Arts & Crafts Therapy for Adults with Autism

Art therapy has long been studied as a valuable intervention for individuals on the autism spectrum — for both children and adults. While art benefits social, cognitive, and motor skills, it is the sensory experience that makes crafts so beneficial for this segment of the population.

At the Adult Autism Center, we have developed an Arts and Crafts Studio program that will help adults with autism reach their full potential as they explore creative outlets.

This program offers individuals an opportunity to reduce stress levels while developing key skills. Clients are taught how to create various arts and crafts and when appropriate, specific skills that allow them to sell their wares at farmers’ markets and boutiques.

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A patient in Arts & Crafts Therapy for Adults with Autism.

How Does the Arts and Crafts Program Benefit Adults with Autism?

The main goal of this program is to provide adults with autism an opportunity to learn leisure arts and crafts skills. We also encourage our clients to create art that they are able to sell at the farmers’ market, which supports the development of other critical life skills, including but not limited to social skills.

In that sense, this program allows adults with autism to:

Benefit from an alternative to verbal communication. Since one of the core hallmarks of autism is impaired communication, arts and crafts act as a powerful form of non-verbal expression. Many individuals with autism are visual thinkers. Expressing their thoughts and feelings through art and other creative outlets can provide a sense of relief and accomplishment.

Be able to work on their social skills

Curriculum Activities

While there will be many activities offered, they will be highly individualized and tailored to each individual’s personal skill level and interests. This program allows each individual to embrace their talents which is why a variety of arts and crafts activities are offered.

Some individuals benefit from a more structured program, which promotes the expression of ideas and emotions. In turn, these individuals are able to lower stress levels while learning new skills and behaviors. Others find that art therapy is the perfect platform when aiming to share who they are — it’s a form of self-expression.

A student enrolling at the Adult Autism Center.

How to Enroll

Those interested in our Arts and Crafts Studio program can speak with the staff at the Adult Autism Center. Please express your interest in this program and we will happily provide more information. The best way for us to learn more about you or your loved one is through our referral form.

Skill Assessment

Staff at the Adult Autism Center will informally assess each individual's ability to participate in the arts and crafts activities available. Depending on each individual's skills, behaviors, strengths, interests, and goals, specific activities will be suggested. Reassessments across time will help us suggest the most beneficial, fulfilling experience for each individual. This means that select activities may be adjusted to increase accessibility.

Placement Information

Each individual is unique, which is something we recognize at the Adult Autism Center. This is why we offer a person-centered approach that focuses on the complex, individual needs of each client. While all clients are encouraged to participate in arts and crafts activities in order to achieve personal growth, those who are highly involved will be able to access unique opportunities outside of the Adult Autism Center, selling their creations in the community.

How Individuals Grow and Develop

Art and other creative activities promote mental and emotional growth among those with autism. The goal of this program is to encourage self-expression and the development of beneficial life skills. By offering artistic projects that encourage individual strengths, clients develop greater self-esteem and experience an outlet that fulfills sensory needs. Upon enrolling in the Arts and Crafts Studio program, the staff at the Adult Autism Center will measure client growth based on their independent engagement in activities. The goal here is to turn arts and crafts into skill-building opportunities that spark new interests and promote greater well-being.

How can we help?

Do you have a loved one or family member that would benefit from one of our programs?
Fill out the form below and refer them today!