Art combines creativity and therapy for children with special needs

Many virtues have been attributed to art and how it can contribute to our lives.  The therapeutic value of art has been explored and legitimized.  Some believe art has the ability to heal, transcend and transform.  It has been found to come from the right side of the brain and open up our creativity and ability to use our intuition.

Regardless of the benefits of art, we know it is fun, it engages, and gratefully it is one medium where there is no right or wrong answer.

Art is a way to work with children who have disabilities toward the achievement of all sorts of goals.  To name a few:

Eye-hand coordination
Fine motor skills
Color recognition
Sequential thought
Matching
Visual acuity
Action concepts

Freedom of expression is my favorite component of art where everything is acceptable and holds the potential for wonder.

In working with kids with special needs, our toy specialists at AblePlay have a few suggestions that can help enrich the experience:

1. Prepare an area where children can make a mess and spread out
2. No right or wrong (it’s OK to draw outside the lines)
3. Allow time for the creative process to evolve – be patient
4. Encourage, Praise and Display these creations and artistic expressions and create a gallery (that’s what refrigerator doors are meant for)
5. Finally, get involved yourself.  Kids learn more from example and you might enjoy it more than you realize

AblePlay is proud to offer some wonderful toys and play products for these budding artists.

• Wikki Stix Activity Set
• Crayonball and Triwrite Crayons
• Ta Doodles Washable All-in-One Paint
• Model Magic Fushion – Outer Space Textures

So put on the old clothes, clear the kitchen table, turn on some inspiring music and unleash the captive artist in your kids and yourself.