Paper short abstract:

When working with persons with ASD , Art Therapy and its entire process – the art materials, the therapeutic relationship between the student and mediator and the end product, can provide a visual, concrete format which develops abstract thinking skills, expresses creativity, increases flexibility, helps develop social-relationships and provide a novel way or sensory integration therapy.

Paper long abstract:

One of the classic characteristics of Autism- imagination deficits, can be addressed by art therapy. Specific plans and tailor made- art projects targeting the needs of a person with ASD provide a visual and concrete format which that not only develops abstract thinking skills but also provides an enjoyable sensory integration and exploration experiences that help create calm, regulated bodies and then move beyond mere exercises to help an individual incorporate their experiences into a product that helps to continue remediation.

In entire process of art therapy results in a concrete product that is tangible and provides a visual history of therapeutic progress.

The use of visual expression combined with verbal counselling and specific mediation goes a long way when working with people with a communication disability. Being on the spectrum can be mentally, physically, and emotionally stressful and having art as a way of expression can reduce stress.

Important remedial targets like fine motor skills and social/relational skills can be achieved through of art therapy,

Self-direction, industriousness, patience, and pride in one's work are important life skills that require a great deal of teaching can be achieved through art .

Art - particularly drawing is a useful tool for both revealing and addressing visual-spatial deficits such as mental rotation and improving hand-eye coordination.