By: Pamela Ullmann, ATR-BC, LCAT
This blog post has been reprinted with express permission of the author as it appeared on her  Full Spectrum Blog
One of the challenges of conducting therapy groups for children is to balance structure with creative freedom. This is especially true for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders, because their behaviors can be very unpredictable causing the group to become chaotic and unsettling. So therefore a structured environment is essential and very often what this population thrives on. So, how can the art therapist still allow for creativity and mastery when behaviors are getting in the way? Not an easy task, but it can be done.
What kind of structure is needed? Well, it basically depends on the functioning level of the group but all in all I find it best to have a set plan of art making within a theme that the children can enjoy and relate to. For example “The Beach” or “Zoo Animals” and then have materials to support the theme, even sensory toys and books related to the theme helps to have on hand. Although as art therapists we try not to influence the art making, I always try to make a “sample” of the project to allow the children to have a visual representation; this very often is helpful to get them started. It is also useful to have “group rules” established before engaging in activity; this serves as a behavioral structure and will set boundaries for unaccepted behaviors.
Building social skills are a big component to ASD groups. Art making can allow for this to occur by designing the groups to “work together” or cooperatively. Murals, group collages and quilt making can allow this to happen. While children are engaging in the art making process, the therapist should always be mirroring back the accomplishments of each child’s successes. Something as small as sharing a crayon can reinforce the skills being built. In addition, commenting on art elements within the child’s work is great way to encourage individual creativity and to engage others in sharing thoughts as well. Making connections within the group is very powerful too. For example saying, “Look Johnny….. Billy’s painting has the same bright green that your picture has……is that one of your favorite colors? Maybe it’s Billy’s favorite color, let’s ask him….”
Some children on the spectrum who are lower functioning will need more assistance in order to participate in the group. Until they are comfortable in their surroundings some children will require a 1:1 aide within the group to help manage behaviors. It will benefit the child as well as the therapist to have this extra help in order to maintain group cohesion. As the child becomes more adaptable, the aide can be less involved and eventually weaned out of the group. In addition, the groups should have a manageable number of children based on available aides and volunteers. The ratio should be determined based on functioning level as well. An ideal group size is about 4-6 children with a lead therapist and at least one assistant as well as an aide for behavioral children.
One last thing to keep in mind when working with children on the spectrum is the choice of materials for art making. Make sure you are aware of sensory issues within the group as well as allergies and aversions which children with ASD often have. It is best to build up a tolerance to messier materials which can often be regressive. Painting is fine, however put out small amounts and use spill proof containers. Make sure that when messy materials are being presented there are enough aides to provide support and “hand over hand” assistance. Letting parents know beforehand is a good idea for dressing down and having smocks is a good idea as well.

Featured Author: Pamela Ullmann, ATR-BC,LCAT
Many thanks to Pamela Ullmann for providing us with this article for our newsletter and website.
Pamela has worked in a variety of clinical, educational and business settings. Her passion for the arts led her to become an art therapist in 1996.
Pamela works therapeutically with children and families dealing with medical, emotional , behavioral and special needs issues (now specializing in Autism Spectrum Disorders). Currently, she is working as an art therapy supervisor for Heartsong, Inc, developing new programming for a new nonprofit organization called Healing Arts Family Connection, Inc and works in her own private practice, Colors of Play, LLC. Please support our contributing authors. Visit Pamela’s Blog, Full Spectrum at http://colorsofplay.blogspot.com/ and her website at: http://www.colorsofplay.com/
In addition to her clinical abilities, Pamela has developed administrative and managerial skills which has enabled her to contribute to all aspects of business planning and development. .