The Role of Art Therapy For Kids With ADHD

Art therapy - ever heard of it? It isn't exactly a phrase you hear everyday on the streets. Nonetheless, art therapy is an important process for many, especially children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, ADHD for short. In a nutshell, art therapy is a branch of psychology that is utilized by experts to diagnose and rehabilitate patients. Psychologists and psychiatrists use art to connect with children who suffer from physical, psychological, or behavioral conditions. It is also utilized to aid healthy children in dealing with the normal, yet sometimes complicated, experiences of their juvenile years, such as their parents splitting up, someone close to them passing away, or even their close friend relocating to a different community. 

Image via PublicDomainPictures.net

History of Art Therapy

Some people beg to differ that art has been a perpetual form of therapy or, maybe, it is fairer to say that therapy has been a perpetual part of the field of art. While curiosity in art and the thoughts of people who make it has been the subject of scholars for centuries, art therapy as a field of study is a relatively premature and unexplored one. The first ever master's degree in this particular study was awarded during 1970s, yet educators, psychotherapists, and artists started performing formal research years ago. Two women, Naumburg and Kramer, are strongly regarded to as the establishing mothers of art therapy. 

Benefits of Art Therapy in Children 

Art therapy sessions offer several advantages for children with both ADHD and other health conditions. In fact, they have benefits for healthy children as well. The main impetus behind the positive effects art therapy have on children is that art is a natural form of expression. Oftentimes, children become more adept with their artistic abilities than their verbal skills. Exploring the technical areas and concepts of child development is a vital part of art therapy. 

Exercises Related With Emotions

Art therapy sessions can aid in processing emotions. A basic exercise for younger subjects, but one that is suited for older subjects as well, comprises drawing while exposed to music. For preschoolers, finger painting while listening to relaxing music works equally well. Children are usually given the medium of their choice. Select music that encourage an emotional response. If necessary, turn off the lights. Play songs softly and give time for the children to draw while listening to that particular music. Encourage the children to move their drawing materials accordingly with the music, rather than drawing a particular form. Alter the music across the exercise so the children can discover the music's impact on the art.

Self Esteem & Personal Development 

Art therapy helps improve personal development, giving you all the more reason to practice it. For children, especially those with ADHD, art therapy sessions are a great confidence booster, according to art therapists and professionals. Collages are a good example of art therapy strategies that encourage personal development. 

Art therapy offers physical, mental, psychological, and behavioral benefits to children with ADHD. Seeking the assistance of professionals is important for parents who seek to utilize these therapeutic strategies. Though it does involve copious amounts of work and effort, it will likely yield a great deal of benefit for your children.

Guest post by Stacey Wernum, a nurse and mother who writes about parenting, education & health. Her most recent work highlights the best RN-to-BSN Programs in the US.