Engaging in Art Therapy with Children with Autism

DISCLAIMER: Both presenters are licensed art therapists in Canada which has different requirements for the practice of art therapy and the credentialing of art therapists than the U.S. The content is not a substitute for formal training and is provided for educational purposes only.

Working with children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) presents unique challenges for therapists given the difficulties in communication, social interactions, sensory processing, and poorly regulated emotional responses. Engaging in art therapy is a well-established intervention shown to assist with the aforementioned challenges and can serve to facilitate meaningful therapeutic interactions.

In this beginning/intermediate level course, Nikki Goldman-Stroh and Yona Reznick, who collectively have over 35 years’ experience working with children on the spectrum, discuss not only the benefits to utilizing art therapy, but guide practitioners through specific activities they can utilize in their own practices. While this training is not a substitute for formal training, the presenters suggest simple activities that can be utilized as an adjunct to current practices. The intention is also to raise awareness of the benefits of referring children with ASD to a fully trained and accredited arts therapist.