations on the results. What we want to do is allow fun – to PLAY. The art of play is quite therapeutic for the participant and the observer/helper.

Expression of the Heart 
We are allowing parts of the brain to express in ways that might otherwise be limited. More importantly, we allow the heart to express. Projects are not to be stressful, but joyful. All forms of the arts can have a healing effect, simply because they allow the person to experience themselves in a wholer way. One person may have deficits in communication but sing beautifully or draw beautifully. He/she gets to share who they are in a different way – an expanded way. Another person may creatively express by lines or movements we don’t understand directly, but what is important is that the process occurs. When we encourage creativity, an amazing integration occurs on all levels for that person: body, mind and spirit.

A Bridge to Skill Building 
Affirming the creative process for the Spectrum child allows a sense of personal achievement. Art is more than just an “extra” activity. It can open the heart and mind – for them and us. As we explore and play together creatively, we also improve skills in planning, organizing, problem solving, language, expression, self regulation, self esteem, confidence, willingness to participate socially, fine motor skills, math and reading. The arts can help a person to make sense of the world around them. The Arts build a bridge from heart to heart.

1. Create a special place to create – protect surfaces if need be
2. Gather creative supplies – think about Sensory needs of child; don’t put too much out at first to avoid overwhelming or distracting
3. Breathe. Relax. Play. Have fun.
4. Observe more than instruct at first.
5. In ALL activities be open and aware. Look for the moments to genuinely engage and interact. Truly ENJOY when the connection is visible. Other times know that simply being present and allowing is the real healing “art.”
6. ”Art” takes many forms: Include cooking, gardening, decorating for holidays, movement games, dress up, building toys, etc.
7. Fixations are opportunities – that special interest can be turned into a creative bridge – eg, one child only liked spinning plates. We painted letters and numbers on some plates. They took new interest and engaged in more ways afterward.
8. Make characters from the stories they love. Puppets from socks or pictures in popsicle sticks are perfect. Encourage creative interaction. This works whether verbal or nonverbal and can help with reading abilities.
9. Appreciate the beauty of the person you are with – they are a work of art…and so are You!

Rev. Robin V. Schwoyer is the mom to an awesome 13 year old boy living with Autism. He helped her to create a nonprofit organization called HeARTs for Autism in 2005. Robin’s work with her son using the Arts and Yoga moved professionals and other parents to request she create something for ASD families.

Read More from Robin