Evidence Based Statements

Evidence of the benefit of arts therapy in improving disability-related functional capacity

++ Please take the time to read these individual participant and carer statements from those who feel deeply impacted by this potential change and review ++

Please accept these statements as “Evidence of the benefit of arts therapy in improving disability-related functional capacity” as outlined in the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission ‘Evidence and Informed Practice Guide’ https://ndiscommission.gov.au/resources/provider-and-worker-resources

*Note full consent given by contributors and participant de-identified for privacy reasons

Participant: KG c/o RG.
Melbourne.
Age: Child.
Autism. Level 3.

“The participant, who underwent brain surgery at age 4, was non-verbal, has low cognitive abilities, and is currently working a few years, below his grade level at school, has been diagnosed with ASD 3. Traditional art classes often lack the specialised skills necessary to meet the unique needs of the participant. As the participant grows, they can still receive the support they need in Art therapy and not feel different from others. An art therapist with the proper qualifications is equipped to help a child facing significant challenges to achieve their goals.

Art therapy has helped with social communication and helps participant understand and express his thoughts and emotions more effectively with his family and peers.

Art therapy has supported participant in enhancing his cognitive processing skills and applying them across various aspects of his life with the ultimate goal of fostering greater independence as he grows.

Art therapy is centred on using the creative process to promote emotional, psychological and growth. It is to express emotions that may not come out any other way and to work through the psychological challenges. Regular art class are focussed on aesthetic. Without an art therapist the participant would not have made the cognitive and emotional progress.”

PARTICIPANT CONSENT:
I give permission for my story to be used in the information provided for the NDIS independent review.
I understand I can remain anonymous in these processes.

Participant: CAP
Melbourne.
Age: Child 14.
Autism.

“Once upon a time I was a child, and I came to Art therapy. I was EXTREMELY quiet and shy and throughout my time doing Art therapy I have learnt to be more confident and embrace my sense of humour, which has helped me a lot. Now I am going into year 9, confident and ready and that’s because of how Art therapy has helped through the years. So, thank you to my art therapist for everything.

Socially, art therapy has helped me with getting more confident in social interactions and building relationships with people. It helped me come out of my shell and be myself more.

With communication, it has helped me understand my own feelings as well as others which has been really helpful.

Art therapy and art-based activities are different because you can do one on one, groups aren’t always a great answer. Not at the start at least. You can trust with your art therapist in one on one and then IF YOU WANT you can go to a group. Also having an art therapist is good because they know more things and ways to help because THEY WERE TRAINED!!! In the way of Art Therapy Martial Arts.”

PARTICIPANT CONSENT:
I give permission for my story to be used in the information provided for the NDIS independent review.
I understand I can remain anonymous in these processes.

Participant: JE c/o TC.
Melbourne.
Age: 12.
Autism. PDA.

“We started art therapy in 2023 after school trauma in 2022 sent my child into autistic burnout and deep depression (aged 10). Talk therapy (with a psychologist) was not helping as ‘T’ felt pressured and unable to articulate what was going on for them. Art is a strong interest for T, so being able to express to explore emotions through an art framework has been much more successful.

Functional Capacity:

Fine motor skills: ‘T” struggles to hand write but will do so as part of an art piece; using art materials (pens, markers, paint brushes, clay) is building their hand strength and fine motor control so that writing is not so difficult.

Self-Care: improvement in fine motor skills/strength has helped ‘T’ be able to consistently brush teeth to a safe standard.

Communication: ‘T’ says ‘there are some things I can only express through art’. They now use cartoon faces to communicate their feelings at home and with their psychologist.

Learning: Art therapy has encouraged ‘T’ to learn new skills (difficult due to perfectionism and anxiety).

Social participation: After ‘T’ left school they were very anxious around middle-aged women (like their ex-teacher) and large groups of children. Our art therapist has helped ‘T’ regulate a sense of safety. ‘T’ is now expressing an interest in joining a group to interact with more than one peer at once. This is a massive shift.

PARTICIPANT CONSENT:
I give permission for my story to be used in the information provided for the NDIS independent review.
I understand I can remain anonymous in these processes.

Participant: C/o JB.
Melbourne.
Age: Child.
Autism level 2.

“JB is a young teen who is not able to engage in traditional talk therapy due to the nature of his Autism. Art therapy (like music and play therapy) allow him to receive support and express his feelings in an assessable way.

JB undertakes Art therapy to help with his NDIS goal around self-understanding, self-expression and emotional regulation. These skills will have a big impact on his ability for future social and economic participation as an autistic adult.

JB attends Art therapy for the same reason an adult may see a psychologist; not just to socialise or do a craft activity.”

PARTICIPANT CONSENT:
I give permission for my story to be used in the information provided for the NDIS independent review.
I understand I can remain anonymous in these processes.

Participant: CD c/o LS
Melbourne.
Age: Child.
Combined type ADHD/PDA

“My son was diagnosed with severe combined type ADHD in 2023, after receiving a ‘developmental delay’ diagnosis in kinder. We have used his provided funding to engage therapists who have the ability to collaborate with him through non-conventional, alternative, skill-based methods. Art therapy has benefitted him immensely in improving his sense of self and self-worth.

As a curious, energetic, playful child who moves promptly from task to task, art therapy has allowed and made space for personal growth in several areas. These include, but are not limited to, planning and performing set tasks, managing and organising oneself, expressing and understanding emotions and regulation of big feelings.

Just as infants and toddlers learn through play, art therapy allows creativity to lead the way for development, growth, exploration, independence, and communication through the many mediums provided, in a safe environment. This form of therapy is crucial for neurodivergent children and their families.”

PARTICIPANT CONSENT:
I give permission for my story to be used in the information provided for the NDIS independent review.
I understand I can remain anonymous in these processes.

Participant: LW.
Melbourne.
Adult.
Autism. Generalised Anxiety.

“Art therapy has improved my life dramatically compared to any other form of therapy. I have gone through traditional talk therapy, psychology, counselling. I have not had success with anything other than art therapy. As someone with autism, anxiety, and other mental health issues, I find therapy very confronting and difficult. Art therapy has allowed me to explore and share my experiences and feelings without that conflict.

For many autistic people including myself, we have trouble speaking to others, we have other ways of expressing ourselves, and art therapy is very helpful at bringing out our inner problems to the therapist and getting help. It has helped me go out and socialise, it has improved my outlook on life, helped me understand and improve myself and none of it would have been possible without it.”

PARTICIPANT CONSENT:
I give permission for my story to be used in the information provided for the NDIS independent review.
I understand I can remain anonymous in these processes.

Participant: IW.
Melbourne.
Adult.
Autism. Generalised Anxiety

“I went through all sorts of therapy as a kid and because of my autism, I had a very hard time with them all for different reasons. Some therapies were traumatic because it was trying to mould my behaviours to fit in, which feels incredibly invalidating and insulting. Whereas other ones felt very intimidating because I didn’t feel comfortable expressing myself due to always being misunderstood and not knowing how or why I should tell people what I’m going through. It really just didn’t help me. I gave a last chance to art therapy, and it actually was the only thing to work with me.

Being able to draw my feelings through a guided experience with my therapist led me to not need to use words to portray my feelings. I didn’t need to be very social I could focus on my drawing and still participate in a healing process of understanding myself. Because once I look back at the drawing, I made I can see a physical image of something I didn’t have the words to explain. And it made everything seem so much more simple. It helped me socialise and work through my anxieties at the time that I don’t feel comfortable talking to people about.”

PARTICIPANT CONSENT:
I give permission for my story to be used in the information provided for the NDIS independent review.
I understand I can remain anonymous in these processes.

Parent: JG c/o AG.
Melbourne.
Child aged 12.
Autism. Anxiety. ADHD. Suicidal Ideation. Social exclusion.

“I am writing to share the profound positive impact art therapy has had on my 12-year-old daughter, AG, who has been navigating several challenges, including anxiety, ADHD, autism, suicidal ideation, and social exclusion.

AG’s journey has not been easy, but over the past several months, her participation in Art therapy has significantly helped her process and manage her emotions, develop coping skills, and build greater self-awareness. Art therapy has provided Ava with a safe space to express herself in ways words often fail to capture, offering a much-needed outlet for her complex feelings.

One of the most remarkable changes I’ve observed is in AG’s ability to express and regulate her emotions. Before starting Art therapy, she struggled to articulate her feelings, often becoming overwhelmed by the intensity of her emotions. Through her art, Ava has found a way to visualize and process these emotions, which has made it easier for her to communicate with us and her support team. This non-verbal form of expression has been a lifeline, especially when she experiences moments of anxiety or frustration.

Art therapy has also helped AG improve her ability to manage anxiety and hyperactivity, both of which are closely tied to her ADHD. The structured yet flexible nature of the art sessions allows her to focus her attention in a way that feels natural and engaging. This has led to greater calmness and an improved ability to focus on tasks outside of therapy. Her artwork often mirrors her progress, with early works displaying frustration and confusion, while later pieces reveal a newfound sense of peace and resilience.

Another significant area of growth is in AG’s social interactions. Due to her autism and previous experiences of social exclusion, AG found it difficult to connect with peers. Through Art therapy, she has had opportunities to engage in collaborative projects, providing her with a structured environment to practice social skills and make connections with others. While Ava still finds social situations challenging at times, she has developed increased confidence and a sense of belonging, thanks to these creative interactions.

Perhaps most importantly, Art therapy has been instrumental in alleviating the suicidal ideation AG previously struggled with. The therapeutic process has not only helped her build resilience but also fostered a sense of hope. By creating art, AG has found a way to express the darkness she sometimes feels, transforming it into something tangible that she can confront and process. This, in turn, has played a critical role in reducing the intensity of her suicidal thoughts and fostering a more positive outlook on her future.

AG’s growth and progress through Art therapy have been nothing short of transformative. It has provided her with the tools to better understand herself, manage her emotions, and connect with others in meaningful ways. I am incredibly grateful for the dedicated art therapist who has worked with Ava and supported her through this journey.

Thank you for your time and consideration in reading about AG’s experience. I am happy to share more details or answer any questions you may have about the impact Art therapy has had on her life.”

PARTICIPANT CONSENT:
I give permission for my story to be used in the information provided for the NDIS independent review.
I understand I can remain anonymous in these processes.

Parent: NW.
Melbourne.
Child aged 14.
Autism. PDA. Social Anxiety. ARFID.

“A lot of therapies do not work for autistic children. I’ve had my daughter pull me by my arms out of a counselling session because there was too much talking. We’ve tried lots of different people – psychologists, equine therapists, counsellors – but it was once we started Art therapy that we saw a difference. With the focus on something else (the art), my daughter gradually felt comfortable talking and began making noticeable progress for the first time. Her relationship with (her art therapist) Louise has grown into one of trust and couldn’t be replaced by a session in a group setting (which isn’t a setting of emotional safety.)”

PARTICIPANT CONSENT:
I give permission for my story to be used in the information provided for the NDIS independent review.
I understand I can remain anonymous in these processes.

Parent: SS.
Melbourne.
Children: aged 7+10.
Autism, ADHD, PDA

“As a parent I was always nervous about stating Art therapy as a support because NDIS can be picky about therapies. Many children cannot manage traditional ‘talk’ therapies or any work in these areas that seems to tell them what do. Autistic children with a PDA/ODD profile need ‘out of the box’ therapy styles to enable them to engage with and benefit from them. Art therapy has been remarkable in its effectiveness with my PDA children. Their natural love of materials along with the sensory benefit of art, have helped them to regulate enough in a therapeutic environment to be able to absorb the ‘lessons’ therapies also offer.

Two of my three PDA kids have really struggled to manage being traditional therapy environments as their fight/flight sets in with talk and perceived demands. These kids can’t access traditional therapies as they need other ways to reach them. We have found that Art therapy covers both speech and psychology, as we need them too, so we are now billing less to the NDIS. Art therapy wasn’t available to my older child. She couldn’t manage traditional therapies, and we are seeing the detrimental effects of that. The govt ends up paying more for people who haven’t been able to access suitable therapies.”

PARTICIPANT CONSENT:
I give permission for my story to be used in the information provided for the NDIS independent review.
I understand I can remain anonymous in these processes.

Parent: HA.
Melbourne.
Children: aged 7+11.
Autism, ADHD, Tourette’s.

“My daughters see an Art Therapist, and I can easily say it is by far the most effective therapy that either of them has. Both girls struggle to regulate their emotions and understand the social world around them. Art therapy has given them a platform to explore their feelings and help to understand the feelings of others around them in a fun and creative space that they are willing to partake in. My eldest daughter especially has struggled in the past to engage with speech therapists, psychologists and psychiatrists and has been unwilling to speak about her feelings and struggled to get anything out of these sessions. However, in Art therapy she is willing to discuss her feelings and actually work through some of the social issues she has been dealing with at school, because it is presented to her in a way that in engaging and physical. If Art therapy is taken away from us, it will have a significantly negative impact on the development of my children and their long-term goals.”

PARTICIPANT CONSENT:
I give permission for my story to be used in the information provided for the NDIS independent review.
I understand I can remain anonymous in these processes.

Parent: PB.
Melbourne.
Child: aged 14.
Diagnosis: Autism, ADHD, PDA profile, MDD, Anxiety

“I’m confused. What Autistic people and their families were put at the centre of this decision? We’re now left with therapy interventions for our children that, at best, offer them low to moderate success. Therapy that depends on eye contact as confirmation that she is listening, and that relies on words to communicate feelings and thoughts. Been there, done that – It doesn’t work. My daughter became over loaded and quiet. Sometimes she tried desperately to comply and made herself stay but always became distressed. It was excruciating and uncomfortable. Often, I could not get her to return.

This scenario is not unique to my daughter. So disappointing – Another decision, demonstrating a general ignorance of autism and creating another barrier for autistic people. On advice from my daughter’s psychiatrist, I sought out a Creative Arts therapist, and we have not looked back. It has increased her willingness to engage, and it doesn’t rely primarily on words to communicate feelings and thoughts. Art therapy for her, has very little to do with creating a piece of artwork. It is about being heard on a level of communication that has the capacity to reach her neuro divergent brain. My daughter, and the disability community she belongs to need to continue to access this therapy as they currently are.

Whilst I welcome reviews into the scheme and its spending in some areas, please, please, do not make the changes proposed that would limit access to this therapy. There is no alternative for our children.”

PARTICIPANT CONSENT:
I give permission for my story to be used in the information provided for the NDIS independent review.
I understand I can remain anonymous in these processes.

Parent: SB
Melbourne.
Child: aged 15.
Autism

“The creative (Art therapy individual 1:1) appointments been transformative for our family, offering a space where self-expression thrives in ways traditional therapies haven’t been able to achieve. It has not only enhanced emotional resilience but also fostered meaningful connections, which have brought lasting positive changes to our lives.”

PARTICIPANT CONSENT:
I give permission for my story to be used in the information provided for the NDIS independent review.
I understand I can remain anonymous in these processes.

Participant: ZA
Melbourne.
Child: aged 15.
Autism + ADHD

“I am 14 years old and have gone to Art therapy since 2021, every single fortnight on Tuesdays. Art therapy has helped me so much by using the materials in-person and being hands on. Making this a (new) rule is not fair. The next generations will be mine. Why are we doing this? Art therapy is one of the best things that have happened to me and to so many others. Please don’t do this. You may think that Art therapy and music therapy is nothing but it’s not. Having somewhere where I can be myself and using art (craft/materials) to put my emotions on the paper. There is not any good reason for this. You are putting everyone in danger. Please take this into consideration.”

PARTICIPANT CONSENT:
I give permission for my story to be used in the information provided for the NDIS independent review.
I understand I can remain anonymous in these processes.

GENERAL PARENT FEEDBACK:

““Lou you are amazing and I love love love what you do ?. My girls have gained so much from coming to you regularly. I’m seeing less anxiety, more resilience, the confidence to speak about emotions and overall happiness. It’s given me great insight into what might go on sometimes in their little minds. The smiles on their faces when your name comes up is awesome. Thank you Lou” NK

“Thank you again for an amazing session with my son yesterday. You covered more with him than any psych has ever managed and with more meaning and relevance to him, so thank you ?.” CT

“In our busy over subscribed worlds it is so vital that our children just let their imaginations run wild, create, feel and express through many Art mediums. Louise taps effortlessly into our children’s minds and uses her professional skills to harness their emotions through Art. There are no expectations, no comparisons, just a cohort of colour, connectivity and brilliance…with not a phone or PS4 in sight!” SC

“You are truly amazing Lou!! My boys have benefited so greatly from their sessions with you!! Far more than from any psychologists and they absolutely love it!” SJ

“Thank you Lou, my 2 daughters loved the experience, they both came home glowing with happiness and have already completed some more artwork at home for us to enjoy.” KV

“Thank you so much, my daughter really enjoyed her first session and is looking forward to you next session.A wonderful experience to feel the love in the room” LD

“My daughter thoroughly enjoyed your beautiful expression session! You have a gift and I hope as many kids as possible get to benefit from your work.” NH

SENIORS FEEDBACK: