How Drawing Can Help Children with ADHD and Autism
Drawing is often seen as simply a hobby or a way to pass time. But for many children, the repetitive nature of drawing can be therapeutic and calming. In my art school, I've noticed that many kids with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and autism have found an outlet in drawing—and have used it to improve focus, draftsmanship, and attention span.
When I founded my art school in 2020, I was amazed at the amount of children with ADHD and autism who were among our students. From the moment my doors opened, I noticed that a large number of students with ADHD or autism were interested in what I had to offer—and it made me curious. What was it about my school that drew these kids in? After some research, I discovered there was a lot that drawing can do to help kids with these difficulties overcome challenges. Let’s take a look at why drawing is so powerful and how it can help children struggling with distractions, difficulty focusing, and more.
The Repetitive Nature of Drawing
Drawing is an incredibly repetitive activity. This repetition can provide structure for kids with ADHD or autism who are looking for an anchor in life. During the process of drawing, the artist will often repeat certain aspects to make sure they have achieved their desired result. This repetition helps provide a sense of consistency in their work which can be comforting when dealing with uncertainty or anxiety. Furthermore, this routine helps to keep their minds focused on one task at hand—something that many children with ADHD or autism struggle to do on their own.
Draftsmanship & Focus
One of the main benefits of drawing is its ability to teach children how to focus their attention on details. When kids are asked to draw something accurately, they must pay careful attention to their subject matter in order to get it right, which can be helpful for those struggling with sensory overload or hyperactivity as it encourages focus on one “thing” at a time rather than processing multiple stimuli all at once. As they progress through this process, they learn important skills such as draftsmanship—the ability to draw accurate representations of objects that look natural by using light and shadow appropriately—which further boosts their confidence levels. By focusing on craftsmanship instead of worrying about distractions, these kids find stability through art. I’ve also noticed that learning how to express themselves through art can be incredibly empowering for those struggling with communication problems due to their conditions.
Doing Rather Than Overthinking
Kids with ADHD and autism tend to overthink things which can lead them into confusing scenarios that prove difficult for them to navigate without guidance and support from others. Drawing provides them the opportunity to just do rather than think about what the outcome should be; it is about exploring your creative side without worrying about mistakes made along the way because you can always start again! So in this sense, drawing really encourages “doing” rather than “overthinking” which can be a major challenge for those with ADHD or autism who often get caught in their own heads instead of taking action on their ideas.
Drawing has really been one of the most valuable lessons I have learned since founding my art school – not only about the power of art education but also about how it can make such a huge difference in the lives of those struggling with ADHD or autism. It encourages focus, builds motor skills, helps reduce stress from overthinking, and most importantly gives these kids an opportunity to express themselves freely without judgement or limitation. Art truly does have the power to transform lives – and when taught properly can be one of the most powerful tools available for helping kids succeed both inside & outside the classroom!
