Autism: Connect With Your Child Through Crafts

1 of a 3 Part Series

www.CraftForHealth

Children with autism and autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have challenges that most people can’t begin to comprehend. Families learn to adapt to their child’s unique way of communicating with others while at the same time searching for ways to help them learn how to interact with the wider world.

It seems that every month, we learn more about the spectrum of various manifestations of autism.  Just as no 2 snowflakes are alike, the same is true of all individuals, whether they have autism or they don’t, and yet, there are some aspects of life with a child with autism that are similar. As parents look for activities that foster their child’s cognitive, social and emotional development, crafting can be a way for children to connect with their families, their peers and their own inner voice while helping them express their innate creativity.

Occupational and art therapists who work with children with Autism have identified some of the challenges that art and crafting may help with, this includes:

The Challenge:  Difficulty socializing in a group
The Solution:     Shoulder to shoulder activities
The Challenge:  Developing eye-hand coordination & fine motor skills
The Solution:     Beading, gluing, scissor skills, painting, drawing & needle work   
The Challenge:  Sensitivity to various sensory input
The Solution:     Working with different textures, from cotton balls & buttons to leaves & fabric
The Challenge:  Improving verbal skills
The Solution:     Listening to instructions, talking about the activity, showing off the project
The Challenge:  Increasing attention span
The Solution:     Craft stations set up so children can roam - Quick crafts to longer projects
The Challenge:  Fostering imagination and creativity
The Solution:     There's no right or wrong in crafting - every child is able to express themselves
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Group Dynamics

For children who have difficulty connecting with their peers, working together at a craft table can be the first step in the journey of socializing with friends.  With crafting, children aren’t required to make eye-to-eye contact, instead sitting “shoulder to shoulder” while moving toward more interactive social situations.

In addition, many children who need to move or roam freely, while becoming comfortable with a new situation or activity, can have flexible craft activities set up on a variety of surfaces, from waist or chest high tables or counters, to tables and chairs or even activities that can be done on a carpet.

For more see:  CraftForHealth.com

Check Back Next Week for Part II