Specialized Art Enrichment: Neurodivergent Programs (Ages 3–15)

For three years, I served as the Lead Teacher of Creative Arts for a specialized program supporting autistic youth. In this role, I designed a multisensory curriculum integrating journaling, collaborative murals, instrument-making, storytelling, movement, and tutoring in math and language.

What I learned during my time here was how to adapt my approach to absolute flexibility and student independence, rather than enforcing rigid, preconceived outcomes. I've learned to tailor the creative process on the spot to meet each child's energy, sensory needs, and self-expression—honoring their right to guide their own artistic journey. Overall, working with neurodivergent youth has taught me so much about myself and forced me to drop expectations and cultivate more flexibility, patience, and genuine connection in my teaching approach.

Having to support a wide spectrum of needs within a wide age range, in the same class—ages 3 -15, including students working through high-sensory aggression as well as some using non-verbal communication—I focused on gentle de-escalation and engagement dependent upon individual needs; emotional regulation, sensory needs, and self-expression.

I found the children talented, willing to share, proud of their accomplishments, and to genuinely love their art classes.