Crafting and Autism: The Big Brain Reset

I must admit that I have limited artistic skill. I can’t draw well without a guide. Painting is certainly beyond my abilities, although I greatly enjoy walking through museums and seeing the techniques used by masters such as Renoir and Basquiat. I remember crying the first time I saw Starry Night by Van Gogh at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. It was simply stunning. Needlework allowed me to express myself creatively and produce a piece of art that was uniquely my own.

While it is true that most needlework involves following a pattern, experienced stitchers will tell you that each person leaves their own mark in how they approach the work. The tightness of the stitches, small errors in the pattern, or the way the threads are laid can all affect how the final piece looks. Every time I finish a project, I feel a deep sense of pride in creating a type of art that reflects who I am.

Needlework has always helped me stay present and focus my energy on something creative. My son Carl has autism, along with other qualities of mind and body that make him the wonderful, unique person he is. Carl found that needlework is too difficult. He tries to follow the pattern, but the translation from a printed design to counting stitch blocks is too much to manage. When he discovered Diamond Art, he found his calling. Because the patterns are printed clearly on the canvas, he can follow along and lose himself in creating a picture that reflects his personality. I absolutely love that about him. When he has moments of frustration or anxiety, he asks for a craft to work on, and it helps him reset his mind and recenter his emotions.

If you are looking for a creative outlet—something that will help wash away the stress of the day and ease anxious moments—give one of our kits a try. It is a therapeutic experience to lose yourself in the creative process. I don’t think I could function without an outlet to help reset my brain. I know Carl feels the same way.

Happy crafting!