Matthew's artwork

[integritysinger]

Matthew's stress reliever is artwork. He gets up, gets dressed and is hovering over his desk with pencils and markers awaiting breakfast. When we get home from school, he drops his bookbag in the hallway at the front door and makes a mad dash back to his desk to draw, but not before he's turned on some music

Comments

[thatgirl101]

Wow - I think so too (says the art teacher). I hope I can do art with my kiddo one day. I'll put on the music with him!

[integritysinger]

yay! I'm glad you said so! I was hoping you might comment because I've always thought that Matthew's artwork went beyond the standard 8 year old boy's abilities (even if marginally - a little ego buffing is nice once in awhile). But clearly not being an objective commenter on his artwork, I knew I needed a more knowledgeable opinion. Thanks!!!! Feel free to critique, add your comments, tips, whatever. This is his one and only forte.

BTW, this is the other thing everyone told me to look for with ASDs - the arrival and development of Matthew's abilities. Not that he's a savant, mind you (geez, that savantism myth burns my britches) but that he has a clear aptitude that he hones in on, self-directed. He doesn't even play anymore, just draws. He has actually asked that we take all the toys out of his room so he has more drawing room. He has his own desk but now I'm wishing I had the forethought to get him more of an architect/artist work station!!!

I wish we had an art therapist in our area but alas, there is none.

[integritysinger]

oh and another thing (one of these days I'll be able to keep all my thoughts on one page... lol) classical music. Matthew has been listening to classical music EVERY.SINGLE.DAY of his life. His tastes have changed a little and he likes Cold Play and Discotech and Rap but mostly Classical. I firmly believe it makes a difference in the formation of neural synapses/learning potential.

[thatgirl101]

Do you think the music helps in any way? And if so, other than learning potential. I mean, do you have anything concrete?
My mom heard a story about a family (http://thestory.org/archive/the_story_751_Healing_Scores.mp3/mediafile_view) where all of her children were improving (how? I do not know) and she couldn't figure out why. They finally connected it back to the music. I am not sure about it, but if you want to look into it. You have the link my mom sent me months ago. I still haven't really looked at it. I think I will now!