Art as a Language for Autism addresses the clinical challenges that are common in working with autistic spectrum disorder by exploring how artistic expression can provide a communicative language for younger clients who are set in their thought processes and preferences. Exploring how both art and play-based approaches can be effective tools for engaging therapeutic work, this book introduces strategies to help young clients find expressive "languages" that can fully support communication, expression, and empathic understanding, as well as build skills for relaxation, calming, and coping. Building from a foundation of a client’s individual strengths and interests, this playful and integrative approach is informed by an awareness of the individual sensory profiles and the developmental needs of children and adolescents with autism. Through a greater awareness of these materials and processes for therapy, the reader will be able to create a space for their young clients to share what they know and care about. This exciting new book is essential reading for clinicians working with children and adolescents on the autism spectrum.

Voted "Teacher of the Year" by The Autism Society of America, Toni Flowers has more than twenty years of experience teaching individuals with autism. She believes all children benefit from art because it encourages creativity. As a result, children with autism may find a form of expression when they've been handicapped by delayed and/or disturbed language skills and/or abnormal sensory responses. Reaching the Child with Autism through Art offers teachers and parents specific tools and "plans" in four mediums: college, painting, play and sculpture.

The early years are the most critical period of learning for a child with autism. Therapeutic art-making can be a useful tool to tap into their imaginations and help them to express their thoughts and feelings. Art as an Early Intervention Tool for Children with Autism includes practical advice on helping a child move beyond scribbling, organizing the child's environment for maximum comfort and relaxation, and providing physical and sensory support. This book is packed with tips and suggestions for how to provide art therapy for children with autism — covering topics such as the basic materials required, safety issues, how to set up a workspace, and ideas for managing difficult behavior. The author writes from a professional and personal perspective — Nicole Martin is a qualified art therapist specializing in working with children with autism, and she also has a brother with autism. Perfect for busy parents and as a practical reference for professionals such as psychologists, teachers, occupational therapists, sensory integration therapists and anyone working with a child on the autism spectrum.

"Originating from a theme issue first published in Philosophical transactions of the Royal Society. B, Biological sciences."

Featuring 100 exciting hands-on easily reproducible art projects including visual examples, illustrations, and one-step directions; so that all lessons can be taught successfully with no previous art experience necessary. This one-of-a-kind comprehensive how-to-guide is an unparalleled resource for both teachers and parents who wish to promote independence through the effective intervention of art to those with ASD. An overview of its contents includes: Basic Facts About ASD provides the necessary information about the multiple types of autism and the typical disabilities associated with each, while drawing awareness to the prevalence of this disorder. Schematic Art Developmental Stages includes descriptions and illustrations so that students work can be easily evaluated assessing their current status. Foundational Instructional Elements contains insights into teaching art to those with ASD including building life skills, multidisciplinary connections, and current comparative art therapy practices. Review of Literature is an outline of the historical development of art education emphasizing its importance throughout history. Successful Art Model Programs reviews examples of effective curriculum showing arts positive impact on student achievement. The Elements and Principles of Design provides a multitude of visual examples and extensive definitions in a concise manner for easy understanding of these foundational concepts inherent to any quality art program. Building an Art Cabinet offers descriptions, techniques, and vocabulary in a detailed overview of the vast array of medium types and supplies, including suggestions as to what essentials to stock. Planning an Art Curriculum contains all of the necessary step-by-step components to begin writing an art curriculum, preparing the classroom, and implementing classroom rules and safety procedures. Individual Developmental Concerns features ways to obtain student-centered information enabling you to understand students strengths, weaknesses, learning styles, and sensitivities. Designing a Curriculum addresses requirements that should be taught, implemented, and incorporated within curriculum design, including core subjects, in order to improve student disabilities. Effective Teaching Strategies gives practical suggestions for helping students excel throughout the art process and within the curriculum. Behavior Management Techniques lists formal support plan suggestions and modifications, reward systems, and mediation impulse control ideas. Implementing a Curriculum helps you identify lesson selection and unit construction through samples, in order to implement long and short term goals, including an easy to fill out objectives form. Evaluation Procedures suggests multiple means of assessment in a variety of formats including a rubric scoring guide. Instructor and Parental Participation contains additional information for the Art Educator, Special Education Teacher, and Home Schooled Parent.