Art Therapy: Controlling Symptoms with Creativity

Painting, drawing, and sculpting are a great hands-on treatment for a racing mind. Here's how art can help your child gain focus, calm, and confidence.

Jacob Edward, 10, paints a clay plate he made in his past four art therapy sessions. He dips his brush into the cup of silvery black paint he has mixed, and dabs it into the cracks of the clay.

Jacob's breathing and brush strokes start to quicken. He seems anxious. I ask him if he needs a break, and he stops to take three deep breaths. He resumes painting, at a slower pace. When he completes his work, he puts the plate aside. Next week he will put the finishing touches on it. He draws quietly for a few minutes before returning to his classroom.

Jacob has been diagnosed with autism and ADHD. He is curious, creative, and unusually friendly for a child on the spectrum. He is impulsive and easily distracted. I have worked with Jacob at school since art therapy was added to his IEP, more than eight months ago.

Jacob knows how art therapy helps him. "Itkeeps my brain calm," he says, "and it helps my body get calm."

Children with ADHD and learning differences often have intense emotions, poor social skills, and low self-esteem. Children naturally communicate through art and play, and art therapy gives them a useful, nonverbal approach to face these challenges.