Art Lessons for a Young Artist with Asperger Syndrome

Abstract

This article addresses the art lessons of a young artist with Asperger Syndrome (AS). It discusses the interpersonal relationship between the author, an art teacher, and this young art student with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It also describes some of the behavior modification techniques I used during art lessons to instruct the young artist. It describes artmaking in terms of subject matter, art materials, and the environment. I acted as curator of this young artist’s first solo art exhibit at Macy Gallery, Teachers College, Columbia University. I discuss how working in these areas of great interest for this young artist with AS contributed to advance his artistic talents and acquisition of skills. In addition, this work may have impacted his interpersonal skills and social communication skills, including his use of social language.