Art as a safe space for those on the Autistic Spectrum - The Canvas as a room.

Art as a safe space for those on the Autistic Spectrum

By Frances Cross

As a 40 something, late diagnosed woman on the Autistic Spectrum, I now finally understand why at the age of 12 I found solace in the Art department. 

For many autistic people, the world can feel overwhelming with its unpredictable social rules, sensory overload and constant masking. By having a safe space it meant I had somewhere with control, predictability and acceptance. Art can naturally offer this, as you choose the materials, pace and expression.

As someone on the spectrum, I know from experience that masking is exhausting: forcing eye contact, rehearsing social scripts and anxiety from sometimes just getting through the day without a panic attack ( a personal favourite of mine). Art doesn’t demand that from you. It allows someone to drop the mask and express themselves authentically. 

The media you chose to use never judges so you don’t have to be switched on ready to perform.

Photo by Ann on Unsplash

An autistic person often sees patterns and rules as a comfort as it allows for control and predictability. A person can see the rules, such as which colours feel safe or calming, how long the activity lasts, and whether to repeat the same design or experiment. Unlike social spaces the art room gave me safety from unpredictability.

Many autistic people experience the world through heightened senses. Art can provide a safe, self chosen sensory input. For example, soft brush strokes, soft fibres or the weight of clay. Predictable sounds - such as pencil on paper and scissors cutting. The visual order in patterns, symmetry, or colour palettes. This is what turns art into a sensory retreat rather than a sensory assault.

Emotions can be very intense and difficult to communicate for autistic people, and art can provide a way of releasing those emotions that feel trapped inside. Anger could be transferred to bold strokes and anxiety can be shown and soothed by repetitive doodles and stitches. Joy could be expressed in bright, layered colours. The safe space with art holds feelings without fear of being misunderstood. 

Art also allows for a safe space of discovery, whether that's identity or self understanding. A common trait of someone that is autistic is special interests, and through art autistic people may be able to explore their interests, obsessions and unique perspectives without risk of judgement. 

Sometimes it may not be the art itself, rather it could be the ritual of the space, such as a designated space or sketch book that allows the person to create their art. A quiet space that is just for that person to be their authentic self. 

Solitude is an interesting trait of those on the spectrum.Whilst art can be deeply private, it can allow for a safe method of communication to share feelings. Those on the spectrum who are non verbal can use art as a way to communicate without words. It lets others glimpse into the lives of those in the autistic inner world in a controlled and chosen way. 

For me art isn’t a hobby, it's my sanctuary. I’m that annoying person who wants to try everything and wants to look at art and learn as much as I can. It's like freedom from my own head. For me, it allows my brain to stop struggling to work the rest of the world out and simply be me. I like the detail and the thought process behind why the art was made or how it was made. It allows me to literally switch off, dampen the noise around me and escape.  A room without noise, judgement or rules, where someone on the spectrum can simply just be.