People who have high-functioning autism can be taught at a young age to express themselves through different forms of therapy. To lead a relatively normal life, a high-functioning autistic person requires a certain level of social skills. Developing these skills can be achieved through a range of therapies including play therapy, social skills classes or groups, psychotherapy, social stories, and expressive therapies.

An expressive therapy that has been shown to be very beneficial is art therapy. Art therapy can help an autistic person develop a social response by allowing her to express her emotions through art. This form of complementary therapy can be an ideal way for an autistic person to develop social skills.

What is art therapy? It is a therapy that involves the use of various artistic materials such as paints, batik (a way of dyeing fabrics), clay, etc. as a method of expressing thoughts or feelings through visual representation. Art therapy is based on psychological research and the theory that art is naturally therapeutic. This therapy takes into account the behaviors, thoughts, and feelings experienced by people with high-functioning autism and other disorders.

Art therapy allows an individual to explore various topics, including those involving family, relationships, life change, loss, abuse, and general development. It can be carried out as a group process or as an individual council. The artwork that is created during therapy can be a spontaneous creation or based on the suggestion provided by a therapist.

What are the benefits of art therapy? Art therapy has many benefits, especially for an autistic person because it doesn’t rely on verbal or language skills, it’s a fun activity, and it doesn’t require any artistic skills or experience. The following is a list of other benefits:

o Increases self-awareness

o Develop social skills

or change behaviors

o Develop problem-solving strategies.

o Allows a person to engage in creative thinking in a safe environment

o Allows a person to focus solely on the activity at hand and avoid other thoughts that may be intrusive.

Keep in mind that all of the above positive results from art therapy may not be experienced by someone with high-functioning autism. Remember, not all autistic people function the same way.

Where can I find an art therapist and what should I look for? If a person with high-functioning autism is interested in art therapy, it will be necessary to find an art therapist. An art therapist can practice in various settings, but can usually be found in psychiatric or general hospitals. They may work in oncology or geriatric wards, schools, rehabilitation centers, and counseling centers. The best way to find an art therapist locally is to talk to your child’s health care provider or call your hospital.

When choosing a therapist, keep the following in mind:

o Find out about their educational background and where they received training.

o Find out if they have prior experience with patients with high-functioning autism

o Ask what types of therapeutic approach they use

o Ask what to expect during a lesson