The Power of Art and Play Therapy for Children with Autism and Sensory Processing Disorders

When words aren’t enough, creativity speaks.

For many children with autism and sensory processing disorders (SPD), expressing feelings, navigating social interactions, and managing sensory experiences can be overwhelming. Traditional talk therapy might not be the best fit—but that’s where art therapy and play therapy shine. These therapeutic approaches tap into the natural ways children communicate, helping them make sense of the world around them in a safe and supportive environment.

What Are Art and Play Therapy?

Art therapy uses creative activities like drawing, painting, and sculpting to help children express emotions and experiences they might not be able to verbalize. Play therapy, on the other hand, allows children to explore their thoughts and feelings through structured and unstructured play, often using toys, games, or role-playing scenarios.

Both therapies are grounded in evidence-based techniques and are facilitated by trained professionals who understand child development, psychology, and therapeutic methods

Why These Therapies Matter for Children with Autism and SPD

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often experience challenges with communication, social skills, and sensory regulation. Similarly, children with SPD may be over- or under-responsive to sensory input, affecting how they process sights, sounds, textures, and movement. These challenges can lead to frustration, anxiety, and behavioral issues.

Art and play therapy offer non-verbal, low-pressure environments that encourage self-expression, build trust, and help children regulate their sensory experiences.

Here’s why these therapies are so powerful:

1. They Foster Emotional Expression Without Words

Many children with autism struggle with alexithymia—the difficulty of identifying and describing emotions. Art and play therapy bypass this barrier by giving children tools to communicate through symbols, images, and actions.

For example, a child may not be able to say “I’m anxious,” but they might paint a stormy sky or build a chaotic scene in a sand tray. Therapists can gently explore these creative choices, helping the child gain insight and control over their feelings.

A study published in the Arts in Psychotherapy journal found that art therapy significantly improved emotional expression and social engagement in children with autism (Martin, 2009).

2. They Support Sensory Integration

Children with SPD often find it hard to process sensory input like touch, sound, or movement. Art and play therapy can be tailored to provide controlled sensory experiences that gradually help children tolerate and process stimuli more effectively.

In a typical session, a therapist might use textured materials like clay, finger paints, or kinetic sand to help a child with tactile defensiveness. Through repetitive and positive exposure, the child can build tolerance and even enjoyment of sensory play.

A 2020 study in The American Journal of Occupational Therapy found that incorporating sensory-based art activities helped improve self-regulation and sensory processing in children with SPD (Case-Smith et al., 2020).

3. They Build Social and Communication Skills

Both therapies offer rich opportunities for practicing social interactions in a natural, playful way. In play therapy, children might engage in turn-taking games, role-play scenarios, or cooperative building activities. These situations help teach eye contact, empathy, problem-solving, and language skills.

In art therapy, collaborative projects or guided discussions about artwork can foster verbal and nonverbal communication. Therapists might prompt a child with, “Tell me about your picture,” encouraging them to describe thoughts and make choices.

A systematic review in Autism Research (2021) found that play-based interventions improved joint attention, imitation, and symbolic play in young children with autism, all critical skills for social development (Wong et al., 2021).

4. They Provide a Safe Space for Healing

Children with autism and SPD often experience frustration, social rejection, or trauma from being misunderstood. Art and play therapy offer safe, judgment-free environments where they can be themselves, make mistakes, and experiment with new ways of being.

Research from The Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry shows that children with ASD benefit significantly from therapies that emphasize relationship-building and emotional safety, like play therapy (Solomon et al., 2007).

Therapists provide structure and predictability, key for children who thrive on routine. Over time, these therapeutic relationships can become powerful sources of trust and healing.

What Does a Session Look Like At Sage House Therapy?

Let’s say a 6-year-old child, who has autism and struggles with sensory overload, enters our art and play therapy room. Our quiet corner, with building blocks, books and toy animals can be a welcomed calm space to adjust to the new surroundings. His therapist joins him, mirroring his play and gradually introducing storytelling elements. Over time, Leo begins using the animals to express feelings—having them argue, make up, and comfort each other.

In an art therapy session, 9-year-old Maya, who has SPD and prefers to avoid “messy” art materials, is encouraged to paint with a brush at first. As her comfort grows, she tries finger painting. Her therapist gently narrates her choices: “I see you used red—what does red feel like today?” These sessions help Maya regulate emotions and develop coping strategies.

Final Thoughts

Art and play therapy aren’t just fun—they’re vital tools in helping children with autism and sensory processing disorders thrive. By meeting kids where they are—through movement, color, imagination, and play—these therapies build bridges between inner experiences and the outer world.

If you're a parent, teacher, or caregiver, consider exploring these options. With the right support, creativity can become a powerful ally in your child’s journey. To learn more about our art therapy and play therapy services at Sage House please connect with us! We offer free, confidential consultations and look forward to supporting your child and family.