‘Neurodiversity’ refers to the diversity of all people, but Neurodiversity in children presents in diverse forms and therefore, special attention needs to be given to them, especially in their education.
The concept of neurodiversity implies there’s no “correct” way for the brain to work. Instead, there is a wide range of ways that people perceive and respond to the world. The term is often used in the context of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and other neurological or developmental conditions such as ADHD or learning disabilities.
According to recent stats, approximately 15-20% of the population present some form of neurodivergence, and therefore, there is a greater need for kids with neurodivergent characteristics to have equal opportunities in education and therapies. This post will reflect upon the challenges faced by neurodivergent kids and how you can use arts and crafts therapy to help your little ones!
Challenges Faced by Neurodivergent Kids
Special needs learners go through various difficulties, mainly with regards to their communication, interaction, sensory sensitivities, and other learning-related issues. For example, a child with autism might have difficulties comprehending emotions, keeping eye contact, and perceiving the meaning of gestures, so social contacts seem challenging.
Secondly, if an autistic individual has certain sensitivities, they might feel uncomfortable or overwhelmed in situations that do not bother other people, for example, when being in a well-lit place or public spaces. This can greatly impair their interactions with their peers and their capacity to function within conventional educational parameters, areas where they are often ill-served by the system.
Benefits of Art and Craft Therapy for Neurodivergent Kids
Improves Fine Motor Skills: When neurodivergent kids engage in crafting, they have to employ precise hand movements, stimulating their hand-eye coordination, grip strength, and thus improving their fine motor skills.
Enhances Concentration and Patience: When crafting, children have to pay proper concentration on their work and wait for the completion of each part, which forms a child’s ability to concentrate and be patient.
Alternative Communication: Through children can develop their ideas, emotions, and creativity in some other non-verbal way, particularly helpful in the case of children who have problems with verbal communication.
Sensory Exploration: Kids craft kits are a good opportunity to expose the child to different textures, colors, and shapes, which are very sensitive to children with sensory issues.
Boosts Self-Esteem: Children get a positive emotional feeling and a burst of confidence when they finish a crafts project and therefore they develop self esteem.
Fosters Creativity and Imagination: Promotes innovation and creativity in children, aspects that are critical in the overall development process of a child’s brain.
Emotional Regulation: Performing repetitive yet calming activities during a arts and crafts session decreases feelings of anxiety and could prove useful in regulating a person’s emotions.
Role of Support Workers for Autism in Art and Craft Therapy
Yes, arts and crafts therapy can benefit neurodivergent kids to a great extent, but such kids need special attention and recognition, which parents and educators may struggle to prove. This is why it is important to seek help from a support worker for autism who has special skills and knowledge of neurodivergence. There are various ways these support workers can help your children, including:
Customised Activity Planning: They arrange and plan education and daily opportunities specifically according to children’s need for sensory processing, development, and communication.
Creating a Safe Environment: They make sure the environment is relaxed and children do not feel intimidated or restricted in their movement or speaking abilities.
Social interaction guidance: They support children in their social relationships, particularly during group activities, resulting in enhanced child communication and social development.
Positive Reinforcement: They encourage and praise the learners and other children in the school to boost their morale and maintain good manners.
Emotional Support: They are supportive of your kid’s emotions and are observant so that children can regulate themselves if they get upset or stressed during the activities.
Observation and Adaptation: They take note of their responses and the progress of each child and modify what has been done to suit the changing needs of the kids.
Family and Community Education: They inform the family members, teachers, and other kids about special requirements and inclusion of art and craft therapy in a child’s daily life.
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