Autism and art?

Question

I am trying to find art projects for low functioning autisics. The students I work with are between the ages of 15-20 yrs. So I don't want anything too preschoolish.

Answer 1

paint by number (I still like these)

If they are low functioning you are probably looking at elementary art projects, not because of intelligence but because of ability. To help with sensory issues you could try fingerpainting.

Answer 2

At my high school I am an aide with special ed kids. Many are low functioning autistic, along with some with cerebral palsy and other disorders. They all seem to like collages, some kids cut their own stuff, others can't cut so they choose from pre-cut clippings. Also, they really enjoy a project that I did in 4th grade: the teacher cuts out 3x3 squares of colored tissue paper before hand. The kids ball them up, apply a drop of white glue, and glue them to a piece of cardboard/poster-board that is shaped like a butterfly/ice-cream-cone/sun/house etc. {{{The bigger the paper, the longer it will take}}

While it can be messy, it is LOTS of fun for everyone. If you are worried about glue squirt-age, try Q-tips and an egg carton.

Good Luck!!!

Answer 3

I think some of the upper elementary/middle school art based on geometric patterns I have seen from my kids would appeal to their sense of pattern and order. I tried to find some links to examples but have not yet. If I do I will edit.

What if they drew outlines of things -- could be a picture of something concrete or geometric shapes or really whatever -- draw the drawing with black crayon then use watercolors over it. It makes a neat effect.

Something they could hang at their home or social center window would be stained glass things -- cut out different colors of tissue paper they glue into the inside of a construction paper frame until they have a stained glass effect sun catcher.

Tie dyeing tee shirts???

Decorating tee shirts with fabric paint?

With females you could get more grown up looking beads and they could string them on to thread or beading floss or flexible wire to make bracelets or necklaces.

Watercolor abstracts?

Glass paint to paint an inexpensive clear glass (or clear plastic if that would be better) vase or bowl. Come back next session after it dries and fill with different colored M&Ms or Skittles.

I wonder if maybe it is more about the experience than the product for them. Could you put on some classical or blues or folk etc. music and simply have them use pastel chalks or water colors or whatever (even twisty crayons) to create something? Or have them go along with you making lines then squiggles then zig zags? Blue then red then orange?

Sorry if I am getting too little-kiddish. It is kind of a pickle to honor their adult-ish-ness while being realistic about their functioning.