Kids with disabilities may have a hard time connecting with friends, family, and the world around them. The arts can expand a child’s mind creatively, and they take so many forms that anyone can find an activity they enjoy. Here are a few ways you can connect the arts to children with disabilities, courtesy of My Autism Support.
Art-related activities come in many forms, such as drawing, painting, sculpting, and making DIY craft projects. It’s important to consider what kind of learning disability your child has and how to tailor activities accordingly. For example, if your child has trouble concentrating on one task at a time, freehand drawing will better suit their skills than painting by numbers. You also need to make sure this area is perfect for stress-free learning!
What better way to explore kinesthetic art than by participating in it? Dance is a fun activity that allows your child to let loose, and it’s a great way for your child to interact with peers at social gatherings, which may help with overcoming shyness.
Kids who like to perform but don’t want to dance may love theater arts. Even if they’ve never been bitten by the acting bug, there are opportunities to sing, write, and create artwork for their favorite show.
Learning how to play a musical instrument can open your child’s eyes to creativity through music. A host of benefits have been associated with kids and musical instruments, including helping with emotional and behavioral issues, speech impairments, hyperactive disorders, and cognitive problems.
Kids with disabilities may have a hard time connecting with friends, family, and their school work. Fortunately, the arts will not only help your child interact with others, they will also help shape them into well-rounded people now and into adulthood.
By Lilian Brooks