Art Therapy for Children with ADHD
Art Therapy May Help Kids With ADHD
Research suggests that art therapy may help kids with ADHD improve attention span, social skills, and manage their emotions better. For example, a study of art therapy for teens with ADHD found that those who spent 30 minutes a day doing art activities had fewer behaviour problems at school than those who did not do art.
Art Therapy Is A Proven Effective Alternative
Parents with a child diagnosed with ADHD often wonder what kind of therapy will work best for them. While medication may be helpful in some situations, art therapy is an effective alternative, helping kids uncover their creativity and learn to calm their minds.
Art Therapy Can Reduce Stress and Enhance Self-Esteem
Art therapy can reduce stress and enhance self-esteem. It's also an inexpensive, flexible mode of therapy that can be practised anywhere. Moreover, the benefits of art can extend far beyond the studio -- it can help improve attendance and participation in the classroom, reduce negative behaviours, and even improve peer relationships. For kids with ADHD, art offers the perfect fix for their distractibility and problems with attention.
Art Therapy Can Provide A Place of Calm And Focus
For children struggling with attention, impulse control, and social skills, art therapy can provide a place of calm and focus. The child is free to explore their intense emotions, frustrations, and thoughts without being influenced by rules or social pressure that holds them back.
Using Art Therapy To Treat Children With ADHD Is Not A New Concept
Experts in the field have found that it has many psychological benefits. It teaches children how to control their impulsive thoughts, emotions, and behavioural issues while exploring their creativity. Art therapy can help ADHD children connect with their creative energy and shift away from destructive behaviours.
Art Therapy Provides Insight Into The Benefits Of Structure
By providing an opportunity to express themselves free from the rules, children with ADHD can develop a sense of mastery and self-confidence through art therapy. Art therapy also provides insight into the benefits of developing a structure that can help foster desired results.
Problem-Solving Activities Help People With ADHD To Concentrate
People with ADHD often find it easier to concentrate and think clearly when tasked with problem-solving activities. Therefore, incorporating exercises that help clients develop an approach to problem-solving through working with art materials can provide insights into how to use this approach in other situations. Students with ADHD who participate in art therapy show improved attendance and participation in class, and the frequency of negative classroom behaviour decreases.
Emotional Benefits of Art Therapy For ADHD Children
The emotional benefits of Art Therapy for children with ADHD can result in an overall happier demeanour and more harmonious interactions with peers and teachers. Therefore, art therapy can be both a beneficial and enjoyable way to help a child with ADHD.
The Benefits of Art Therapy
The benefits of art therapy are real, and at its core, art therapy is a fun activity that improves focus and emotional stimulation. If you suspect or know that your child is suffering from attention, impulse control, or social skills issues, we recommend that you try art therapy. After running multiple art therapy classes for children in school settings, I know first-hand the difference it can make in the classroom, on the playground, and at home.
Kids Art Social Term 4 Enrolment Closing Soon
We have four places left in our 10 Week Term 4 Kids Art Group Classes commencing 5 October. Alternatively, you can contact us for Individual Art Therapy options.
Freestyle Arts provides Art Therapy and Group Art Classes on the Sunshine Coast, Australia.
