Art therapy goes beyond simple creative play.

It’s a structured therapeutic approach that supports children with additional needs in expressing and managing overwhelming emotions. For many children who struggle with communication, especially those with autism, ADHD, or developmental delays, traditional talk-based therapies may not always be effective. Art therapy provides a non-verbal, safe outlet to explore feelings like frustration, anger, and anxiety in a way that feels natural and engaging.

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Research supports these benefits. A 2023 study found that 85% of children with learning difficulties showed reduced aggression after structured art therapy sessions, with 61% reporting improved self-esteem and emotional regulation (Hasan, et al., 2022). Another study from the American Art Therapy Association highlights how art-based interventions help reduce behavioural issues and promote emotional resilience in neurodiverse children (Malchiodi, 2011).

‍Case Study: How Art Therapy Helped Oliver Regulate Aggression

Oliver*, a 7-year-old boy with autism, often experienced sudden emotional outbursts and aggressive behaviours in his classroom. Despite consistent use of traditional behaviour management strategies, his responses to frustration remained intense and unpredictable. Once Oliver was introduced to weekly art therapy sessions, a noticeable shift began to occur. With the support of a trained art therapist, he started to use drawing and storytelling to express emotions that he previously struggled to verbalise.

Several targeted strategies within the art therapy sessions played a key role in supporting Oliver's progress. First, the therapist used structured drawing activities to help him explore and label feelings like anger, sadness, and fear — often using colours, shapes, or characters that represented those emotions. This gave Oliver a visual language to name what he was feeling, reducing the likelihood of emotional build-up leading to aggression.

Next, story-based art-making was introduced, where Oliver could create picture books or comic strips about characters facing similar frustrations. This allowed him to project his emotions safely and rehearse more adaptive responses through the narrative. The therapist also worked on routine-based art prompts that helped Oliver anticipate changes in his school day, a common trigger for his distress.

Finally, collaborative art activities were gradually introduced to support his social communication and tolerance to frustration when working with peers. These small group sessions encouraged turn-taking, problem-solving, and helped him practice using words or visuals to request help or take breaks.

Over time, Oliver developed a sense of control and self-awareness. He began to identify when he was feeling overwhelmed and would proactively reach for drawing materials as a way to self-regulate. His teachers and parents reported fewer incidents of aggression, and a marked improvement in his ability to cope with challenging situations. Art therapy provided Oliver with not just a creative outlet, but a structured, therapeutic framework that empowered him to process emotions in a healthy and meaningful way.

*Name changed for privacy.

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Parents and educators do not need to be trained therapists to support this kind of expression. Simple activities like finger painting, making emotion masks, or drawing “feelings monsters” can help children identify and release their emotions in healthy ways. By embracing art therapy techniques, we create more compassionate, responsive environments where children feel heard, supported, and empowered to grow.

One brushstroke at a time!

‍If you think your child could benefit from art therapy, reach out to our team to learn more or book a consultation — we’re here to support your child’s unique journey.

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References:
- Hasan Alam, F., M Atia, M., A Hassan, R., & I Rashed, N. (2022). Effectiveness of art therapy on aggressive behavior and self-esteem among children with learning disorders. Egyptian Journal of Health Care, 13(2), 2080-2096.
- Malchiodi, C. A. (Ed.). (2011). Handbook of art therapy. Guilford Press.

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