Children with disabilities may have alternate learning modalities and may need to learn through non-traditional methods.  Skills can be taught more effectively through an art form such as dance, drama, drawing, ceramics or music. Donna Benkert enrolled her five-year-old daughter, Mariah, at the Great Neck Arts Center a few years ago. Now the third grader from Bayside, who is challenged by autism, is placed at the head of her hip-hop dance class.

Through her participation in the arts, Mariah has grown both socially and emotionally. Participating in clay workshops has improved her motor skills and sensory integration, while her dance classes have turned her into a social butterfly who dreams of becoming a star. Mariah used to hate getting her hands dirty. Since working with clay is calming and fun, dirty hands have become more acceptable. This helps her to tolerate and enjoy life experiences that once weren’t pleasant to her.

When children can’t express themselves verbally, they can often express themselves through art and personal creation. If you tap into a passion or a talent, you’re able to give them the confidence and opportunity to express themselves in other ways. The creation of art and expression is what makes life go on. Take Mariah’s word for it. During a recent hip-hop class, she said, “Here I am in my happy place.”

Programs That Work

Here’s how to choose a program that’s committed to helping children with special needs and
their families:

Read the signs. Your kids will give you cues as to what they like. Try to give them something they love and turn it into something constructive. Find ways to continue to foster their skills.
Keep trying until they succeed. Then they can hold on to that victory for confidence. If they’re having a bad day, no one can take away their creative skills — they own them.
Find the people who love your children. As a parent you want to know your child is safe. Find the people who have the patience, skills, and willingness to go above and beyond for your child to give them the opportunity to really shine.

According to the Autism Society of America, autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and is the result of a neurological disorder that affects the normal functioning of the brain, impacting development in the areas of social interaction and communication skills. Both children and adults with autism typically show difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions and leisure or play activities. Autism is a spectrum disorder and it affects each individual differently and at varying degrees. To learn more, visit www.autism-society.org.