The Complexity of Art Preferences Among Autism and Other Neurodivergent Individuals
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of whether individuals with autism, Asperger’s, or ADHD find highly detailed or abstract art calming or therapeutic. While many individuals may share common traits related to their condition, personal preferences and responses to art are highly individual.
Understanding Autism and Art Preferences
To shed light on this issue, it's important to recognize that everyone with autism or related conditions is unique. Each person has their own set of likes and dislikes, and these preferences can vary widely. For instance, while some may find highly detailed art soothing, others may find it stressful. It's crucial to recognize and respect these individual differences.
From my personal experience, I find a marked difference between highly detailed and abstract art. I enjoy drawing in hyper-realism and find it very calming. On the other hand, abstract art often feels stressful to me. While I respect those who find comfort in abstract art, it's not something that resonates with me. This individual experience is common among many neurodivergent individuals who have specific art preferences that may differ from the general population.
Neurodiversity and Art Therapy
Art, in general, has been found to be a therapeutic and calming activity for many neurodivergent individuals. Different people find various forms of art more soothing or therapeutic than others. Forinstance, some may find highly detailed works of fine art to be incredibly engaging and calming. Others may prefer abstract art, which can be more open to interpretation and less stressful. The key is understanding that individual preferences and experiences are unique.
For myself, I often find older, widely recognized forms of fine art to be rather boring. While I respect the artists and their work, the familiarity of the pieces can lead to a sense of boredom. In contrast, I find new and up-and-coming artists, whose works are not yet widely recognized, more interesting, therapeutic, and calming. These artists bring fresh ideas to the table, which keeps the experience new and engaging.
The Role of Fine Arts and Music
Beyond visual arts, music also plays a significant role in the therapeutic and calming effects of art for many neurodivergent individuals. Playing a musical instrument, such as the violin, can be incredibly meditative. The sound of a well-played violin, with the bow running against the strings, can be a deeply moving experience that can transport me into a state of deep concentration and calm.
Art in its various forms, including fine arts, music, drawing, painting, graffiti, photography, videography, animation, and cartooning, can all be therapeutic and calming. The key is finding the art form that resonates with an individual's unique experience and preferences.
While everyone is unique, it's important to remember that individuals with autism, Asperger’s, or ADHD can still find art to be a source of calm and therapeutic benefit. Each person's experience with art is a reflection of their individuality and should be respected.
Ultimately, the question of whether someone with these conditions finds art calming or therapeutic is deeply personal and should be guided by the individual's preferences and experiences.