Art Therapy & Autism

Supporting children, teens and adults through creativity, safety & connection.

At Art as Therapy, we believe that every person with autism holds their own unique way of seeing and expressing the world. Art therapy provides a gentle, creative path for connection, growth, and understanding — where communication can unfold beyond words.

What Art Therapy Offers

Art therapy offers a safe, sensory-rich space where children, teens and adults can express themselves freely and authentically. Through creative exploration, they learn that their ideas, feelings, and ways of being are valued and celebrated.

Through Art, Children Can:

  • Regulate emotions and manage stress

  • Build social and communication skills

  • Strengthen confidence and self-esteem

  • Improve focus, flexibility, and problem-solving

  • Experience joy in creative expression

Our Approach at Art as Therapy

We:

  • Honour each child’s autonomy, creativity, and individuality

  • Meet children with acceptance, curiosity, and playfulness

  • Build safety and trust first — the foundation for any meaningful growth

  • Value every child with autism for their unique strengths and perspectives

How Art Therapy Supports Growth

Once safety and trust are in place, therapeutic goals naturally emerge.
Children begin to explore emotions, try new things, and build skills — all through the rhythm and comfort of creativity. Art becomes a bridge between inner experience and the outside world.

Collaboration Matters

Art therapy complements other supports beautifully — including ABA, occupational therapy, and speech-language therapy. We believe in working alongside families and allied professionals to nurture the whole child.

Art Therapy for Teens with Autism

For teens, art therapy provides an outlet for self-expression, identity exploration, and emotional release during a time of rapid change. It helps them process stress, anxiety, and social pressures while building confidence and self-awareness.

Art Therapy for adults with Autism

For adults, art therapy offers a space to slow down, reconnect with creativity, and make sense of emotions that may be difficult to put into words. It supports healing from stress, trauma, and burnout, and fosters a renewed sense of balance and clarity.

Art Therapy for Parents of Children with Autism

Parenting a neurodiverse child can be both beautiful and demanding. Art therapy offers parents a supportive, judgment free space to process emotions, reduce stress, and reconnect with their own creativity. Through guided art making, parents can explore their experiences and feelings, find calm amidst uncertainty, and strengthen their capacity for empathy and patience. It’s also a chance to reflect, recharge, and nurture their own well-being—so they can continue to show up with presence and compassion for their child.

We Offer

  • Art therapy for children and teens

  • Family therapy

  • Individual sessions (for adults too!)

  • Dyad therapy (parent - child therapy)

  • Parent support

  • Collaboration with allied professionals along with school staff to develop holistic care plans

Each session is personalized to meet developmental, emotional, and sensory needs.

Get in Touch

We’d love to connect with you.
admin@artastherapy.ca
519-307-9000

We are a team of Registered Psychotherapists so our services are Covered under OAP and many extended health benefit plans.