Recently, a friend of ours invited Jaxon to the local children’s art studio to paint. I really didn’t even give it a second thought before saying yes. As we were on our way to the art studio I started to get nervous. Jaxon has painted at home, but mostly just more abstract style, paint all different colors all over the paper type of painting; he hadn’t ever actually painted a ceramic item…especially one we had to pay for. I decided that there is a first time for everything…so let’s paint!
Jaxon did a fabulous job! He was focused, he was excited, and he worked very hard to get his painting absolutely perfect. Of course he chose a spooky skull…and then painted it red and blue (bringing back some Grateful Dead memories) but I bit my tongue, and let him work his magic! Being a parent to a special needs child has taught me many things, but patience is probably one of the most important skills I have learned from Jaxon.
We have now made painting a weekly activity in our house. Jaxon painted a Gnome a few weeks ago for his Uncle as a Christmas gift…it was his idea and the paint colors were completely his choice. Painting seems to be bringing out a more imaginative, creative side of Jaxon. We have also been painting little pumpkins at home; this allows Carter to join in without having to pay out a lot of money. I am so glad we dove into this new activity. After doing some research (for that Google degree) I found that a lot of children with autism (Autism and Art) (and other special needs) are using art as a form of therapy (Art Therapy). I will be searching like crazy for as many art activities that combine everyday first-grade skills in them for Jaxon from now on. My recommendation is that you “get creative” with your children and let them bring out their own artistic abilities…it is worth it, trust me!
Jaxon did a fabulous job! He was focused, he was excited, and he worked very hard to get his painting absolutely perfect. Of course he chose a spooky skull…and then painted it red and blue (bringing back some Grateful Dead memories) but I bit my tongue, and let him work his magic! Being a parent to a special needs child has taught me many things, but patience is probably one of the most important skills I have learned from Jaxon.
We have now made painting a weekly activity in our house. Jaxon painted a Gnome a few weeks ago for his Uncle as a Christmas gift…it was his idea and the paint colors were completely his choice. Painting seems to be bringing out a more imaginative, creative side of Jaxon. We have also been painting little pumpkins at home; this allows Carter to join in without having to pay out a lot of money. I am so glad we dove into this new activity. After doing some research (for that Google degree) I found that a lot of children with autism (Autism and Art) (and other special needs) are using art as a form of therapy (Art Therapy). I will be searching like crazy for as many art activities that combine everyday first-grade skills in them for Jaxon from now on. My recommendation is that you “get creative” with your children and let them bring out their own artistic abilities…it is worth it, trust me!
Painting the skull his own way.
Making it perfect.
Skull completed.
It is great to see him so focused.
Gnome.
Painting at home.