Creativity and Autism

Trang Nguyen

Director of Community Gatepath’s Autism Social Connection

People with Autism Spectrum Disorder often struggle to focus and communicate effectively and experience anxiety when over-stimulated. However, they are motivated by specific interests and passions and are uniquely creative. They see and do things differently, thus offering a fresh perspective. Creative expression through the arts can be very fulfilling and therapeutic. Art therapy provides a visual tool for communication, a window to the imagination, and a motivation to make social connections.

Emma, a teen with high-functioning autism, found an outlet for her creativity at Community Gatepath’s Autism Social Connection’s film group. The group provides students the opportunity to express their ideas, feelings and personalities while they learn to work together, communicate, and have fun creating film projects. Emma joined the group because it sounded interesting and her school didn’t have a film group.

Before she joined the film group, Emma’s view about her autism was that, “It has no benefits for me. If I didn’t have it, I’d probably have millions of friends because I wouldn’t be closed lipped.”

Since joining Autism Social Connection (ASC) in 2012, Emma’s confidence has sky rocketed and she is now embracing her differences. She has worked on many film projects, and even designs her own costumes and applies theater make-up. Most importantly, she has made many friends. She goes on group outings and has really connected in meaningful ways with her friends. As a result of Emma’s participation in ASC groups, she found the confidence to speak on panels about autism and her experiences growing up. Most recently Emma spoke to 5^th graders at an elementary school during their Ability Awareness week, where she shared what it is like having autism and how it affected her in school. She shared how she was teased and how she has learned to cope with it better.

Emma’s outlook on her future is bright. She admits she has a hard time narrowing down what she wants to do when she grows up. “I want to be a story writer for video games, a costume or set designer or possibly a paranormal investigator,” Emma said. All of which require a lot of imagination and creativity.

ASC groups meet each week and serve children, teens and adults ages eight and up. Participants meet in a casual, low-key environment, encouraging conversation and camaraderie, while giving young people hands-on experience with cameras, sound equipment, computer programs, and other aspects of visual media.

About Community Gatepath

For more than 90 years, we've been creating opportunities for greater independence for children, youth, and adults with special needs and empowerment through individualized education and support. Our services include early intervention and therapy for children, inclusive preschools, support services for families, social communication programs for youth, vocational training for adults, and employment placement.

An online resource center is available at AbilityPath.org and peer-to-peer programs allow parents to share expertise and insights.

More information on film groups can be found at https://www.facebook.com/GatepathSocialConnection/