2nd December 2018
I think creativity is important for Autistic people. It is certainly critical for my well being. But before I get into the reasons why, I want to make it very clear that creativity does not need to be to any sort of level. If you draw a stick figure picture then you have created a picture, it does not need to be the next Mona Lisa, the very fact that you have produced something makes you a creator. We all have levels of creativity, some are deemed to be artistic, talented, genius and others not. If you are reading this blog then remember that whilst I am writing this I don’t care what your skill level is – all I care about is the very act of creation and the benefits you might receive from it.
I think I would define creativity as the production of something. Taking materials and making them into something else or forming something from nothing but your imagination, thoughts and feelings. Take this blog, I am writing this from thoughts inside my head and at the start this was just a blank computer file, now it’s halfway through a piece of writing. That is one of the great things about creating, there are so many ways that it can be done.
These include drawing, painting, photography, blogging, vlogging, modelling, sculpting, writing, gardening, origami, Lego building, blacksmithing, interior design, filming, organising, computer coding, the list goes on. What can also be great for an Autistic person is that some of these ways to be a creator can link into things like sensory seeking. For example, an Autistic person who creates clay models might get extra pleasure from the sensory smell and texture of the clay, which then helps them to relax.
So why might creativity be important for an Autistic person? Well I have just mentioned the sensory thing, but I think it has other benefits too. The main one for me is control. Whenever I am creating anything I am the boss, I don’t have to work with others and it doesn’t matter if people like or don’t like what I have produced. In a lot of areas in my life I have to adapt to what other people want, do what I am told and mask to fit in. This can cause me stress and frustration, but creating things on my own has none of these issues. I think the same can be said for Neurotypical people too though, as a side point. What I produce might be absolute rubbish, but the point is, it is my mine. I made it. That can create a good feeling of self worth and satisfaction.
A lot of Autistic people struggle with social interaction and creating things on their own is kind of an antidote to this. Often special interests involve an element of creativity. Imagine a person who enjoys writing stories. If they have been to work, a social event, a family get together etc. then they may be close to having a meltdown. Going home and doing some writing afterwards is perhaps their way of calming down, relieving anxiety and preventing themselves from actually having that meltdown. You could swap writing here with any productive interest and the effects would be the same.
Employment can be a difficult thing for Autistic people. It is well documented that the majority of Autistic people are unemployed and perhaps the main reason for this is the struggles we can have with social engagement with other people. However, an Autistic person may have a creative talent where they produce something which they can then sell. This can lead to them becoming self employed and being able to support themselves financially. This is an excellent demonstration of why creativity is important. At the same time though, this is where creativity might require a level of talent, which not everyone on the spectrum will have. Also producing quality creations might not be able to match the quantity required for a person to support themselves. Therefore this benefit may only work for some.
Creativity can also introduce you to new things. I have tried many different ways of creative output when opportunities have arose. For example, I once helped produce a stain glassed window. I wouldn’t want to do it every week, but it was a fun experience. The point I am trying to make is, don’t be afraid to try different mediums and ways of being creative. If you read about somebody making sand sculpture, then next time you are at the beach give it a try. You might be rubbish at it, or you might be amazing! But isn’t it fun to find out? Also don’t worry if the activity seems childish. Finger painting, building Legos, painting eggs might all seem like activities aimed at kids but adults do them too. Experiment with things and you might find something that becomes a life long interest and passion.
Finally I think creativity can also help to a degree with social interaction. If you produce something then you can choose to show it to other people. They may or may not like it, but there is a strong possibility that they will have some sort of reaction and this can lead to you having a discussion about it. I know a lot of Autistic people, including myself, love to talk about their special interest and if that interest involves making something then you have a physical object to start the conversation.
It is your choice to show other people or not what you make, so again you are in control. However, where it might be difficult to start small talk about pointless subjects, it might be easier with a creative interest. For example, imagine if you are passionate about jewellery design and wear a bracelet that you have made. Perhaps you are at a social event that you are struggling with. Somebody might notice that bracelet and say “I like that bracelet. Where did you get it?” and then that’s when you have the chance to talk about yourself and your interests. This is just a rough example but I hope it demonstrates another way creativity can help. Also creativity can help with communication, if you don’t like talking then perhaps it is easier for you to communicate through drawing pictures. Another advantage where creativity can help with social interaction.
Creativity is awesome in my opinion and above everything else I believe the main reason for this is because it is fun and productive. Whatever you are creating the main thing is to enjoy it and have fun. It doesn’t matter what you preferred medium is, what skill level you have, how much time you dedicate to it, what it is, whether you do it alone or share it with others, the point is that you have a positive experience from it. That is why I think it is important.