Unleashing your inner Picasso can be fun and also therapeutic! Who doesn’t love a good paint-throwing session to blow off some steam? In this article, we’re going to explore with experts Aragna Ker, curatorial and adaptive design manager at Momentum, and Katie Krcal, licensed pediatric occupational therapist, just how beneficial (and fun) art in therapy can be for children with disabilities.
Imagine diving into a world where your child’s inner thoughts and feelings come to life through art. Art therapy is all about using that creativity to tackle physical, emotional, psychological, and behavioral challenges. Guided by a certified mental health professional, children can explore this world with no boundaries — whether they’re coloring, painting, sculpting, drawing, scribbling, snapping photos, or making collages, the possibilities are endless!
During these sessions, art therapists tune into and analyze any emotions that surface during the creation process. They might notice the colors your child chooses, the materials they use, or even how they handle them. This process is particularly beneficial for individuals with autism, learning disabilities, developmental disabilities, behavioral challenges, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Art therapy offers a unique way for children to express what's going on inside and for adults to understand it.
On the flip side, art in therapy is a bit different. When occupational or speech therapists bring art into the mix, they’re not necessarily diving into the deeper meaning behind your child’s artwork. Instead, they’re using art as a fun and engaging tool to help your child develop specific skills. Maybe they’re working on fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, or sensory processing — whatever the goal, art can make the process more enjoyable and effective.
For additional insights on art therapy vs. art in therapy, check out this video clip featuring Katie Krcal as she delves deeper into the topic.
Art is fantastic for helping kids who struggle with emotional regulation. Studies have also shown that stress levels can decrease exponentially in children within 45 minutes of sitting down and creating art. Creating art not only helps promote short-term well-being but also reduces stress and anxiety while increasing positive emotions.
When talking with Krcal, we dove deeper into how art can be beneficial for helping kids manage their emotions. When kids are buzzing with energy or feeling overwhelmed, setting them up with an easel or some clay can work wonders. It helps them get into a "flow state" — that magical zone where they're so absorbed in their creativity that their minds relax. It's like hitting the reset button, making it much easier for children to calm down and find their inner peace.
Looking for some fun art projects to help with emotional regulation? Check out this video clip featuring Krcal for some awesome ideas!
If you’re curious how to find therapists who use art in their practice, there are some great ways to start your search. Ask your child’s pediatrician or teachers or even other parents for recommendations — they might know just the right person. Don't forget to check out local resources like hospitals, clinics, community centers, and schools — they often have programs or can give you referrals.
When you find a therapist who seems like a good fit, make sure to ask about the therapeutic techniques they use and whether they include art. This will help ensure they’re the right match for your child’s needs and interests. If your child would benefit from art in therapy through OT, the service can be provided through Regional Center, SELPA Early Intervention, private health insurance, or Medi-Cal. (Funding therapeutic needs can be tricky. Read more about funding resources in this article!)
You don’t have to take your child to a therapist for them to reap the benefits of making art. The beautiful thing about art is that it can be done basically anywhere. Whether they’re sitting in the car coloring, finger-painting at home, or playing a coloring game on an iPad, the possibilities are endless.
Here are a few tips to make art a part of your child’s daily routine:
Create a designated art space: it doesn't have to be big — just a small table or corner where they can explore their creativity.
Remember, the goal is to have fun and let your child’s imagination run wild while also working on those motor skills. By creating spaces for your child to have creative freedom, you’re providing them with a powerful tool of self-expression. Not to mention, it can be a great bonding activity for your family and your child. Watch this video featuring Krcal for further ways you can incorporate art into your home.
Art truly can be for anyone and everyone, but individuals with disabilities can sometimes face barriers when trying to participate in creating art. Providing adaptive tools is a great way to combat physical or psychological barriers that may prevent them from unleashing their inner artist.
In speaking with Ker, we learned that adaptive tools enable individuals with disabilities to express their creativity and unique perspectives. By opening up opportunities to paint, sculpt, or create digital art, these tools empower artists to explore their creativity while also enhancing their skill development. Here are a few adaptive tools that your little Picasso can potentially use:
Adaptive brushes and grips provide artists with limited dexterity greater control over their painting and drawing strokes, enhancing precision and expression.
Easy grip crayons are great for kids who struggle with holding the standard-sized crayons.
Paint sponge brush sets can provide another way to make paint meet paper for artists who need something a bit more forgiving than a traditional paintbrush.
Wax craft sticks are easy to manipulate and can be used to sculpt all sorts of fun objects.
Specially designed sculpting tools make molding clay effortless and allow for expressive artistry.
Adaptive scissors allow for those struggling with dexterity and grip strength to cut shapes (or whatever their heart desires) with ease.
Digital tablets can be equipped with accessibility features and tools to allow artists to create digital artwork.
Even individuals who are physically unable to hold tools or mold clay can still actively participate in art. With the support of a parent, teacher, friend, or aide, they can bring their artistic visions to life! It's just as important to create an adaptive working environment that fits how a kid likes to work, whether they prefer standing or sitting. Having an easel or table and arranging the materials to suit their style can make all the difference. As Ker mentions, the art-making process is all about meeting kids where they are.
Art also plays a key role in fostering inclusivity among children. According to Ker, when kids gather in one space to create their masterpieces, they feed off each other's energy. They get excited about what their peers are creating and ask questions about each other's work. Art helps level the playing field by providing a safe space where kids can freely create whatever their hearts desire. This shared creative environment is meant to encourage interaction and mutual inspiration, helping children feel connected and included regardless of their abilities.
That’s why it’s so important for art educators, therapists, and parents to plan collaborative projects that use adaptive techniques and tools, making sure every child can join in and get creative. It’s important for adults to foster an environment where everyone sees value in everyone’s work, regardless of whether they’re the next Picasso or not. For instance, in art class, blind or low-vision students benefit from focusing on what they can hear and touch. Teachers can help by describing all the materials and techniques they're using. It's also great to focus on other art forms like finger-painting, mouth-painting, foot-painting, or spin art to make sure everyone can fully participate and enjoy creating.
By incorporating adaptive tools, accessible materials, and diverse artistic techniques that embrace all forms of artistic expression, art can be used to encourage inclusive environments where every child can shine and contribute in their own way. This fosters not just creativity but also a strong sense of community and belonging among all students.
Ker shares that instructors, therapists, and parents should also be open to however a child chooses to express themselves artistically. It’s okay if the art doesn’t look like it belongs in a gallery. Check out this video where Ker provides additional insights on embracing individuality in art for kids with disabilities.
If your child’s school doesn’t offer art classes, check to see whether there are art classes available near you. Here are a few art classes in the Southern California area:
Art Zone in Hermosa Beach and West LA
Art Experience Center for Creative Education in Torrance/Redondo Beach
Angels Gate Cultural Center in San Pedro has low-cost, high-value classes in art for kids and adults in art
The Long Beach Museum of Art hosts family art workshops
Los Angeles County Museum of Art Classes (LACMA) has free membership for kids up to age 17 in LA County under NextGenLA and offers art classes for kids some Sundays
Be sure to check whether your local community center or other school offers art programs, too.
Art is a powerful tool for enhancing your child’s emotional, social, and physical skills — all while having a blast! Whether your child is sculpting clay or making a beautiful mess, these creative activities aren’t just hobbies, they’re exciting ways to enhance your child’s skills. For additional fun therapies, check out our article on music therapy.
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