Who is Art-ABA Therapy good for?

 

Both neurotypical and neurodivergent clients (ADHD, ASD, Down Syndrome, etc) would benefit from our program. Our projects help facilitate verbalization of feelings, self-expression, perspective taking and communication that every individual needs to live their best life. Art can be an extremely helpful tool and can be used as an alternative form of communication for those who thrive on visual communication. In many ways, utilizing art as a communication tool can help bridge the gap experienced by those who cannot find the words to express themselves. Here is a bibliography of current research on the efficacy of Art and ABA.

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I want to implement ABA-Art Therapy in my clinic/practice. How can I do that?

I offer 1:1 consultation, but you can also acquire the official curriculum through Emergent Press. We also offer certification training to ensure you are competent in implementing it.

 

How the activities are designed?

Each activity is based on building a skills repertoire in the areas of social-emotional, mindfulness, communication, self-expression, conceptualization, fine motor skills, gross motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and coping skills. Each activity provides an opportunity for participants develop these skills while doing something they find fun and rewarding!

 

What is ABA-Art Therapy beneficial for?

As mentioned above, ABA-Art Therapy is best for building skills such as emotional regulation, perspective taking, verbalizing feelings and thoughts, self-expression, communication, and leisure activities. Art is a tool we utilize and Applied Behavior analysis is our model of treatment. When using ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), we can also work on psychological flexibility, identifying values, and goal-setting.

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When do sessions typically occur?

• Any virtual sessions will have schedule information available on the member page or on landing page. This is subject to change.

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Will I need art supplies or do you supply them?

• You use your own art supplies. They don't need to be expensive. Recycled materials or dollar store supplies can be useful!

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Art Session Tips

Materials needed

Most assignments will require a basic form of art paper and drawing materials such as markers, pencils, ink, or crayon. We will also use paints, which you may determine at your convenience. Some activities would require finger paints (tempura), but we recommend also craft paints (Folk Art paint brand, etc) which can be found at any art craft or department store (Walmart, Target, Michaels Arts & Crafts). We will provide the list of required materials before each session so you are prepared. 

 

Examples of drawing materials:

• graphite/pencil

• Colored pencils

• Crayon

• Pens

• Chalk

• Markers

• Pastels

 

Types of art paper

• Watercolor paper

• Mixed media paper (best for all types of art! - and better value to buy)

• Bristol paper

• Drawing paper

• Sketch paper

 

What are some modifications that I can accomodate for sessions?

While we recommend encouraging your child to do each part of the tasks on their own first, modifications can be made or support provided to help them along the process. Some skills such as fine motor or gross motor may be able to be improved and adapted over time, but require support from parent to guide the process and ensure it is smooth and enjoyable! Hand over hand guidance and modifications for sensory sensitivities are recommended!

 

Fine motor difficulties

• Cutting

  • If your child cannot cut images out, they can cut around image and then have parent cut out the missed details.

• Painting

  • If using a paint brush is difficult, encourage child to use fingers to apply paint, as long as they dont have sensory aversion.

• Encourage them using their hands as much as possible when possible as this will help them develop their fine motor skills over time.

 

Gross motor difficulties

• Give child plenty of space to work such as the floor or their own table.

• Hand-over-hand attention may be required to do certain tasks.

 

Sensory-sensitivity difficulties

 

• Some kids may not like using paint or materials such as glue or Modge Podge due to textures. Encourage your child to dip a paint brush in each media and paint with very little material left on brush at first. Work your way toward using more each time to help get them used to it. If this is ineffective, offer brushes with larger hands or gloves.

 

Hearing/auditory difficulties

• Writing out clear step-by-step instructions or visual steps for your child can help them follow or limit the background noise. 

• For pre-recorded or live lessons, be sure the sound of the training is lower as needed.

• If your child will require a visual guide and you cannot make one, please email us to get this before doing the lesson!