The great painter Pablo Picasso once said, “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.” Anyone who’s spent time with young children knows that they love to draw, color, and paint. But for children with learning differences or disabilities, creating art may also be therapeutic.
ADDitude magazine points out that children with learning disabilities may often feel frustrated if they have trouble following directions or processing information using traditional methods. Art provides a valuable outlet for self-expression for these children. Through their artwork, kids can find new ways to express themselves creatively, and they may even discover new talents that provide a confidence boost. Completing a new piece of art also provides a sense of satisfaction that children with learning disabilities may otherwise lack in the classroom or at home.
Additionally, according to the LD Resources Foundation, art can improve problem-solving skills as children are exposed to new ideas and media. Learning to draw, cut, glue, and color can help children develop better hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. For children with limited communication abilities, their art can provide valuable insight into their thoughts and feelings.
Creating the Right Space
If you want to use art to help your child with learning differences, set yourself up for success by starting with a special space. You might consider fixing up a previously unused area of your home—e.g., an unfinished basement or spare room—to use as an art/crafting space. This will give your child a designated space to explore their creativity, and with the right updates, it could even increase your home’s appraisal value when it comes time to sell.
Think of this area as an art studio just for your child, stocked with everything they need to get creative. Choose a nonporous work surface to minimize cleanup stress. A nearby sink with a stepstool and foaming soap pump will help keep little hands clean. You’ll need lots of storage, such as cube organizers with pullout bins, to keep materials within easy reach.
Make sure your studio is well-stocked with essentials such as washable markers, crayons, paints, child-sized aprons, scissors, glue, and paper. Don’t forget to add a display area where children can proudly hang their latest creations.
Finding a New Passion
You don’t have to be a brilliant artist to help your child enjoy making art. Creating together is a fun, low-stress way to improve your bond. While sharing the benefits of arts and crafts with your children, you may discover you have a passion for teaching that goes beyond your own home. If you want to take it a step further, consider teaching lessons on your own.
A Creative Life
For a child with learning disabilities, art can be their introduction to a new world, one where their differences may even be an advantage. Your child’s art project may be their first step toward a creative life.
The Speech Practice is committed to providing speech therapy for children to enhance their communications skills. Call +65 91264322 to learn more about our services.
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