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Beautiful minds find their calling in crafts, gardening
Autistics usually have a limited ability to communicate and are easily disturbed if changes occur, but can focus wonderfully on creative pursuits, such as art, gardening and sport. Some Chennai experts say how their talents can be fostered
By
migrator
migrator
Chennai
They see the world in a different way and they are often considered introverts, but those with autism have a mind that is constantly finding a space of its own to inhabit — usually through creative pursuits like music, drawing and painting, and activities like gardening and sports. A study published last year in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders reveals a link between autistic traits and unusual and original ideas, highlighting high levels of creativity in such people.
World Autism Day
Nandini Santhanam, cofounder of The Lotus Foundation, which works with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), says that while proving their mettle in the academic sphere may not be their cup of tea, it doesn’t rule out their capability. She says, “Many are scholars in Physics, Mathematics, Neurology and Earth Sciences among other scientific realms. Autistics seem to know so much more about a variety of subjects than the normal people. The challenge, however, lies in expressing their knowledge and to fit into the academic structure of present day schools and universities.”
Channelise their focus:
Nandini adds that autistics pick up activities too, based on their interests and explore them at their own pace. “Ultimately, they themselves choose what is best suited to them as well as what their passion is at any moment. Music, literature, sports, dance, cooking, gardening, healing, painting, sculpting, care-giving, laundry, cleaning, puzzle solving are just a few areas where autistics engage themselves,” she adds.
Music teacher and writer Lakshmi Mohan, who has coached more than 150 autistics in bhajan singing for a few years now, says that it is for the parents and family to have an open mind about their child’s interest areas. She says, “As much as 99 per cent of these people show a deep interest in music. The family can spot this interest and help them develop it. Apart from being therapeutic, music helps them concentrate and focus. But the key word here is training them in a structured manner.”
There are several instances of creative endeavours by those with autism in the city. One of them is Krishna Narayanan, who has authored four books so far on different subjects from spirituality to fiction. Twentytwo-year-old Teja’s paintings have taken him places. However, specialists insist that tapping their creative space is a constant process and a thing of the moment for the autistic.
Healing effects:
Research has shown a strong link between gardening and autism. A study says that it incorporates cognitive, physical and social processes. The Lotus Foundation has found extremely positive results, engaging children in gardening.
Swimming, which helps to channelise energy is yet another activity that can benefit children with autism, says S Natraj, swimming coach. However, he also admits that there are limitations that have to be dealt with.
He adds, “Every child is different and there is no standard technique we can teach. We need to understand the limitations of the child and design the teaching style accordingly. We even have to use visual mediums and props to teach them,” says Natraj.
WHAT IS AUTISM?
- Autism is a pervasive developmental disorder that involves abnormal development, functioning of the brain.
- People with autism show decreased social communication skills and restricted or repetitive patterns of behaviours or interests.
- Symptoms include no eye contact, repetitive behaviour, inability to understand simple questions or directions and inablity to emote.
- Diagnosing ASD can be difficult since there is no medical test, like a blood test, to diagnose the disorders.
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