Craft Activities used to Socially Engage Children.....

Looking to understand the full picture of Autism Spectrum Disorders, we may comprehend the ‘basic’ functioning variations describing the ability levels for each person with a diagnosis, although when researching the more detailed areas to better understand the extent of each defined variation, it is difficult to gain any knowledge that focus on the specifics.

Regardless of this fact we can see that they all face significant challenges that could and do stand in the way of being able to live a considerably comfortable lifestyle in their personal and professional sectors, mainly due to seemingly odd behaviours and mannerisms, and then facing the reactions from others misunderstanding or misinterpreting the reasons behind these situations; adding the factor of ‘looking normal’ others seem to ‘expect’ they would and should act and perform in what is perceived as a normal manner.

With many situations facing ASD children coming from Sensory issues as they struggle to handle the different sounds, lightings, smells, tastes, and touch, which they are  exposed to in the outside environment; then having to interpret and understand the different verbal and non-verbal signals received from others trying to interact or connect with them.

For these and other reasons I feel we need to acknowledge and understand that regardless of who they are, all people ‘are’ different and those differences should be accepted and be used to the benefit of each person.

The concept of forming our “Kids Club” was based around helping autistic and delayed-learning kids, specifically those struggling with socialising and interacting at the perceived acceptable level.

Knowing first-hand what it’s like watching your child struggle to make friends, join in with group activities or play-time, or wondering why they never receive a party invite, etc; I felt it important to find a way to assist other kids in a similar situation to find a suitable setting where they can gain these skills and new friends that understand them without judgement.

Although many of our kids are happy to ‘do their own thing’ we still need to know they can progress through their school life being able to enjoy any group activities, friendships, etc, that require the involvement of being around, and with others.

To know they are comfortable to interact or initiate social contact at whatever level is required to gain the additional educational knowledge that in turn will assist them to integrate into society.

For this reason I felt the instigation of a social group where the use of creative art is used as a safety net to help them transition into group activities to gain these much needed social skills.

Social skills build confidence, self-esteem, emotional expression and thought process.

Expressive art forms assist to integrate individuals into group activities, with the use of verbal and non-verbal expressions.

By using different specific activities we will set up small groups of age appropriate children to learn and enjoy different basic art skills while integrating with their peers. 

Suggested activities will include…

“Doodle” or “Line Art”, “Meditative” or “Scribble” style drawings, paintings, and colouring

“Mandala” art either traditional sand tray art form, or paper and coloured

“Finger Painting” “Blot Art” “Fingerprint Art” “Stamp Printing”

“Music Art”

Different Medians “Water Colours” or “Oil Painting” pencil etc

“Drawing” “Self-Portrait” “

“Pet-Rock Painting”

“Play-do” or “Clay” “plaster” sculptures, Clay-mation, slime,

“Creative Collage Art”, (paint, paper, glue, wood chips, plastic, etc)

“Mazes and Puzzles”

“Puppet” making

“Photography”

“Sewing Crafts”

“Dreamcatcher” making;

“Journals”, drawings, collage, postcards, 3D artwork and written form, poetry,

“Story Writing” imaginary story, autobiography, or “Comic Version Stories”

Music, dance and movement, drama and role-play;

K’nex or Lego style play-activities

And much more……..