NEURODIVERSITY, AUTISM & ART THERAPY

A Local Perspective on How Neurodiversity Supported by Art Therapeutic Practices Can

Positively Impact Individuals of the Autistic Community on a Global Scale

Shannon Marie Wilms

Global Connections 2B

Instructor: Gregory Falls

Global Studies and World Languages Academic Scholar

December 5, 2017
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ABSTRACT

This paper illustrates the interconnections of three major concepts affecting the sociology of

today’s global economy on a daily basis; Neurodiversity, Autism Discrimination, and Art

Therapeutic Practices as a means of intervention. The paper purposely begins with introducing a

simplistic yet symbolic metaphor of a butterfly to allow the reader to gain a developed

understanding of what the research in this paper entails and why it is significant in cultures

today. The research throughout this paper is declarative, stating that neurodiversity is a beneficial

and alternative process for addressing the global issue of mental illness or learning disability

discrimination. It also challenges the belief that neurodiversity conflicts with pre-established

cultural values, especially in developing countries, and promotes the concept that art therapeutic

practices can push the beneficial ideologies of neurodiversity without changing ones beliefs. The

author provides the reader with a deep understanding of each of the three concepts, how they

correlate and how that is significant to a modern society. The main intent of the paper is to focus

on how society can change its perspectives and allow people who face learning disabilities like

autism, to make a beautiful transition into social unity, economic equity, and ultimately global

connections. Transitions such as these are similar to a simplistic caterpillar transforming into a

butterfly capable of roaming freely through every corner of the globe.

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Table of Contents

Abstract Page 2

Table of Contents Page 3

Introduction Pages 4 - 5

Limitations Pages 6 - 7

Literature Review Pages 8 - 10

Discussion Page 11

a. Defining Neurodiversity Pages 12 - 13

b. Autism in regards to Neurodiversity Pages 14 - 17

c. Autism Discrimination in Developing Countries Pages 18 - 20

d. Defining Art Therapy in regards to Autism Pages 21 - 24

e. Economic Benefits of Being Neurodiverse Pages 25 – 26

Conclusion Page 27

References Page 28

Appendices 1 Page 29

Appendices 2 Page 30

Appendices 3 Page 31
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Glossary Pages 32 - 33
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INTRODUCTION

“How does one become a butterfly? - You must want to fly so much that you are willing

to give up being a caterpillar - You mean to die? - Yes and no - What looks like you will die, but

what’s REALLY you will live on”. (A.A. Milne.)

The importance of A. A. Milne’s quote, is not the message he tries to portray, but rather

the hidden symbolism of the butterfly and the psychological significance behind it. In a society

faced with mental illness learning disorders, much similar to those in Milne’s popular work,

Winnie the Pooh, a butterfly stands for something much greater. The butterfly of course, is

universally known to have a transitioning of steps or a life cycle in order for the drastic yet

beautiful apparent transformations; transiting from the unappealing larva, to the lesser chrysalis,

to the graceful painted butterfly. In the real world, explicitly the mental illness aspects, the

butterfly described by A. A. Milne, symbolizes society in the desperate need to change the

ethnocentric mindset to a frame of mind that embraces the neurodiversity ideologies.

Neurodiversity refers to the ​concept where neurological differences are to be recognized and

respected as any other human variation.​ The butterfly, representing society, upholds the social

responsibility of going through dramatic changes in order for a beautiful and accepted outcome;

encouraging cultures to adopt neurodiversity. However, on a global level today, various societies

face economic, cultural and social hardships that prevent neurodiversity from being viewed as a

positive contribution to society; therefore, resulting in a lesser economic well-being overall and

neurodivergent exclusions. Through scientific research, the author was able to develop a means

of addressing the limited or even shunned concept of neurodiversity through the use of Art
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Therapy. Art Therapy is a form of psychotherapy that works towards a sense of

free-self-expression through artistic practices. The use of art therapeutic practices encourage the

concept of embracing neurodiversity and mental illness acceptance in a society on a local and

global scale without cleansing the individuals of their pre-established culture by allotting

representation and awareness of an individual’s perspectives. The therapeutic practices of art can

potentially benefit a wide variety of persons of all backgrounds, mental capability, and

demonizing stereotypes; especially those whom are characterized on the autistic spectrum. Thus,

art therapy, resides with idea of a caterpillar undergoing drastic transformations to provide

society with a simple yet symbolic gift, neurodiversity, which will combat the autistic

discrimination on a global scale as more ideas, perspectives, and coping will be illuminated. All

in all, neurodiversity, symbolized by the butterfly, demonstrates what could be a beautiful

outcome in any society through the art therapeutic practices described by this researcher’s

finding’s throughout this document.

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LIMITATIONS

Personal Bias: ​The author is restrained from writing a completed outright professional paper

due to her personal characteristics and interest. The author comes from an artistic and detail

orientated personality. She has forever been under the influence of artistic design, and has

personally practiced the art itself. Her views are construed as she believes that art has been a

positive stimulus in her life. The author personally enjoys the concept of neurology and

psychology. Her preferences may result in a positive bias towards embracing these practices

throughout her paper. The author possesses an introverted and rather optimistic outlook and

personality towards all personal and situations. Being a part of the Global Studies and World

Languages Academy, the author is exposed to global studies, and world issues which can

potentially reflect on the author’s objectives.

Neurotypical Bias: ​The author has a neurotypical restraint in which she cannot personally

understand what it feels like to be socially discriminated against nor how it feels to have a

learning disability like autism. The author must rely on what other’s perspectives and

experiences as she cannot relate on a personal level. The author is excluded from the autistic

culture and demeanor. The author has never needed to personally participate in an official

practice of art therapy, rather just personal self-diagnosed practice. The author has a neurotypical

immediate family.

Time Restraints​: Due to time restraints, the author was limited to how much research could be

collected in preparation for this research essay. The author was unable to study the effects of art

therapy over a period of time longer than 6 months and had to rely on the availability of internet
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sources. The time restraint prohibits the author to really delve into any long term experiment or

studies that administrate long term effects the practice can influence how it brings society closer

to neurodiversity perspectives or what it encompass for an individual.

Geographic restraints: ​The author is restrained geographically as she was born and raised in the

United States territory and has predominately lived in Virginia Beach her entire life. The author

will allocate an ethnocentric and American point of view which can hamper her perspectives

when discussing the situations in Non- American influenced societies. Due to being limited to

localized areas, foreign studies may be hampered by not learning in person of third world

country attitudes towards mental illness and learning disabilities like autism. The geographic

restriction limits learning, and studying third world countries to primary sources such as articles,

books, and published public writings based as it strictly based off other credible scholar’s

interpretations.
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LITERATURE REVIEW

This paper, is a knowledgeable and scientific research paper; therefore, the author

researched numerous credible sources which provided substantial, supporting data to allocate a

better understanding of how a neurodiversity mindset can void autistic discrimination through art

therapeutic treatments. The collection of sources (listed below) develop a clarified understanding

of the neurodiversity mindset, why it holds significance in modern times, and how beneficial it

can be for an economic society. The sources develop a complex understanding of what art

therapeutic practices entail, and how they correlate to spreading the idea of neurodiversity. Each

of the listed sources below have been cited and credited for its use in the author’s research

findings. The entirety of all the sources listed in this paper do not fall under the Literature

Review, however, these do provide an accurate sample of mostly what the overall sources in the

body and conclusion mirror.

Melinda J. Emery, describes a common case of a young six year old boy, diagnosed with

autism but not characterized with mental retardation, from the scholarly journal, “Art Therapy as

Intervention for Autism”. The author used this court case to make their point of the beneficial

impact the therapeutic art process had on his social and cognitive skill levels and why it was so

successful. Therefore, this is a foundational, real life documentation of the benefits of art

therapeutic practice. This source is critical for the author’s project to define art therapy and

describe why it is relevant in kids that display autistic neurobiology, the essence of the author’s

research and why this research is being conducted. The information found in this source soundly

supports the use of art therapy and the direct correlation it to working with children who have
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autism, as it a real, credible, scientific procedure. ​Though Wikipedia has been criticized in the

past, it does in fact, uphold the basic and critical information defining the practice of art therapy-

a major concept vital to understanding the objectives of this paper. This source evaluates the

major key points of the origin of the practice, its current impacts, and how it’s achievable under

numerous settings. To conclude, ​Art Therapy​ is a Wikipedia article; Wikipedia is commonly

known as a general information source which provides the basic knowledge of the origins and

significance of art therapy. This article does a substantial job of covering multiple aspects of art

therapy and how it was derived which is critical research for the body of my research paper. This

document is broken up into seven different major topics that covers the basic concepts for a

complex understanding of the practice, and the modern use of art therapy today. First, the article

provides the basics definitions; and secondly, the uses of art therapy, what it serves and how it

can be conducted to target specific groups of people. For example; the article describes the use of

art therapy in pediatric trauma, disaster relief, schizophrenia, and most importantly to the

author’s objective, autism. All the above information is critical for backing and elaborating my

thesis statement.

This next source, “Autism Speaks” is an important source for retrieving information

specifically about the autistic community, the minority group in which I am conducting the

therapeutic actions. Understanding autism, the basic knowledge and its importance, allows the

author to understand why art therapy is so beneficial to this particular group. Without this

source’s information, the author’s understanding of the disease would be strictly limited to

previous experiences which can potentially be flawed and lacking in terms of this project

objectives. Autism Speaks serves as basic information yet a critical source to learn about the
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ideals and information on the autism spectrum and what it entails. It serves to provide awareness

of the disease and identify resources for people seeking a deeper understanding of the condition.

It describes in depth the common characteristics and tell-tails signs displayed by individuals on

the autism spectrum. The website encourages the idea of donating and supporting the autistic

community through contributions of financial resources, time and effort. By providing the

general information and fundamental education of the disease and the community, this source

executes my goals of understanding the concept of autism and how I can use that information to

benefit the public; thus it fits the central goals of my project ideals.

These are a few, but not all sources credited within the author’s research. This section of

the research paper describes the motives behind choosing theses specific scholarly journals to

validate the information being quoted. The information sources are critical to a well-developed

understanding of neurodiversity, art therapy, and how that can impact a large community from a

local perspective. Articles such as the ones selected above, contributed to the author’s research

on how of these three items correlate and maintain relevance throughout the overarching

concept.
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DISCUSSION
DEFINING NUERODIVIRSITY

Neurodiversity is an important concept for all persons of any culture to have a working

understanding. Comprehensions of the neurodiverse ideologies can potentially prevent social

discrimination amongst those who are characterized with mental illnesses, especially autism or

abnormal neurodivergent social behaviors. Neurodiversity is the main objective of the author’s

research, in which the author wishes to push all cultures universally to consent that if the global

society evolves toward a world view of society colored through diversification lenses, social

unity and economic growth can be achieved, in addition to the relief of those who face the

mental illness itself, thereby eliminating neurodivergent discrimination. Neurodiversity is

essential for all cultures as it grows a culture uniquely and efficiently as processed by the

following quote; “Neurodiversity may be every bit as crucial for the human race as biodiversity

is for life in general.” (Muzikar.)

"Neurodiversity is not a word about autism alone. It is a word that embraces all

neurological uniqueness, all rhythms of neurodevelopment and all the forms by which humans

can express themselves and contribute to their world." (Disabled World.) According to the

National Symposium on Neurodiversity (2011), neurodiversity is: "...a concept where

neurological differences are to be recognized and respected as any other human variation. These

differences can include those labeled with Dyspraxia, Dyslexia, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity

Disorder, Dyscalculia, Autistic Spectrum, Tourette syndrome, and others." In other words, a

condition such as autism is an integral part of the person’s identity and to take away the autism is

to take away the person. As such, neurodiversity activists reject the idea that autism should be
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cured, advocating instead for celebrating autistic forms of communication and self-expression,

and for promoting support systems that allow people with autism to live as someone with autism.

According to (Robinson, 2013.), “Neurodiversity is the idea that neurological differences

like ​autism​ are the result of normal, natural variation in the human genome.​ ​This represents new

and fundamentally different ways of looking at conditions that were traditionally pathologies; it

is a viewpoint that is not universally accepted, though it is increasingly supported by science​.”

Neurodiversity is scientifically defined as “​the range of differences in individual brain function

and behavioral traits, regarded as part of normal variation in the human population (used

especially in the context of autistic spectrum disorders)” according to (Wikipedia, 2017.​).​ ​The

underlying theory of neurodiversity states that even though we all have biological differences,

different mental capacities, we can still find common ground and diminish the repressive actions

taken against those who experience mental illness. Understanding this concept would allow

cultures to adjust towards the mentally ill, rather than shunning their existence or expressing

their intolerance, communities will become unified and eventually more efficient both socially

and economically.

It is also important to understand what neurodiversity is not. According to (Walker),

author of the Neurcosmopolitiansism website, neurodiversity is not “….. A trait that any

individual possesses. Diversity is a trait possessed by a group, not an individual. When an

individual diverges from the dominant societal standards of “normal” neurocognitive

functioning, they don’t “have neurodiversity,” they’re neurodivergent.” This information is

essential to understand as it helps clarify what neurodiversity is as a whole as is it something a

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group of people have to collectively work towards, not a biological characteristic given to

individuals.

To adopt neurodiversity as a culture, countries would begin to work toward a more

universal and lesser corrupt society as mental illness will be accommodated rather than uphold a

negative connotation. This is significant on a global aspect as it will improve the countries

diversity, and in the long run improve the education and acceptance of people with mental

illness. This factor of being discriminatory and intolerant towards mental illness is alone, an

abstract concept faced in society that prohibits the socioeconomic growth of all societies.

Neurodiversity is a fundamental factor for children and all persons who face mental illness,

especially those of autism, and ADHD disorders, as it a doorway to social unity, expressing

rights, and opportunities. Neurodiversity; the acceptance of those of mental illness, can be

adopted by any country or society once educated. Bringing neurodivergent thinking to problem

solving helps all communities to be more effective, efficient and agile societies.

Neurodiversity often struggles to be achieved by societies due to cultural barriers.

Cultures tend to praise and support characteristics displayed by the majority, especially when

they can tie those same physical or mental characteristics back to their origins as a society. A

sub-section of the population that displays differing physical or mental characteristics are easily

separated and excluded from society, left to their own devices to exist. Any discrimination

towards a group of people based off their characteristics can have negative outcomes for any

given country as a whole. When large sections of the population are neglected, the remainder of

the population is left to work, produce economic growth, and bear the burden of the excluded

members of society. Neurodiversity however illustrates how differences in a person’s social

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behavior can be embraced rather than shunned. Art therapy is a key social mechanism working

towards the neurodiversity mission; reflecting the ability of all members of society to contribute

to the greater good of the group when they are permitted to engage in their own unique fashion.

DISCUSSION
AUTISM IN REGARDS TO NEURODIVIRSITY

“Autism or ​Autism Spectrum Disorder, refers to a range of conditions

characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal

communication, as well as by unique strengths and differences. We now know that there is not

one autism but many types, caused by different combinations of genetic and environmental

influences.” (American Art Therapy Association, 2016.)

Autism relates indirectly with neurodiversity due to the fact that autism shows uniqueness

and variations in individuals outwardly (typically with behavioral actions). This often leads to

social discrimination directed towards people on the spectrum, straying away from the universal

acceptance of individuals, tending to pressure those individuals to believe they need to be fixed,

or are diseased due to the present social norms. However, autism, or any mental disorder for that

matter, demonstrates all the possible and unique qualities any person can obtain simply by the

biological stigma they were born with; therefore, according to the ideologies of neurodiversity,

society (on ethical means) should transition from the self-viewed concept that mental illness is

bad and abnormal to rather appreciating it as unique qualities of the human genome. Without

autism, without genetic mutations, without individual neural diversification, what about the
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world would still hold the priceless and undefinable uniqueness our genome beholds on a

pedestal? Autism, remains a basis for how communities can take social abnormal behaviors,

change their perspectives to a more tolerant mind set, thus working towards a more neurodiverse

typical minded society.

Autism, no matter the audience, resigns with a common understanding it is a mental

illness, or rather a disease emphasizing the egregious demeanor of the term. Autism does not

typically evoke a happy connotation as it is viewed in modern day as something negative, and

something to be fixed or in need of a cure. Going forth, autism and its uniqueness can adopt the

neurodiversity perspective in societies, and commence an understanding that diversity is a good

thing. Rather than shunning those individuals or exhibiting intolerance towards those individuals,

society will accommodate and work with those individuals on the spectrum. Autism and

neurodiversity correlate because it describes how something that makes an individual different

than the larger population like autism, can be embraced, and actually benefit society

economically and socially.

This spectrum disorder offers a key insight to the neurodiversity concept as this disorder

specifically is a common disorder in children, affecting their behavioral capabilities, often

resulting in children being labeled or shamed by society. The Centers for Disease Control and

Prevention (CDC) estimates autism’s prevalence as “1 in 68 children in the United States. This

includes 1 in 42 boys and 1 in 189 girls.” proving that such disorder, no matter the countries

health care, or culture; Autism is a common and prevalent disorder affecting a large minor

population of the world’s population makeup. Kids who share common traits of the spectrum are

supportive of striving towards a neurodiverse society because it will allow them opportunities
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and respect otherwise denied; however, it is often difficult to achieve due to social standards and

restrictive behavioral standards.

John Elder Robison is a key example of how autism is corresponds with neurodiverse

beliefs in individuals. The man is an adult with autism and the parent of an adult son with autism.

Throughout Mr. Robison’s blog, he illuminates and correlates the idea that though he is

diagnosed with autism, he possesses a neurodivergent persona; a person whom applies the

neurodiversity ideologies as personal character trait. “As an adult with autism, I find the idea of

natural variation to be more appealing than the alternative – the suggestion than I am innately

bad, or broken and in need of repair. I didn’t learn about my own autism until I reached middle

age. All those (pre diagnosis) years I assumed my struggles stemmed from inherent deficiencies.

Asserting that I am different – not defective – is a much healthier position to take. Realizing the

idea is supported by science is even better.” (Robinson.).

“Imagine if we did this with cultural distinctions (“People from Holland suffer from

altitude deprivation syndrome”) or racial differences (“Eduardo has a pigmentation disorder

because his skin isn’t white”). We’d be regarded as racists and nationalists. Yet, with respect to

the human brain, this sort of thinking goes on all the time under the aegis of “objective”

science.” (Armstrong.) Thomas Armstrong makes it known the importance of neurodiversity, as

it not only affects humans on a social interaction scale, but it can biologically impact the

diversity of our genome. We must embrace the ideologies of Neurodiversity according to

Armstrong because it’s what allows us to be different and function on a biological perspective to

our best abilities, even if that means, being accepting towards those with mental illnesses like

autism. Based on Thomas Armstrong’s theories, autism can potentially produce a gift for certain
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individuals not all of us should have, therefore for their uniqueness, they benefit the greater good

in ways we as society cannot combat, and that goes for any human variation.

Neurodiversity combats autistic discrimination by eliminating the negative connotation

societies placed on mental illness. Though the belief of neurodiversity does not combat autistic

discrimination overall, it does allow the community on a local level make global changes to

accepting universally all persons of all mental capabilities including mental disorders like

autism.
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AUTISM DISCRIMINATION IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES

Mental illness in a third world country is not a favored characteristic in individuals in

modern times. In developing countries, industries are run strictly be the people, work ethic and

the children’s capability to support their family by working in small factories and/or performing

tedious jobs for minimal pay. Otherwise, if the children did not support their families and pull

their weight, their family or even perhaps their entire village will suffer unfortunate

consequences. Mental illness can often prohibit children from being a dependable financial

source of income for their family, allocating just a “free rider, dead weight” type of scenario for

which can be a harmful impact on the family itself when resources are already scarce and

unattainable. Because children whom are diagnosed with autism struggle with different aspects

of learning and social skills, maintaining a job and following precise directions may be a hard

concept for them to grasp. Cultures or countries that do not take this into consideration will

typically deny children of mental disorders the opportunities to work or participate in society.

Mental illness in developing countries result in poverty, and debt to the country. Though poverty

can be fought with generous efforts, donations and missions trips, the author’s research indicates

that with the ideologies of neurodiversity, there is an alternative route to relying on the

generosity of others and their willingness to give up on larger expense.

Neurodiversity used as medium to combat mental illness, is not typically found in

third world or developing countries’ (“an underdeveloped country, is a nation or a sovereign

state with a less developed industrial base and a low Human Development Index (HDI) relative

to other countries.” (Wikipedia.)), as a preferred focus point especially given the drastic need for
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resources, education, and community involvement to open a new perspective of culture when the

very essence of food is a scarce resource along with currency. It takes time, resources and

education to understand that diversity can be a beneficial investment towards a society over the

long term and that’s something third world or developing countries lack. It is a cultural barrier

that prevents certain societies from accepting typical biologically diverse people despite

conditions like autism being common. Understanding mental illness can be hard when there is no

systems in place to educate employers, society as a whole or to protect those who face illness and

receive very little accommodations.

It is not uncommon for third world countries who are not exposed to high technological

advances to have predominately outdoor and nature-affiliated connections, resulting in nature

focused religions. With these types of religions comes the realization that the community relies

on natural or organic “health care” from their tribe healer. In religions like this, it is typical for

the healers to refer to those with mental illness as cursed, or toxic to their society. A theory

suggests that because these cultures typically rely on efficiency and mass execution of tedious

jobs, children with mental disorders often lack the capability to beneficially contribute back to

the economy at a good enough rate. They are denied jobs, viewed as problematic to a society or

as a burden, deriving to the assumption they are diseased and corrupt.

The Guardian, a partnering resource provider alongside the World Health Organization,

validates that children who suffer mental illness in a third world country are often denied the

respect and human rights of everyone in their environment. The article quotes, “Many countries

also lack the basic legal framework to protect those with a disability. Human rights violations of

psychiatric patients are common, with patients physically restrained, isolated and denied basic
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rights. There are therefore significant cultural barriers to overcome to deliver mental health

policies.” (The Guardian).

A credible scholar by the name of Nora Mweemba, works for the WHO (World Health

Organization) in Zambia. She scientifically explains that many people suffering from mental

health problems don't come forward for treatment due to the idea that "communities still regard

mental health as a misfortune in the family or some sort of punishment [from God]. What

treatment is delivered tends to rely on traditional healers who often interpret mental illness in

terms of possession or curse.” (Mweemba, 2017). This culture in Zambia described by Nora,

allocates that they don’t have an open minded perspective towards those with mental retardation.

Their culture inherently excludes the concept of neurodiversity, showcasing that neurodiversity

alone will not combat autistic discrimination nor mental illness as whole in all societies.

However, there is indication that cultures are able to push beyond an open minded neurodiverse

mindset, through expressive actions like art therapy. There needs to be a means of action in these

countries that doesn’t offend the existing culture but allows those of mental illness to express

themselves clearly in the hope their perspectives will allow the people of that community to

become more educated, and more neurodiverse towards their cause. Art Therapy, is the process

in which neurodiversity can be addressed even in a culture like Zambia to combat the autistic

and/or mental illness discrimination.

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DEFINING ART THERAPY IN REGARDS TO AUTISM

“New treatments, such as art therapy, are emerging to meet the pervasive challenges

autism presents. Many parents look to art to help their child with sensory processing disorder

(SPD) issues.” (Lacour.)

Autism can be treated with a creative method of expression used as a therapeutic

technique. Art therapy originated in the fields of art and psychotherapy and may vary in

definition. It is important aspect of this project and closing societal gaps between developing

worlds and developed worlds as it is a cheap low materialistic means of expressing one’s self no

matter the physical and mental capability. Art therapy distinguishes people’s thoughts they

couldn’t otherwise express, allowing different perspectives, education and views to be seen

publically. Art therapy though works on a local level with an individual or with an individual

group, the meanings demonstrated through their art, can have a global impact.

According to (Lacour.), “art therapy promotes mental and emotional growth through art

making. Unlike art instruction, art therapy is conducted with the aim of building life skills,

addressing deficits and problem behaviors, and promoting healthy self-expression. Clients are

encouraged to explore and express themselves using art materials; crafting attractive artwork is

not the goal (though it may be a happy by-product).” Art therapy as described is a vital technique

and alternative way people with autism can express themselves clearly using different

neurological channels otherwise dormant in typical therapy.

Art Therapy is important to people with all mental disorders who present verbal

deficiency communications, extending beyond just the Autistic Spectrum Disorder; however, Art
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Therapy has proven to be a very effective, and beneficial for someone who expresses this

disorder. (Lacour.) includes, “One of the hallmarks of autism is impaired communication. Verbal

self-expression and language is often especially difficult. […] ​One person with autism writes “I

just couldn’t get my words out. It was like a big stutter… Screaming was the only way I could

communicate.” Art offers a way for people who have trouble “speaking their mind” with words

to express themselves directly, without words. People with autism are often highly visual

thinkers, and many report that they “think in pictures”. Expressing feelings and ideas through

images is very natural for such people and can be a welcome relief from the daily struggle to use

words effectively.”

Overall based off Lacour’s research, Art Therapy is a well-practiced and certified form of

therapy than can impact beyond the mental health community of just the United States. Due to

the complex channeling of emotion art can have for someone to express themselves, it can have a

drastic impact in the individual’s life. If someone were to look at the significant role an artist’s

work had by influencing the public, politics, and social communities, society can understand the

power of what art can express. Art Therapy is an important practice because it can impart a

drastic transformation in one person’s life despite their communication abilities or demonizing

backgrounds.

“In addition to its efficacy in improving sensory, social and emotional functioning, art

therapy is an excellent treatment for autism because it is inherently reinforcing. Kids get

enjoyment, stress relief and a boost to their self-confidence from tackling art projects or simply

exploring art materials. The fact they are practicing life skills while doing so may not enter their

minds. Art therapy is a unique form of treatment for autism, as it helps mitigate symptom, while
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also channeling autistic behaviors into an expressive, creative outlet. It promotes communication,

emotional growth and sensory integration while also fostering social interaction in a fun setting.”

(Lacour.)

Art Therapy may allot opportunities for developing or third world countries to intervene

against autistic discrimination as it is a cheap, limited materialistic practice. Unlike professional

therapist and psychiatrists that could potentially offend a countries’ social and religious beliefs

by imposing science on the individuals behalf (which can become very pricey as well as being

limited), art therapy focuses on self-expression to cope with either the mental illness or perhaps

to allow the individual to express themselves more clearly. There are numerous programs like

Art Therapy without Borders​ that do cheap outreaches to educate and implement art therapy

programs to help intervene.

Despite the practice being affordable and simplistic, there are still primitive obstacles

preventing international art therapeutic practices from becoming more abundant in comparison to

western societies. Around the world, art therapy varies in its definition, training process, purpose,

and theoretical approach. Furthermore, there is a limited amount of research on international art

therapy projects, particularly in developing and transitioning countries. The variations within the

field and the limited amount of research make it challenging for art therapists to engage in

international art therapy work.

Overall, art therapy is a great process beneficial for all types of personas whether they

face learning disorders like autism or not. Art therapy is a cheap and available practice for all

cultures to develop that can lead to a neurodiverse cultures when applied to individuals who feel
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discriminated against based off their learning and mental capabilities. Art therapy, is an

expressive and powerful way to allow any person to express themselves clearly when their brain

or disorder says otherwise and that’s why art therapy plays a key role in preventing autistic

discrimination, and/or working towards a neurodiverse mindset in a given culture.

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ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF BEING NEURODIVIRSE

Learning disorders like autism can be dehumanizing in a societal based culture, as the

community thrives based off equity and work efficiency – hence, there is simply no time for

accommodating for individuals who have learning disabilities as it takes away time and involves

effort. The belief of neurodiversity alone is not sufficient for these societies to fix their social and

economic hardships, however, demonstrating to a society that over the long term, if you hire an

individual with a learning disorder like autism, the economic state in the community will benefit

greater. Attending to their needs a little more is a small price to pay when the unemployment rate

will decrease, and the gap between mental illness and general society will decrease as people

with learning disabilities are granted an equal opportunity to work and become a beneficial

contribution to society, and have a means for providing for the family. With each of these steps,

economic disparity in the community will lessen and the economy will grow as more exports can

be exported and the domestic income of that particular country will have room for development.

It is economically beneficial for large corporation’s to incorporate and take into

consideration those with mental illness as they bring different perspectives of functioning,

problem solving and work ethic. In today’s society people fail to realize that just because an

individual may be labeled with autism, depending on the severity of their disability, it doesn’t

mean they are mentally retarded. In fact, more often than not, research suggest that children on

the spectrum have higher IQs and can perform certain tasks better than someone labeled with a

“normal” neurological basis.

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The article, “A neurodiverse world is better than a working world” describes how in

modern day and developed societies, technological advancements have helped the technological

fields growth tremendously; however, they lack man power and STEM intensive individuals to

add the personal and sentimental features back into the technology. Their solution was

remarkably looking towards the autistic community as once they discovered their remarkable

intelligence and ability to work under accommodated conditions, what great contributions they

were able to make. The article directly quotes, “Leading companies such as, SAP, Microsoft,

HPE and professional services firm Ernst & Young LLP are addressing strategic business issues

by leveraging an often-overlooked pool of talent — people on the autism spectrum.” This proves

that when having an open mind set and embracing the neurological differences between each

individuals it can beneficially impact any society at an economic level as different skill levels

and perspectives are illuminated. Using the example of STEM and modern means of operating

the article declares the benefits of incorporating neurologically diverse individuals by stating

“Neurodiverse individuals are often technologically inclined and detail-oriented, with strong

skills in analytics, mathematics, pattern recognition and information processing — among the

very skills businesses most urgently need.”

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CONCLUSION

“If nothing ever changed, there would be no butterflies.” (Bach)

This paper began with an analogy of a butterfly which correlated to a complicated

metaphor of scientific terminology regarding biodiversity. However, now reading back the big

words are now broken up into simpler contexts. To recap, the transition of the entire process of

the butterfly going from stage one the larvae, to eventually the beautiful butterfly at the end, the

author correlated with the desire of society to adopt the prevailing ideologies of neurodiversity.

To go from something disregarded and overlooked like the larvae, society must stray away from

the ethnocentric ideals that it’s okay to socially discriminate towards individuals of learning

disabilities and abnormal social behaviors. Eventually, after the larvae goes through large and

apparent transformations, the end result – the butterfly, displays a beautiful, youthful outlook of

nature, known for its peaceful demeanor and elegance, which correlates to what the potential

benefits neurodiverse cultures can bring to the global stage. This paper highlighted how

neurodiversity could potentially be achieved through the use of art therapy, especially when in

some cultures, pushing the acceptance of mental disabilities would be cleansing or offensive of

their culture. The research connects how these relatively abundant practices can impact the

autistic community at such staggering rates eventually leading back to the neurodiverse

objectives. Last but not least, this paper illuminated what autism is, and how it has led to social

discrimination of individuals who possessed this learning disability. Primarily due to

psychological factors, the economic status, culture and the social norms of present day, people

on a day to day basis are affected by social discrimination based on their mental disabilities like
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autism. As of today, society is now amongst the odds, fighting to the end, developing at

different stages, to eventually become the ever so elegant butterfly we call neurodiversity.
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REFERENCES

Robison, J. E. (2013, October 07). What is Neurodiversity? Retrieved December 04, 2017, from

https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/my-life-aspergers/201310/what-is-neurodiversity

What Is Autism? (2012, May 30). Retrieved December 04, 2017, from

https://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism

About Art Therapy. (n.d.). Retrieved December 04, 2017, from

https://arttherapy.org/about-art-therapy/

http://www.ey.com/Publication/vwLUAssets/ey-neurodiversity-driving-innovation/$FILE/ey-ne

urodiversity-driving-innovation.pdf?scrlybrkr=18e88a44#

Human Biodiversity. (1995). doi:10.4324/9780203789605

World, D. (2017, October 21). Neurodiversity: Definition and Information. Retrieved December

07, 2017, from ​https://www.disabled-world.com/disability/awareness/neurodiversity/

Chambers, A. (2010, May 10). Mental illness and the developing world | Andrew Chambers.

Retrieved December 07, 2017, from

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2010/may/10/mental-illness-developing-world

The value of art therapy for those on the autism spectrum. (2017, March 20). Retrieved

December 07, 2017, from

http://the-art-of-autism.com/the-value-of-art-therapy-for-those-on-the-autism-spectrum/
NEURODIVERSITY, AUTISM & ART THERAPY
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Art Therapy Organizations. (n.d.). Retrieved December 07, 2017, from

http://www.atwb.org/what-is-art-therapy/art-therapy-organizations/

APPENDICIES 1
This appendices provides the economic viewpoint as described in the economic section of

the discussion. It provides statistics that are essential to supporting the discussion section of why

it is important to include neurodivergent personal in the business aspects of all cultures. This

appendices however, describes the idea that we as a society as whole, are lacking the

employment of neurodiverse personal.

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APPENDICIES 2
This appendices illustrates some of the artworks and autistic children who participated in

art therapeutic practice in the recent years. The first horizontal pieces conducted by Elinor

Ulman, is the child’s own words incorporated in an art piece describing their attitude towards art

therapeutic practices. This was not a forced practice according to the source, rather a

volunteering of self-expression of how they feel about art therapy being predominately beneficial

in their lives. The bottom left hand portrait was conducted by an autistic little boy who had a

tearing paper obsession. He was able to use his compulsive disorder to create a beautiful

montage that no longer denied his paper tearing. The bottom right is a picture of Jonah Krish. He

was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and lacks the ability administrate verbal

communications. This picture, taken courtesy of Autism Speaks, was snapped just after he

conducted his first conceptional drawing which described his attitudes about his disorder. It was

a rare but fulfilling concurrence Jonah

was able to experience by expressing

himself throughout

his art.
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NEURODIVERSITY, AUTISM & ART THERAPY
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APPENDICIES 3
This appendices correlates back to the butterfly metaphor of how neurodiversity reflects

the transitions of society to achieve something elegant and dignified as an end result.
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NEURODIVERSITY, AUTISM & ART THERAPY
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GLOSSARY

Neurodiversity
“The diversity of human brains and minds – the infinite variation in neurocognitive functioning
within our species. Neurodiversity is a biological fact.” (Walker.)

Neurodiversity Paradigm
“A specific perspective on neurodiversity – a perspective or approach that boils down to these
fundamental principles:​ ​1.) Neurodiversity is a natural and valuable form of human diversity. 2.)
The idea that there is one “normal” or “healthy” type of brain or mind, or one “right” style of
neurocognitive functioning, is a culturally constructed fiction, no more valid. 3.) The social
dynamics that manifest in regard to neurodiversity are similar to the social dynamics that
manifest in regard to other forms of human diversity (e.g., diversity of ethnicity, gender, or
culture).” (Walker.)

Neurodivergent
“Sometimes abbreviated as ND, means having a brain that functions in ways that diverge
significantly from the dominant societal standards of being neurotypical.” (Walker.)

Neurotypical
“Often abbreviated as NT, means having a style of neurocognitive functioning that falls within
the dominant societal standards of “normal.”” (Walker.)

Neurodiverse
“A group of people is neurodiverse if one or more members of the group differ substantially
from other members, in terms of their neurocognitive functioning.” (Walker.)

Art Therapy
“a form of psychotherapy involving the encouragement of free self-expression through painting,
drawing, or modeling, used as a remedial activity or an aid to diagnosis.” (Wikipedia.)

Developing Countries/ Less Developed Countries

“a poor agricultural country that is seeking to become more advanced economically and
socially.” (Wikipedia.)
Developed Countries/ Most Developed Countries
“have post-industrial economies, meaning the service sector provides more wealth than the
industrial sector.​” (​Wikipedia.)

Autism Spectrum Disorder

“Autism, or autism spectrum disorder, refers to a range of conditions characterized by challenges
NEURODIVERSITY, AUTISM & ART THERAPY
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with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication, as well as by
unique strengths and differences.” (Autism Speaks.)
Social Discrimination
“is treatment or consideration of, or making a distinction in favor of or against, a person based
on the group, class, or category to which the person is perceived to belong rather than on
individual attributes.” (Wikipedia.)
Mental Illness
“refers to a wide range of mental health conditions — disorders that affect your mood, thinking
and behavior. Examples of mental illness include depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia,
eating disorders and addictive behaviors.” (Wikipedia.)