Art For All: Encouraging Autistic Creativity

A look at the power of art in bridging the gap of creativity and communication for children with autism.

The colorful image on this page was created by nonverbal artist, J. Alexandar Chavez. The center of the artwork depicts the artist himself: a voice that does not form words, yet is learning to augment his voice to describe his sensitive, bright works. The outer center in his artwork is the light he sees for himself, as himself.

This image is one of many intriguing creations shared by The Art of Autism nonprofit

Celebrating a spectrum of artists

Interested in learning more about art and autism, I caught up with The Art of Autism’s cofounder, Keri Bowers, along with her business partner, Debra Muzikar.

The arts first “connected with” Keri when her son Taylor was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder: “I used the arts with Taylor since he was four months old when I put paint on his fingertips after a visit to our first of many neurologists. He hated paint, writhing at the appearance of paint, pushing away from me as he bellowed in distress. Yet, the voice in my head told me to keep doing what I was doing. So I did.”

“I raised Taylor in song, pantomime, dance, even taking photos of him and asking: ‘What does Taylor see?’ when he had no language yet. I put microphones in his hand, put him on stage, I sang social stories of his needs, urging him to sing along.”

Benefits of art for people with autism

We have all experienced moments of being overwhelmed. Moments of agony. Spurts of joy. But also, moments that are hard to decipher. Those on the autism spectrum can find it even more difficult to comprehend not only how they feel, but additionally, how to express those emotions.

As the business partners say: “Many autistic people have differently wired brains. Many excel in the visual arts because they ‘think in pictures,’ while others excel in music because they are auditory learners and are able to translate that into music. The arts are also a way for non-speaking autistics to be able to express themselves. Sometimes, they may not be able to communicate with words, yet can profoundly communicate through drawing or painting (or whatever medium they prefer).”

Art provides a world that can enable artists to produce images, create murals, and paint a vision that frees their untapped voice. But can art be utilized on a grander scale? Or can art be used as a tool to enhance other skills and abilities for long-term success? Art is a universal playground that is meant for everyone.

Scientific studies have proven the powerful benefits art can provide. A journal article titled The Connection Between Art, Healing, and Public Health: A Review of Current Literature, shares the link between art and human wellbeing, stating: “There is evidence that engagement with artistic activities…can enhance one’s mood, emotions, and other psychological states as well as have a salient impact on important physiological parameters.”

“Not all forms of art are a fit for every person, but one form or another will reach people. Individuals can thrive using a preferred creative outlet for learning everything from language, maths, sciences, writings, and more—including growing life and social skills” shares Keri.

Bright future ahead

At the age of nine years old, Kevin, Debra’s autistic son, began painting. Only two years later, Kevin sold his first painting during a local benefit. With hearts of passion and pioneering minds, Debra and Keri serendipitously crossed paths through their work as artists. This led to them co-founding Art of Autism.

Their non-profit platform has inspired countless people on the spectrum to share their talents and practice their art, and in doing so it always gives back ten-fold through its therapeutic ways.

Taylor has been living independently for about eight years. At thirty-two years old, he has a career working as a video game accessibility consultant for gaming manufacturers.

In the words of the American activist, Henry Ward Beecher: “Every artist dips his brush in his own soul and paints his future.” Let art continue to open the hearts and souls of all, so the future in each of us remains bright.