Art Therapy & Autism

In rereading Nicole Martin’s article, “Art Therapy and Autism: Overview and Recommendations”, I am reminded of how naturally the use of art seems to fit when working with people on the autism spectrum. Martin (2009) explains that the visual approach is beneficial for increasing abstract thinking and exercising imagination, while the use of various art materials can address the sensory issues that this population tends to exhibit, allowing for safe explorations in uncomfortable experiences. Unfortunately, as Martin also notes, more empirical research needs to be conducted in the field to legitimize the benefits of art therapy with this population.

I am currently working with two groups of kids on the spectrum (ages 7-16)  in a respite program that integrates art with play. While the staff is made up of artists, the imaginative play we offer is extremely beneficial (and therapeutic) for the kids that attend. Rather than narrowly focusing on achieving certain goals or teaching specific skills, we use playful activities to encourage socialization, inclusion and self-expression.

Each week we have two art projects from which the kids can choose to participate. Many of these projects provide tactile stimulation (like finger painting or making “goop” out of food coloring, baking soda and cornstarch), which can be undesirable to some. However, we encourage participation and always adapt projects to fit the specific needs of each child.

The video above is an example of a group “jam session” we had with the older group of kids. In addition to art, we usually include music, performance, and storytelling into our schedule each week. This variety in activities works really well to incorporate the individual interests of each kid.

While this is the only program I’ve worked with that is geared specifically to those on the autism spectrum, I think that it is incredibly successful.  If you have any questions about the program or would like to learn more, feel free to contact me.

Resource:

Martin, N. (2009).  Art Therapy and Autism: Overview and Recommendations. Art Therapy: Journal of the American Art Therapy Association, 26(4), 187-190.

Class 2: Papermaking

For our first project we decided to make journals using 3 ply chipboard for the covers, homemade paper for decorative inserts, and watercolor paper for the bulk of the pages. Ideally, we will use the first class to make paper and decorate our covers and the second to bind our journals. We’re hoping that these journals can serve as an ongoing project that people will want to utilize both in class and at home.

Inspiring resource:

Combat Paper Project

“The story of the soldier, the Marine, the men and the women and the journeys within the military service in a time of war is the basis for this project. The goal is to utilize art as a means to help veterans reconcile their personal experiences as well as broaden the traditional narrative surrounding service, honor and the military culture.

Through papermaking workshops veterans use their uniforms worn in combat to create cathartic works of art. The uniforms are cut up, beat and formed into sheets of paper. Veterans use the transformative process of papermaking to reclaim their uniform as art and begin to embrace their experiences as a soldier in war.”

Photo Shoot

Went into the desert for Allyson’s photo shoot. Visit her website.

Sandia Crest

Drove up to Sandia Crest today after work. It was too snowy to hike, but hanging out at the top was worth the drive.

Inspired: William Pope.L

From the “Failure Drawings” series by Pope.L

“Timing is very important in performance. One of the most difficult gifts to give a new performer is the gift of being in the moment without judgment. Or better said, where judgment is so fluid it does not feel or seem like you’re deciding, you just do it – you act with a certainty and confidence that no matter what you do it’s okay – with technique – sensing right action with judgment. But it does not function as a barrier, more like a sieve. This technique, or way, or strategy is difficult to describe. Once you do it once or twice you know the feeling and you strive for that balance.

Many performers believe to succeed they must know everything about a subject. However, learning occurs within a context of strategic absence. Knowing anything fully, that is perfectly, can prevent a real grasp of knowledge. Ignorance can be caused by what we do know as well as what we do not. It is when a person knows only partially that they have the opportunity to gain their own knowledge as well as respect for the adventure of acquiring it. Failure and trial and error are a necessary part of this process. Knowledge is a lie if one does not understand it is always provisional.”

Selections taken from Notes from the CEO [of Black Factory]

Read the complete notes: http://www.theblackfactory.com/ceo_notes.html

Jemez Springs Revisted

Jemez State Monument

In 1621, Franciscan missionaries commissioned the building of San José de Guisewa Church, using the labor of local Native Americans. The church was eventually abandoned and in the 1680 Pueblo Rebellion the Jemez people set it on fire, and what I gathered from visiting the museum is that this subsequently killed the resident priest.

We ended up eating our packed lunches on the disintegrating altar and then moving on to Santa Fe.

Forgotten Roadtrip

Drove to Elephant Butte for some pre-Thanksgiving camping. We also journeyed  to the ghost town of Chloride where we explored the Pioneer Store Museum, a restored general store, which still has many of the original items sold in the 1880’s. The museum also houses the work of a local pioneer woman, Cassie Hobbs, who made all of her own clothing and furniture. There are some great photos here.

Back and Forth

Moving Picture

Lost Dutchman