How To Support The Artistic Development of Your Special Needs Child

I am often asked: "How do I support the artistic development of my disabled child now and as he grows up? What community resources are available for him?"

I believe it is very important to identify and cultivate the artistic skills and interests of children with disabilities. There are several reasons for this. First, art gives these children an opportunity to be successful. Second, art gives them a way to communicate. Third, art improves development by involving a variety of cognitive, sensory, and motor skills.

I have a few suggestions to offer about where to look for art opportunities in the community:

* Consider enrolling him with a private professional art teacher. This is better than a class as he will get one-on-one attention. However, depending on his issues, many may not be equipped to handle or address his special needs. Be sure to ask about the art teacher's specific skills.

* Consider a summer art camp. One that offers a spectrum of art experiences would be great. He can explore a variety of art mediums and decide what he likes or dislikes and what he may want more training in.

* Consider encouraging his classroom teacher to write for a grant to have an artist-in-residence. Artists-in-residence offer students an opportunity to work on a quality project over an extended period of time. These projects may be purely art or art in support of academic and/or IEP goals.

* I would encourage you to look for a high school with a strong art program.

* As your child approaches adulthood, there are many non-credit classes available in a variety of art mediums through local universities and community colleges.

Resources vary by community. You may be surprised to find a wealth of opportunities just waiting for you to tap into.

Bailey Earith is a professional fiber artist. She uses her 25 years experience as an occupational therapist to empower people with disabilities through art education. She has been published extensively for her innovative work with disabilities. She lectures and teaches classes and seminars across the country. Topics include: Special Art for Special People, How to provide art experiences to people with disabilities for parents and teachers, and Artist-in-Residencies.

Web site: http://www.BaileyFiberArt.com Visit her blog for an open discussion of art and disabilities. Blog: http://disability-art.blogspot.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bailey_Earith

It's Giveaway Time!!! Closed

Shawneepaints1 at ICANDoIt is sponsoring a giveaway for a special mom. The prize is a custom etched glass in which you choose an appropriate sized photo and/or name with border, butterflies, flowers, or a favorite animal to be put on the glass. The two photos above show an example of the work Shawnee does.  The glass prize is in the following photo:

Main Entry: Enter the giveaway by telling why you think the chosen mom should receive the glass along with your contact information. If this main entry isn't done, the extra entries will not count.



You can earn extra entries for doing one or more of the following (each one you do will earn you one extra entry)



1. Comment on this blog post

2. Twitter the giveaway and leave a message here with a link to your tweet.

3. Write a post linking to this blog and leave a comment stating such.

4. Write a post linking to the ICANDoIt blog and leave a comment stating such.

5. Subscribe to this blog or the ICANDoIt blog and leave a comment stating such.

6. Leave a comment on each of the following sites to earn an entry for each:

http://www.shawneeetches.wordpress.com

http://www.esnips.com/web/shawneepaints1-myartfolder

The winner will be determined by the best reason the chosen mom should receive the glass. The giveaway will end in 7 days (Dec. 8, 2009). The winner will have 48 hours to contact Shawnee. Only people with U.S. addresses will be eligible to win the glass.

Art in Autism--Learning Autism

While pondering my next question for learning autism, my brain slipped over to the artistic side.  It made me wonder, does anyone use art in teaching autism or even in calming an autistic child?  Are there autistic children who have a fascination with art?

Art has always been a soothing mental escape for me.  It awakens my longing to create and explore possibilities.  It boosts my courage when I can achieve satisfactory results.  Art for me is an emotional balm.  Color, texture, tones, imagination, fantasy, shapes, smells......they're all a part of it. 

Two of my favorite stores are Michael's and Hobby Lobby.  Aside from that, I'd have to say Books-a-Million would be next in line.  I can get lost in the possibilities and the books, the bits and pieces, the vast choices to entertain the mind.  For me, entering one of these places is like taking a deprived child to a toy store!  I just can't get enough, and it's hard to believe there are so many wonderful things in one building.

I've never been one to dwell on the history of art and artists.  I do respect what was offered and discovered in the past, but there's a whole new path out there to discover.  Admiring other people's works is another joy for me.  In this case, beauty is definitely in the eye of the beholder.  I used to think abstracts were ugly and useless.  (I know, don't hate me abstract lovers.)  But I've come to admire even those unique works.

As I've evolved over the years, so has my appreciation for what is called art.  I no longer have a narrow view and expect the beauty in it to be perfect.  In fact, the imperfections are often what make the most interesting pieces.

This is my latest glass etching.

It would be an honor if any of you who have art loving autistic children would share with us the favored pieces of your child's works.

Learning Autism--Art and Autism

Today my learning adventure in autism takes me in the direction of art. I wondered what the art world would be like for someone with autism. I learned that art can be used as therapy for autistic children. www.art-therapy.us/autism.htm This website provides some background information linking art and autism, as well as an art-therapy program and other links.

If you are interested in art designed to benefit those with autism, here is another great link: http://http//www.designbycher.com/autism_art.htm . This may possibly inspire some artists who have not realized the connection to helping those with autism. If you are an artist, please consider using your artwork to benefit others in need. By the way, there are also some pretty cool free graphics.

Finally, if you would like to begin research into some amazing artists who have autism, here is a web site to get you started. If you like collecting artwork, why not collect from someone with honest talents who is dedicated to their work and is using their condition in a positive way? Art and Autism

If you have an autistic child who would like to share their artwork, please leave us a comment in the comment section with a link to the photos or web site.


P.S.(by Tammy - Administrator) - We'd be happy to feature their artwork on our site.